IIDA NY to Host Second Annual Career Night

Education Event Welcomes Students, Entry-Level, and Mid-Level Professionals

The International Interior Design Association’s New York Chapter (IIDA NY) proudly announces its annual Career Night, taking place on Wednesday, April 9th, from 6–9 PM. This premier event is designed for architecture and design students, as well as entry- and mid-level professionals looking to elevate their careers. Join top architecture and design firms from the greater New York City area at the Allsteel Showroom, located at 257 Park Avenue South, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10010, for an evening of networking, career development, and industry insights.

Originally launched by IIDA NY’s Student Development Committee in 2024, Career Fair returns by popular demand—now with an expanded vision. This year’s Career Night seeks to make an even greater impact by engaging the broader design community and welcoming professionals at all career stages. Now presented in collaboration with IIDA NY’s Professional Development Committee, the event invites students, emerging designers, and mid-level professionals to connect, learn, and take the next step in their careers.

“We are thrilled to expand Career Night’s scope this year by collaborating with our Professional Development Committee,” said Robin Reigi, Co-Vice President of IIDA NY’s Student Development Committee. Elisabeth Mejia, Co-Vice President of IIDA NY’s Student Development Committee, added, “This partnership allows us to offer more inclusive opportunities for career advancement, fostering connections that drive the design industry forward.”

Beyond connecting with industry leaders, attendees will gain access to valuable career resources, including portfolio reviews led by IIDA NY’s Knowledge Forum and exclusive networking opportunities with top firms. The event will also feature a dedicated space for professional headshots and a fireside-style forum exploring career growth and industry trends. A highlight of the evening will be a one-hour panel discussion on personal branding and networking for introverts in the design industry, led by Susan Fernandez, Senior Vice President of UpSpring, IIDA NY’s communications firm.

“Career Night is for designers at every stage of their career because growth doesn’t stop at any one level,” said Jason Lazarz, Vice President of IIDA NY’s Professional Development committee. Haeyoung Shin, also Vice President of Professional Development, added, “Whether you’re launching your career or looking to elevate an established one, Career Night provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen your personal brand, enhance networking skills, and take your professional growth to the next level.”

Career Night will also celebrate the three recipients of the fourth annual Hazel Siegel Scholarship, honoring the late, acclaimed textile designer. This year’s recipients, Khadeine Ali from The New School, Parsons School of Design, Lydia Mudd from New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), and Jiayin Li from Cornell University, will be recognized for their exceptional talent and commitment.

For more information about IIDA NY’s Career Night, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/iida-2nd-annual-career-night-registration-1258197926869

About IIDA NY

The IIDA New York Chapter (IIDA NY)—an inclusive community of creative and diverse professionals, industry partners and students—celebrates design, encourages collaboration, shares knowledge and advocates for the interior design community. This professional networking and educational association provides invaluable resources to more than 700 members in 10 specialty forums to enhance their expertise, knowledge and contacts. IIDA NY is proudly committed to design advocacy, sustainability, civic engagement, student mentorship and development, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. For more information, visit: http://www.iidany.org/.