Prominent Educational Institutions, Museums and Design Firms Among First Wave of Leaders Embracing Inclusive Opportunity
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has announced an expanded membership structure to support professionals and organizations collaborating within the world of interior design. Featuring four new membership types— Affiliate Member, Firm Partner, Higher Education Partner and Affiliate Partner— the new model extends the benefits of ASID membership to professionals and companies complementary to interior design.
“ASID’s new member types make ASID membership even more inclusive and support the profession by offering new channels for those with diverse expertise to strengthen the interior design community. All those who support the interior design profession now have a place to call “home” within ASID’s membership,” said Khoi Vo, chief executive officer, ASID. “Our existing member experience will only be enhanced by offering collaboration across our cross-sectoral community and providing fresh opportunities for collaboration. As we open our doors to new members and partners, our collective perspectives and expertise cement ASID’s position as the industry leader not only for all sectors of design, but for all those who make an impact through the profession, broadening our reach and strengthening the holistic impact of design.”
New ASID membership types include:
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ASID Affiliate Members are individuals that support the profession of interior design and do not otherwise qualify for any other Individual member category.
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Firm Partner membership is available to any business with interior design as all or part of the company’s service offerings.
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Higher Education Partners include any post-secondary, higher education institution such as a university, college or accredited school of interior design.
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Affiliate Partners are organizations that operate in accordance with the ASID mission but do not fall under any of ASID’s other established membership categories.
Within the first quarter of ASID’s new membership structure launching in 2024, the organization welcomed four affiliate partners, five higher education partners, 25 firm partners and 197 affiliate members—extending ASID membership benefits to 1,065 employees, educators, and students. The increased access to member benefits is designed to expand networks, build brand awareness, showcase achievement and advance professional expertise by way of the ASID appellation, access to ASID Foundation initiatives and ASID awards, entry to ASID chapters and events, ASID research and proprietary resources and more.
The introduction of ASID’s new membership structure stemmed in part from ASID research, which found in the ASID 2023 State of Interior Design report that designers’ relationships with contractors, fabricators, consultants, real estate professionals, manufacturers’ representatives, amongst others, were vital to growing their practices through referrals and recommendations.
Vo continued: “There are many professionals who comprise our robust design community. Welcoming and engaging with the aligned professionals who our members work with every day to improve their projects strengthens relationships and in turn, provides reciprocal support and resources.”Notable founding members and partners of the updated ASID membership structure include the National Building Museum, Marymount University, Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates, Rottet Studio, SALT and University of Southern Mississippi (USM).
National Building Museum, ASID Affiliate Partner
The National Building Museum educates, entertains and engages people about the built environment and challenges them to advocate for a sustainable and equitable future. Since it was created in 1980 through an act of Congress, the National Building Museum has transformed the public’s understanding of the impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, construction, planning and design. Through exhibitions, educational programs and special events, the museum welcomes visitors of all ages to experience stories about the built world and its power to shape our lives, our communities and our future. ASID and the National Building Museum have a history of collaboration, including most recently the 2017 exhibit Making Room: Housing for a Changing America. Learn more here.
Marymount University, ASID Higher Education Partner
Marymount University’s Architecture + Interior Design Degree Program offers a transformative journey for aspiring interior architects and designers seeking to unleash their creative potential. Integrating a liberal arts education with a deep understanding of human needs in the built environment, Marymount cultivates ethically responsible and proficient professionals. Accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), Marymount ensures graduates are well-prepared for entry-level interior design practice, advanced study and membership in professional interior design organizations. Learn more here.
Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates, ASID Firm Partner
Internationally acclaimed interior designer, Corey Damen Jenkins, is celebrated for his unapologetic mixing of colors, textures, and layered patterns to create inspired and iconic spaces. His firm, Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates, is based in New York City. The firm’s work has graced the front covers of House Beautiful and Traditional Home and has received extensive features in many publications including Veranda, House & Garden, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Detroit News. Corey’s first coffee table book, Design Remix: A New Spin on Traditional Rooms (Rizzoli), was released worldwide in March 2021 and has since entered its sixth reprint. Learn more here.
Rottet Studio, ASID Firm Partner
Rottet Studio is a globally acclaimed architecture and interior design firm and a proudly certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE). Renowned for its exceptional design prowess, Rottet Studio stands at the forefront of the industry, boasting over 65 million square feet of built design and a diverse portfolio of award-winning projects and innovative product designs. Over the past decade, Rottet has consistently earned accolades, including recognition among Interior Design magazine’s prestigious Top 100 Design Giants in both corporate and hospitality sectors. Additionally, Rottet has secured a place on the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Private Companies and received the esteemed Firm of the Year award from the American Institute of Architects. Learn more here.
SALT, ASID Firm Partner
SALT is a dynamic, award-winning team offering a wide range of services including commercial and residential interior design, project management, graphics, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. As a believer in the power of a well-oiled team, SALT is ready to tackle any project with strategic engagement and visionary design. As a Native-owned, woman-owned small business based in Alaska, SALT serves various sectors, including Corporate, Retail, Healthcare, Education and Government. Learn more here.
University of Southern Mississippi, ASID Higher Education Partner
USM’s CIDA-accredited interior design program empowers graduates for successful careers, advanced studies and membership in professional organizations. This program prepares them for the NCIDQ Exam, a key industry credential. Through this degree, USM prepares graduates for a multifaceted career that merges creativity and technology into the design of the built environment, addressing aesthetics and supporting human well-being and quality of life. The program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. Learn more here.
Find an expansive list of ASID’s registered partners here.
Visit the ASID membership page for more information on ASID’s upgraded membership structure and new member types.
About ASID
The American Society of Interior Designers believes that design impacts lives. Through its programs, networks, and advocacy, ASID serves all those who are a part of the interior design profession and practice. This support extends to their membership, encompassing practitioners of all levels of training across all sectors of design, to Affiliate Members and Partners to represent all contributors to the built environment. ASID thrives on the strength of cross-functional and interdisciplinary relationships among designers of all specialties, including workplace, healthcare, retail and hospitality, education, institutional, and residential. As a leader in shared conversations around topics that matter in design, from evidence-based and human-centric design to social responsibility, well-being, and sustainability, ASID showcases the impact of design on the human experience and the value interior designers provide.
In 2025, ASID will celebrate a legacy of 50 years of leadership in design, with an ongoing commitment to broadening the impact for the future of design in all of the places we work, play, and heal. Learn more at asid.org.