Advancing the Profession of Commercial Interior Design

About IIDA

The profession of Interior Design positively impacts people’s health and well-being every day and enhances business value all around the world. The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) supports design professionals, educators, students, firms, and their clients through our network of 15,000+ members across 58 countries. In order to continually increase the value and understanding of our work, we provide community outreach and a vibrant community for those interested in design, and we advocate for advancements in design excellence, education, legislation, and accreditation.


About the IIDA Northern California Chapter

The Northern California Chapter of IIDA supports a vibrant, active, diverse community of more than 900 members across six locally focused City Centers. 

Through numerous chapter events, we strengthen community bonds, provide opportunities for networking and mentorship, build leadership skills, and celebrate the accomplishments of our peers.


A letter from the IIDA NC President

Dear Members and Friends of IIDA:

We have an exciting and important year ahead of us for the Northern California Chapter. Our Chapter Theme for 2024 is Design for Dignity, highlighting our belief that the strength of our society is measured by the way we treat our most vulnerable populations. We aim to provide the comfort, care and resources necessary for the dignity and equal access of everyone. 

This theme has never been more relevant than it is today. We continue to find ourselves in a world facing multiple crises that challenge the dignity of individuals and communities. These crises encompass social inequities, public health, climate change, economic uncertainty and more. In the face of these unprecedented challenges, interior design plays a pivotal role in preserving and enhancing human dignity and promoting equality and justice.

In the last few years, our organization has been focused on implementing strategic initiatives that respond to some of the most pressing issues of today. Our Advocacy, Climate Action, EDI and Philanthropy programs continue to have meaningful impact on our community, yet it feels as though our industry still needs a good ‘Health Check’ to ensure that we as designers are equally directing energy into sustaining our own needs and healthy futures. The call to action over the next year is understanding how we can take care of each other so we can take care of humanity. 

To protect and sustain our future generation of designers, we need to listen, nurture and inspire. Our chapter is a safe space for all. A neutral ground for partnerships and collaboration across all sectors and roles. Together we can explore new methodologies of collective care that allow us to thrive rather than just survive. Let’s make engagement embedded in who we are and what we do. We can be curious and ask beautiful questions. We can listen to one another with empathy and intent. We can lift one another up and celebrate our collective successes. It’s up to us to ask what the future of our industry could be not merely what it has been.  

As a patron, you are our VIPs, and you play a critical role in our chapter’s success. We think you will find great value in connecting your organization to the larger commercial interior design community as IIDA is one of the premier platforms for business development and professional networking in our industry. We are doing great things, and we need your help to continue to double down on what we’ve started and keep up the momentum.

Your support not only strengthens our community but also enables us to provide the necessary guidance, resources and platforms for our emerging professionals and future leaders. We look forward to your continued partnership as we shape a brighter and more innovative tomorrow.

Thank you!

Katy Mercer
2023 | 2024 IIDA NC Chapter President


2020 Chapter
Award Recipient

Gold Level Badge

Every year, the national IIDA organization awards Gold Badges to chapters that exemplify and exceed the standards of the organization for member benefits, enhancing the reputation of the profession, and successful management. For the 2019-20 Board Term, IIDA NC received this honor—one of only two chapters that year!


Our Core Values

Include

Relentlessly pursue diversity to bring everyone with us

Support

Champion our industry and constituents at every opportunity 

Connect

Be the grace, love and kindness that brings our community closer together

Change

Be the futurists redefining the profession

Inspire

Teach and mentor the next generation of professionals

Challenge

Collaborate openly for a better future

Celebrate

Share stories and honor the excellence of what we do and who we are      

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We are a vibrant community of
City Centers.

Our Chapter consists of six vibrant, locally focused City Centers which host a variety of programs & events throughout the year. Come create connections and support thriving local design communities of students and professionals.


Our community
involvement.

The IIDA Northern California and City Centers partner with other nonprofit organizations to support our continuing efforts towards social responsibility. 

By adopting a unified theme each year, we address the most important needs of our local community and focus our work on the communities and organizations where we can have the greatest impact.

PRO BONO PROJECT REQUESTS

If your organization would like to be considered for a pro bono project, please fill out our online form.