IDS is the trade association that recognizes and assists specialists in all walks of residential interior design, even those men and women who might not have a four-year degree in Interior Design. For nearly 35 years, IDS was associated with the National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA). An association comprised of retail furniture stores, NHFA created IDS in the early 1970s to recognize and su
pport NHFA members’ in-store designers with a comprehensive training program. In late 2007, the Interior Design Society Board of Directors publicly announced its vote to become a fully independent association as of Jan. 1, 2008. Since its early days, IDS has grown beyond its original store-based constituency to become a national organization more than 3,000 members strong. Today IDS is comprised of residential interior designers, sales specialists, design-related businesses, interior design students and manufacturers/suppliers. Thanks to local chapters located across the United States, IDS members have access to a network of colleagues based around the country--or around the corner. Special leadership training and a bi-annual Leadership Conference are available for the designers who head IDS local chapters. Education for all members is an organizational mission and passion. IDS offers designers lifelong education and the opportunity to pursue a career in residential interior design. Seminars and online "webinars" led by experts in the field take place throughout the year. No matter where our members work or how many years they have put into residential design, IDS courses and seminars can contribute to career advancement, even without a four-year degree in interior design.
