welcome
The IIDA NY Chapter is an inclusive community of creative and diverse professionals, industry partners and students. We celebrate design, encourage collaboration, share knowledge and advocate for the interior design community.
We elevate human-centric design to positively transform the communities we serve.
“The IIDA New York Chapter is a professional networking and educational association. IIDA NY provides our members with the resources to reach expertise, knowledge and contacts. Networking events allow professionals and industry members to connect on more personal terms that encourage trust, collaboration, and innovation.”
A letter from the IIDA NY President
Dear Members and Friends of IIDA NY,
As I write my first letter as President of IIDA New York, I’m filled with excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to lead our chapter into an exciting new chapter. Having connected with chapter leaders across the country over the past year, I’m reminded of the incredible power of our collective impact, both locally and nationally. Our Chapter’s strength and community spirit are truly remarkable, and it’s an honor to celebrate our 30th anniversary as a chapter, while continuing to move forward with Emerging Designer initiatives and a refreshed chapter identity.
During my term, my focus will be on empowering our Emerging Designers and guiding them through the critical transition from Student to Professional. The first few years in the industry can be challenging, and we are proud to offer a supportive space for open, honest conversations where emerging designers can ask tough questions and receive guidance. We’re committed to providing a roadmap for success and helping our members gain a strong foothold in their careers.
Here are just a few things I’m particularly excited about as we work toward these goals:
Connecting Students and Professionals: Our Student Development and Professional Development teams will collaborate this year to expand our Career Night, creating a unique experience where students and emerging professionals can connect with and learn from industry leaders.
VIP Events: We’re creating small, intimate gatherings where professionals can engage in open dialogue about important industry topics such as leadership, collaborating with consultants, and advancing to the next level in their careers.
Mentoring: Through our LMNOP group, we’re planning a "speed dating" style mentoring event to help our members build valuable relationships and gain insights from experienced professionals.
In addition to supporting Emerging Designers, we’re also celebrating our 30th Anniversary—an important milestone that allows us to expand our support for all of our members. Here’s what we’re focusing on:
New Website: Our Member Services and Communications teams are working hard to revamp our website, improving both functionality and the way we engage with our community.
Celebration: Our official incorporation date on March 23rd will be a special moment to reflect on all we’ve accomplished and to celebrate the future of our chapter.
As we continue to work toward these exciting objectives, I encourage each of you to actively engage and share your ideas and passion. Your involvement is what makes our community so special, and I promise you’ll get as much out of it as you put in! We also couldn’t do this work without the incredible support of our patrons and event sponsors, who play a vital role in our success. Connecting your organization with IIDA NY is an opportunity to create value and make an impact within our chapter.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our community.
Best,
Chapter Award Recipient
In 2023, IIDA NY was awarded the Changemaker Award for the Hazel Siegel Scholarship. Recipients of the Hazel Siegel Scholarship were awarded an all-expense paid, three-day trip to the IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter’s SHIFT Student Conference in Dallas, TX.
You can learn more about the Hazel Siegel Scholarship program here.
Our City Centers
What's Happening Up State?
The NY Chapter includes four City Centers in Albany, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse. Each City Center plans their own social events, CEUs, tours, and trade shows.
City Centers host monthly planning meetings. Please contact the City Center Director for meeting information.
How we give back
Pajama Program is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit promoting equitable access to healthy sleep for children facing adversity. It provides new pajamas, storybooks, sleep education, and support to help children thrive. Since 2001, the program has delivered over 8 million "Good Nights for Good Days." Pajama Program partners with 4,000 community organizations and offers local programming in New York City, Atlanta, and metro-Detroit, leveraging a national network of volunteers to reach children in need across the U.S.
The IIDA Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that supports innovation in commercial interior design. It provides grants and funding for education, research, and outreach, helping both emerging and established designers. Through donor support, the foundation sustains and grows programs benefiting the design community. Managed by a board of IIDA members, the foundation collaborates with IIDA to support the strategic goals of the organization, promoting an innovative and inclusive design community.
NY11+ promotes public awareness of the interior design profession by showcasing student work from top New York State institutions. It highlights the profession's role in public health, safety, and welfare. The initiative aims to demonstrate how interior design addresses cultural issues like resource depletion, an aging population, ecological challenges, and other social concerns, advancing the field's purpose through innovative solutions.
Be Original Americas is a 501(c)6 non-profit committed to informing, educating and influencing manufacturers, design professionals and consumers on the economic, ethical, and environmental value of authentic design. The organization is committed to initiating discussion on the importance of preserving original design across North America.
All the ways to get involved