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.
A letter from the 2025-26 IIDA NY President
Dear IIDA NY COMMUNITY,
When I first stood in front of many of you at our recent gathering, I spoke about where I come from, the people who shaped me, and why this community matters so much. I want to carry that same spirit here.
Growing up, my biggest champions were my Mom and Grandmother—two strong women who taught me empathy, resilience, and the importance of showing up for others. Their lessons have guided me into this moment as your IIDA NY President. For me, leadership begins with listening. It’s about understanding where people are, what they need, and how we can move forward together.
What makes IIDA NY so special is the richness of our community. We are students discovering the profession, emerging designers finding our voice, seasoned practitioners leading with wisdom, and industry partners who bring invaluable expertise and collaboration. Each of you is essential to the health and strength of this chapter.
This year we will expand the ways we support growth at every stage of a designer’s journey—from the first day in school to the first decade of practice and beyond. Our mentorship programs will build on what we already do well, supporting students, emerging professionals, and those stepping into leadership roles. We want every member to feel supported, challenged, and inspired.
Listening will also be at the heart of our work. Through our new “Listening Lounge,” we’ll create space to hear directly from you—what’s working, where you need support, and how we can grow stronger together. By listening with intention, we not only strengthen our programs, but also the bonds that connect us.
This chapter thrives when each of us shows up in our own way. Whether that means mentoring, partnering on initiatives, sharing your perspective, or simply being present, your participation makes a difference. Together, we will continue to build a chapter that reflects the best of who we are—designers, leaders, partners, and people committed to shaping a better future.
I’m grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me. My hope is that when we look back a year from now, we’ll see not just what we’ve accomplished, but how we’ve grown together—by listening to one another, creating space for every voice, and building a community where all of us feel we belong.
With gratitude and excitement,
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.
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.
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