ASID, IIDA: Interior design groups stop talks about single association

The boards of directors of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) July 12 announced that their organizations have discontinued conversations regarding the creation of a single organization representing the interior design profession.

The associations announced in February that they were engaged in exploratory discussions to determine the feasibility of combining the two organizations. After further deliberation, however, both boards resolved that at this time a merger is not in the best interests of their respective memberships.

Leaders of both organizations remain committed to the goal of a single association. They indicated that despite the decision to discontinue talks, the associations will continue to collaborate on a number of previously identified key areas to benefit their respective memberships.

"Throughout the merger talks, the ASID and IIDA leadership have been impressed by each other's openness and dedication to find a way to bring us together," said Barbara Nugent, ASID president. "While we will not be moving forward with the merger at this time, these past months have shown a collaborative spirit at the national level between the two organizations, which ASID will continue to promote through communication and cooperation on the issues pertinent to our profession."

"We continue to believe that there is a strategic fit between the two organizations, but we have come to realize that the organizations have individual advantages outweighing the effects of a full alliance at this time," stated Anita Barnett, IIDA president. "Each organization can now continue to deliver the best member services possible, capitalizing on the individual strengths that advance the interior design profession."

The two organizations will continue to partner on projects and initiatives of common interest, such as education and advocacy, at both the international and chapter levels. The local chapters of each organization are encouraged to continue their cooperative ventures in these and other areas of interest.

ASID is a professional association representing the interests of interior designers. Its mission is to advance the interior design profession through knowledge generation and sharing, advocacy of interior designers' right to practice, professional and public education, and expansion of interior design markets. The society supports its more than 31,500 members comprised of practicing interior designers from all design specialties, design students and industry representatives through a variety of programs and services and a network of 48 local chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada.

IIDA is a professional networking and educational association of more than 10,000 members in eight specialty forums and more than 30 chapters around the world. IIDA is committed to enhancing the quality of life through excellence in interior design and advancing interior design through knowledge. IIDA advocates for interior design excellence; provides industry information; nurtures a global interior design community; maintains educational standards; and responds to trends in business and design.