IIDA New England Chapter is a dynamic and creative group that takes pride in the intellect, delight and vision evident in every event, program and volunteer dedicated to the organization’s success. IIDA volunteers work to better their local and regional design communities through thought-provoking communications, membership marketing and programs. The New England Chapter develops annual events for its membership that offer professional development and networking opportunities, including Interior Design Boston (IDB), the Business Leaders Forum, mentoring program, Student Sketch Day and our outreach programs, which increase the community’s awareness and understanding of the interior design profession.

IDB, which was created from a desire for a unique professional interior design identity for the New England community, offers courses that further our membership’s professional development. The event also features a new kind of Continuing Education program that focuses on and promotes the IIDA Forums. In 2002, the second year for this program, attendance increased 239 percent over 2001.

IIDA New England also continues to advance knowledge of the design profession through an annual community outreach program with the Girl Scouts of the USA. Volunteers use the creative design process as a tool to teach and communicate the requirements for earning the Girl Scout Architecture badge, which has an interior design, architecture and environmental design focus. The badge is the starting point for expanding the participants’ understanding of the relationship between interior design and the built, cultural and natural environments. By sponsoring this event, IIDA strives to empower girls as advocates for their own ideas and priorities in their social and physical environments.

Chapters succeed when they can focus their abilities on providing outstanding services to members while simultaneously contributing to the broader professional community. In New England, we describe this as being relevant, adding value and thinking beyond cutting edge.

Diversity brings with it a wealth of knowledge and experience. Together the volunteers and members of IIDA New England endeavor to set the standard of good design and professionalism for ourselves, our communities and our region.