Diverse design professionals discuss collaborations

A group of representatives from the American Institute of Architects, Am-erican Society of Interior Designers, and International Interior Design Association met earlier this summer at the Marigold Lodge and Training Center in Holland, Mich., to explore opportunities for mutually advantageous collaboration, according to an AIA press release.

The two-day conference hosted by Herman Miller Inc. with facilitation sponsorship from Steelcase, Inc., Wil-sonart International, Armstrong World Industries, Lightolier and Milliken & Company represented the first such gathering of architects and interior designers in many years.

In examining opportunities for joint programs, the 16 architects and interior designers representing the three groups identified six areas in which potential benefits exist, including:

Professional education

Knowledge development and dissemination

Public awareness

Government affairs

Joint benefits

Building industry

Assignments have been accepted by each organization to analyze current resources and initiatives that could be shared or enhanced in the defined areas. Further efforts will address the extent those benefits might be positioned to provide advantage, to all three organizations.

Participants representing the architecture and interior design professions agreed that the collaborative opportunities should be undertaken very soon.

The American Institute of Architects was founded in 1857. Through education, government advocacy, community redevelopment and public outreach activities, the AIA and its 66,500 members work to achieve a more humane built environment and a higher standard of professionalism for architects.

The American Society of Interior Designers represents the interests of more than 30,500 members, including 20,000 interior design professionals, as well as students, industry and retail partners.

ASID's mission is to be the definitive resource for professional education and knowledge sharing, advocacy of interior designers' right to practice and expansion of interior design markets.

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 superior industry information; nurtures a global interior design community; maintains educational standards; and responds to trends in business and design.