CODE OF CONDUCT

Purpose

The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) New York Chapter is committed to fostering a welcoming, professional, and respectful environment for all members, volunteers, partners, sponsors, and guests. This Code of Conduct outlines expectations for behavior when serving on the board, committees, attending or participating in chapter meetings and events, engaging in online forums, industry collaborations, or communications, and representing the Chapter in any capacity.

This Code applies to all IIDA NY Chapter activities, whether in person or virtual and to any setting where individuals are acting on behalf of or in connection with the Chapter.

Our Shared Values

The IIDA New York Chapter is guided by the values of:

  • Respect and dignity for every individual

  • Professionalism and integrity in all interactions

  • Collaboration and generosity in service to the design community

Expected Standards of Conduct

All participants in IIDA NY Chapter activities are expected to:

1.      Act Professionally and Respectfully

a.      Treat all individuals with courtesy, fairness, and respect.

b.      Value diverse viewpoints and experiences.

c.      Engage in constructive dialogue, even in moments of disagreement.

d.      Be mindful of language, tone, and behavior that could be perceived as dismissive, offensive, or harmful.

e.      Address disagreements respectfully and constructively, without personal attacks, public embarrassment, or undermining others.

f.        Raise concerns in an appropriate forum and manner, rather than through public criticism, side conversations, or disruptive behavior.

2.      Accuracy, Truthfulness and Avoiding Misrepresentation

a.      Do not mislead or falsely advertise.

b.      Do not misrepresent your qualifications, credentials, or experience.

c.       Do not permit your name or signature to be used improperly.

d.      Do not take credit for others’ work

3.      Maintain a Safe and Harassment-Free Experience

a.      Refrain from harassment, intimidation, bullying, or inappropriate conduct of any kind.

b.      Respect personal boundaries and consent at all times.

4.      Represent IIDA NY Positively

a.      Conduct yourself in a manner that reflects positively on the Chapter

b.      Use Chapter platforms, resources, and communications responsibly.

Unacceptable Conduct

The following behaviors are not tolerated in any IIDA NY Chapter setting:

  • Harassment, discrimination, or exclusion based on ethnicity, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, marital status, or any other protected characteristic

  • Verbal, written, visual, or physical harassment or abuse

  • Intimidation, threats, rude, disruptive, or demeaning behavior, including actions that embarrass, undermine, or belittle others

  • Unwelcome sexual attention or inappropriate physical contact

  • Offensive jokes, comments, imagery, or gestures

  • Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern or participates in an investigation

  • Persistent negative, obstructive, or undermining behavior that disrupts meetings, events, or committee work

Applicability

This Code of Conduct applies to conduct occurring:

  • At IIDA NY Chapter meetings, programs, and events

  • While serving on committees, task forces, or the Board

  • In virtual meetings, email, social media, and online platforms affiliated with the Chapter

  • During travel or social activities connected to Chapter business

  • When serving on or participating in any industry alliance, coalition, task force, or forum where an individual may be representing, speaking on behalf of, or reasonably perceived as representing the IIDA New York Chapter

Reporting Concerns

IIDA NY encourages individuals to speak up if they experience or witness behavior that does not align with this Code.

Concerns may be reported confidentially to:

  • The IIDA NY Chapter President

  • A member of the Board of Directors

  • The Chapter’s Executive Director or management partner

Reports will be taken seriously and handled promptly, discreetly, and respectfully, to the extent possible.

Response and Accountability

The IIDA New York Chapter is committed to addressing concerns in a fair and constructive manner. In most cases, individuals will first receive a warning and an opportunity to correct their behavior. If the behavior persists or is severe in nature, the Chapter will take further action, up to and including removal from participation, leadership roles, or membership.

Disagreement with decisions or viewpoints does not excuse behavior that violates this Code. The IIDA NY Chapter reserves the right to take appropriate action in response to violations of this Code, which may include:

  • Informal conversation or coaching

  • Formal warning

  • Removal from a committee or leadership role

  • Removal from Chapter membership

  • Suspension or exclusion from events

Actions will be determined based on the nature and severity of the behavior and in alignment with Chapter and IIDA policies.

Commitment

By participating in IIDA NY Chapter activities, all individuals agree to uphold this Code of Conduct, contribute to a professional, inclusive, and respectful community and not make any misrepresentation of who they are acting on behalf of.

Together, we strengthen the IIDA New York Chapter and the interior design profession through our shared commitment to these standards.