11 world organizations that bring together professionals in the field of interior and industrial design, architecture and urbanism, represent the interests of the professional community at the state level, initiate the development of educational projects, hold major industry events with speeches by industry leaders, discussions and exchange of experiences, present awards for outstanding technology and design solutions.
The International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
Is a professional and educational association of more than 10,000 members from nine regions.
Headquarters: Chicago, IL, USA.
Key Events:
- NeoCon – North America’s premier annual interior design show that has been highlighting trends in commercial interiors since 1969;
- NeoCon East – the premier design trade show and conference for interior design players on the East Coast of the United States;
- IIDA Advocacy Symposium – a symposium dedicated to promoting interior design, meeting and sharing experiences for members of the American design community.
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
Is a community of people committed to excellence in design. Members are professional interior designers, students, interior design educators and manufacturers.
Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
Key Events:
- Hospitality Design Expo is an international conference dedicated to the hospitality industry and design trends in public living (hotel) spaces;
- Greenbuild – the largest exhibition in the world, the central theme of which is green building. It unites industry leaders, experts and professionals from the field of architecture, urban planning, industrial and interior design.
The British Institute of Interior Design (BIID)
Professional organization for interior designers in Great Britain. Members of the community represent the commercial and residential construction and industrial design industries. The Institute deals with organizational, educational and professional support for modern technology and design initiatives.
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Activities:
- Merit Award, an annual award for merit in interior design. The candidate must have a proven track record, make a community-recognized positive contribution to BIID and earn respect within the industry.
The Society of British and International Design (SBID)
Is the leading organization representing the British design industry on the world stage and promoting the highest standards in education, design and construction.
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom.
Key Events:
- SBID International Design Awards, an annual award celebrating excellence in interior design, creativity and business.
The International Federation of Interior Designers and Architects (IFI)
Was founded in Denmark in 1963. Currently the Federation has 74 members in different categories from 45 countries, together representing a community of about 65,000 professionals. The Federation’s mission is to increase international relations in the field of architecture and interior design, organize experience exchange and develop knowledge.
Headquarters: New York, NY, USA.
Key Events:
- World Interiors Day, an annual global event focusing on current issues and developments in architecture, interior and industrial design and its relevance to people’s daily lives.
Interior Designers of Canada (IDC)
Is a national association of popularizers of interior design ideas, founded in 1972. The association has about 5,500 members, including first-class professionals and teachers from Canada’s leading educational institutions, students, and honorary industry members.
Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Key Events:
- The Buildings Show, Canada’s leading exhibition of advances in architecture, urbanism and interior design.
The Interior Design Educators Council
A professional forum of key industry figures aimed at preserving the country’s premier level of design education, supporting vibrant initiatives, and connecting with the global design community.
Headquarters: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Key Activities:
- IDEC Annual Conference, an annual conference of faculty council members that honors national achievements of the industry and individual figures, summarizes outcomes, and announces professional plans.
The National Council on Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ)
Focuses on the mission of protecting the health, safety, and welfare of citizens. It regularly reviews the work of the professional community and certifies those professionals who have the knowledge and experience to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and safe.
Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA.
The Interior Design and Architecture Educators Association (IDEA)
Is an organization that has brought together subject universities across Australia and New Zealand since 1996. It regularly informs members of the professional community about current universities and educational programs, relevant conferences and events.
Interior Designers for Legal Representation in New York (IDLNY)
Is a professional association founded in 1984. Its mission is to inform and educate New York City legislators and regulators, the interior design community, and consumers about issues facing the design profession. IDLNY regularly monitors legislation that may affect designers and represents professionals before federal and state agencies in New York.
Headquarters: Albany, New York, USA.
The European Council of Architects (ECIA)
Is the representative body of European professional organizations for architecture and interior design, representing 14 organizations from across Europe with more than 7,500 architects.
Key events:
- Frame Awards, an annual award (and associated exhibition) that recognizes designers and organizations for their contributions to the field of industrial design and construction technology and innovative interior design solutions.
