An interior design society isn’t merely about being a part of a group of your peers. No, membership is an indication of your professional standing and qualifications. It also helps you network and gain new clients. In your city or town, you’re very likely competitors with the other interior designers but, in an association, there’s no competition. Instead, there’s an open exchange of ideas and expertise.

Interior design organizations link you to workshops and seminars, which study emerging trends and challenges in the industry. You exchange ideas and expertise, learn from newsletters and other resources and have access to job opportunities. As a result, your job performance and professional development are fine-tuned. Consider:

1. Using interior design organizations to grow as a professional in the industry.

2. Different membership levels to belong to an interior design society.

3. Professional and personal benefits from membership.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Join an association of interior designers to prove yourself in the field

Interior design associations vary from groups that are meant to provide networking and education to those that offer certifications of a sort.

I recommend: American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) focuses on knowledge sharing, education, community outreach and advocacy. ASID’s goal is to promote the interior design profession and make it clear the power that design has to change people’s lives. Become one of the more than 40,000 online. National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) provides professionals with a distinction that proves they meet minimum standards to practice interior design. Register for the NCIDQ Examination on the association’s website. The exam continually changes to reflect current techniques and knowledge.

Pay annual membership dues to belong to interior design associations

Interior design association dues range, depending on membership level. Once you find an association you want to join, decide what type of commitment you're willing to give.

I recommend: The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) has a goal of advancing the value of interior design and its professionals. There are more than 13,000 members in the interior design association, belonging to 30 chapters around the world. Use the IIDA website to decide which level to join. There are Professional Members, Associate Members, Affiliate Members and Student Members. Likewise, the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) offers a Professional Membership to full time educators of interior design and an Associate Membership for part time educators. Register online.

Benefit individually and professionally from joining a society of interior designers

When you join an association for interior designers, you get access to magazines, business reports, a career center, groups and forums. Conferences serve as a forum for information about research and the exchange of teaching methods.

I recommend: International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) is an association for interior designers which provides members with resources and tools to enhance their professions. Members receive access to articles, newsletters and a member directory. Find an expert in a number of categories online. Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) provides members with educational resources such as programs and professional practice. Find a list of council accredited programs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider a company membership instead of individual membership to a society; interior designers at all levels can benefit.