Student Membership and Resources
Why Join IIDA?
IIDA Student Membership connects interior design students with a professional community that extends beyond the classroom. Through IIDA Oregon and IIDA Headquarters, student members can build industry relationships, develop leadership skills, explore career paths, and access programs designed to support their transition into the profession.
Student members may also use the Student IIDA appellation after their name to demonstrate their connection and commitment to the design community. Explore IIDA Student Membership.
Student Member Benefits
Benefits vary by program and location but may include:
- Professional networking and member-only events
- Complimentary or discounted admission to select chapter programs
- Access to the annual IIDA Student Mentoring Program
- Campus Center activities and student leadership opportunities
- Career resources, industry publications, and the IIDA Career Center
- Eligibility for select competitions, awards, and scholarships
- Use of the Student IIDA appellation
The Student Mentoring Program connects students with working designers and industry professionals through in-person, virtual, or hybrid experiences. Participation is free for IIDA Student Members.
Opportunities in Oregon
IIDA Oregon provides opportunities for students to connect with peers and professionals from across the state. Programming varies each year and may include:
- Student symposiums and professional-development events
- Student Design Charettes
- Networking and chapter events
- Campus leadership and volunteer opportunities
- Access to local firms and job postings
- Industry research and career resources
National Programs, Awards, and Scholarships
Recognizes an IIDA Student Member who has made an outstanding contribution to their school’s interior design program through leadership, insight, and involvement.
IIDA Student Design Competition
Challenges interior design and interior architecture students to develop a thoughtful solution to an annual design brief while gaining exposure within the profession.
Awards a scholarship to a student who has participated in the IIDA Student Mentoring Program and reflects on the value of their mentorship experience.
Recognizes outstanding IIDA Campus Center programming that supports students and strengthens the interior design profession.
IA Interior Architects Diversity in Design Scholarship
Supports students who bring diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives to the future of interior design and architecture.
John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship
Provides financial support to eligible undergraduate interior design and architecture students of African American descent.
Application dates, eligibility requirements, and award amounts may change annually. Visit the IIDA Scholarship and Financial Award Calendar for current opportunities and deadlines.
Join IIDA
Ready to connect with the design community? Visit the IIDA Student Membership page to review current qualifications, dues, and application information.
Recent graduates may qualify for a special rate when upgrading from Student to Associate membership. Contact IIDA Member Services for current details, or learn more about the transition from Student to Associate Membership.
Oregon Interior Design Programs
Oregon currently offers interior design and interior architecture programs at the following schools:
University of Oregon
- Bachelor of Interior Architecture
- Master of Interior Architecture
- CIDA-accredited professional programs
George Fox University
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design
Oregon State University
- Bachelor of Science in Interior Design
Portland Community College
- Associate of Applied Science in Interior Design
- Additional certificates and career pathways
The Council for Interior Design Accreditation currently lists the University of Oregon’s Bachelor and Master of Interior Architecture as Oregon’s CIDA-accredited professional programs. Accreditation applies to a specific program rather than an entire college or university and may change over time.
Student Liaisons
IIDA Oregon Student Liaisons are student members who serve on the chapter’s Board of Directors and represent participating Oregon design programs. They help connect students with chapter leadership, promote local opportunities, and support student-focused events and campus activities.
Visit the IIDA Oregon Board of Directors page to find your school’s current Student Liaison or connect with the Student Affairs team.
About CIDA Accreditation
The Council for Interior Design Accreditation is an independent accrediting organization that evaluates professional-level interior design programs against standards recognized by the profession.
Attending a CIDA-accredited program is not required to pursue NCIDQ Certification. However, graduating from an accredited program is a straightforward way to demonstrate that an applicant has completed qualifying interior design education. Education and experience requirements vary, so students should review the current NCIDQ Exam eligibility pathways when planning their education and career.