IIDA is proud to announce the return of Design Your World (DYW) to Chicago, Miami, and St. Louis, MO in Summer 2024!

IIDA’s Design Your World is an education pathway program driven by the mission to build equity and diversity in the design industry, by providing high school students with exposure to the possibilities of a career in design. By advocating for the value of design, our members and the industry give agency and access to underrepresented people through the built environment and power of place, and by sharing what careers are available and possible in the industry.

IIDA's Executive Vice President and CEO, Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, says of the program, "Design is such a powerful catalyst for change and for demonstrating human potential. Through Design Your World, a diverse group of students will be empowered to fully realize that careers in design and the creative arts offer unlimited potential. Perhaps most importantly, they will realize—through a curriculum and instructors that represent them—that design is truly ‘accessible’, meaningful and relevant in their lives."

The inaugural program was launched in 2021 in Chicago and has continued expansion thanks to generous support from our presenting sponsor OFS, and participating sponsors 3form, Gensler, Mannington Commercial, Material Bank, Perkins&Will Chicago, and Sherwin-Williams. A special thanks to DYW’s media partner, interiors+sources for their support.

Chicago

Developed and produced by IIDA and supported in Chicago by the IIDA Illinois Chapter and Fresh Artists, Design Your World Chicago returns for a fourth year with a summer program introducing students to the fundamentals and practice of commercial interior design.

Students will develop a basic understanding of commercial interior design including the history and process of design, sustainability, ergonomics, materials and furnishings through practical learning sessions, hands-on projects, field trips, and industry engagement. DYW will also introduce the business practices of interior design, career specializations, and educational requirements—all supported by visits from designers, manufacturers, and design school representatives.

Please check back in early spring when we announce dates, education and instruction team, and program location.

For sponsorship opportunities or more information on how to be involved, please contact DYW Program Coordinator, Sheena Lewis, at slewis@iida.org.

2024 Chicago program supporters include:
Presenting Sponsor: OFS
Additional Sponsors: 3form, Gensler, Mannington Commercial, Perkins&Will Chicago, Sherwin-Williams
Media Sponsor: interiors+sources

Miami

Developed and produced by IIDA, and supported in Miami by Black Architects in the Making (BAM), the IIDA South Florida Chapter, and Fresh Artists, Design Your World Miami returns for a third year with a summer program introducing students to the fundamentals and practice of commercial interior design.

Students will develop a basic understanding of commercial interior design including the history and process of design, sustainability, ergonomics, materials and furnishings through practical learning sessions, hands-on projects, field trips, and industry engagement. DYW will also introduce the business practices of interior design, career specializations, and educational requirements—all supported by visits from designers, manufacturers, and design school representatives.

Please check back in early spring when we announce dates, education and instruction team, and program location.

For sponsorship opportunities or more information on how to be involved, please contact DYW Program Coordinator, Sheena Lewis, at slewis@IIDA.org.

2024 Miami Program Supporters include:
Presenting Sponsor: OFS
Additional Sponsors: 3form, Gensler, Mannington Commercial, Material Bank, Sherwin-Williams
Media Sponsor: interiors+sources

St. Louis

Developed and produced by IIDA and supported in St. Louis by the IIDA Gateway Chapter and Fresh Artists, Design Your World St. Louis returns for a second year with a summer program that introduces students to the fundamentals and practice of commercial interior design.

“St. Louis embodies the power of future thinking in education and how the design community supports new minds in design, making it an excellent city to host and continue Design Your World’s mission.” - Cheryl Durst

Students will develop a basic understanding of commercial interior design including the history and process of design, sustainability, ergonomics, materials and furnishings through practical learning sessions, hands-on projects, field trips, and industry engagement. DYW will also introduce the business practices of interior design, career specializations, and educational requirements—all supported by visits from designers, manufacturers, and design school representatives.

Please check back in early spring when we announce dates, education and instruction team, and program location.

For sponsorship opportunities or more information on how to be involved, please contact DYW Program Coordinator, Sheena Lewis, at slewis@IIDA.org.

Presenting Sponsor: OFS
Additional Sponsors: 3form, Mannington Commercial, Sherwin-Williams
Media Sponsor: interiors+sources

"Design Your World is an opportunity to help young teens discover a path in the industry, but on a larger scale, connect a diverse population of designers that can truly represent this nation's people,” said OFS Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Ryan Menke. “It is critical for the health of the industry and for all the people of this country that are experiencing design outcomes every day.”

Read all of IIDA'S Design Your World coverage here