Skip to main content
Submissions

2026 Kimball International Makers of a Better Future

  • Coming Soon
A person holds a wooden object while discussing it with another, who is holding a pink item, in a design workspace setting.
Supports IIDA members with innovative solutions for the future by advancing technology, sustainability, or social evolution through visionary design practices.

Eligibility

Practicing interior designers or architects who are committed to advancing technology, sustainability, or social evolution through their design practice are encouraged to apply.

Guidelines

Important Dates

Kimball International Makers of a Better Future is open annually.
Submission Open February 10, 2026
Submission Closed March 27, 2026

Pricing

There is no cost to apply for this award.

Sponsored by

  • The logo features the text "Kimball International" with stylized graphic elements, representing a modern design aesthetic.

Guidelines

Submission Requirements

Please share a recent design project, program, solution, initiative, model, or business that integrates strategic foresight OR future-focused design principles – following the instructions for the video and written components below.

All submissions must be completed electronically. No hard copy submissions will be accepted. If any of the following items are missing, your application will not be reviewed. Any additional materials will be removed and not considered.

Please prepare and submit the following materials:

Video Component

Create a 3–5-minute video that includes the following:

Brief introduction - provide background on your experience and passion for commercial interior design and future-forward design.

Description of a recent or in-progress design solution [i.e. built environment, design project or product, business model] in workplace, health, or education that integrates future considerations for the next 5-10 years:

  • (1) Include project’s purpose, scope, and key elements of the project.
  • (2) Talk about "signals of change" [i.e. An early, observable indicator that suggests a meaningful shift may be emerging within a system or industry] you identified that helped shaped the project direction
  • (3) Describe how your design solution integrates macro-industry trends [i.e. climate change, AI, housing insecurity, technological advancements] and how they could evolve over the future in 5-10 years, noting how your project is designed to adapt to that.

Include images, renderings, and sketches that help to tell the story of your design solution.

Written Component

  • Share with us what drives your passion for strategic foresight and advancing technology, sustainability, or social evolution through your design practice. [300 words max.]
  • What would a ‘day in the life’ of the future user of your project look like, as it relates to the way you believe the world will change based on the macro-industry trends? [300 words max.]

Additional Requirements

  • One (1) Letter of Recommendation
  • CV/Resume
  • Credentials as applicable

Judging

The IIDA Foundation Board of Trustees and a select panel of IIDA design and industry professionals will review the applications and select the recipient(s).

Award

The program awards up to two recipients a $2,500 cash award each or reimbursement towards the IIDA Certified Design Futurist course. Additionally, recipients will receive round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations in Chicago, where they will be recognized in-person at the IIDA Annual Meeting, held just prior to Chicago Design Week in June. The recipient(s) will also receive official digital assets, a mention on IIDA’s website, and recognition on IIDA social media channels.

For questions contact the IIDA Foundation at foundation@iida.org.