Top Ten Reasons to Join a Professional Association

Last week I attended IIDEX Canada http://www.iidexcanada.com/, Canada’s National Design and Architecture Exposition and Conference.  I was there representing the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and had the opportunity to engage with several Interior Design professional organizations, including Interior Designers of Canada (IDC), American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC), National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) , and Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).  Collectively we are working together in many ways to elevate the profession of Interior Design. 

At STA, we greatly value membership in professional associations.  We support our team in their memberships and encourage their participation.   Our team has active involvement in both IIDA and Boston Society of Architects 

I was first introduced to IIDA as a student member, and the value that my experience with IIDA has added to my personal growth and my career development is immeasurable.  I now have the honor of becoming President of IIDA in 2013! 

So here are my top ten reasons for joining a professional association:

1. BE A PART OF ELEVATING OUR PROFESSIONS  Our associations are at the leading edge of research, development and growth of our professions.  We are the first line of communication with the community at large on important issues affecting us including legislation
2. EXPAND YOUR NETWORK  We all know that networking is key in moving and shaking in the community!  This is true for individuals, as well as for firms.  Making connections is critical, and our associations give us countless opportunities to connect on a local and even global level.
3. SUPPORT OUR FUTURE DESIGNERS As designers we owe it to our profession to guide young and future designers.  Our associations provide many opportunities to mentor students, including the upcoming Interior Design Career Day, and IIDA’s Student Mentoring Week.  In both of these events, STA hosts students in tours of the office and discussions about the profession.  We enjoy sharing our knowledge with the younger generation, and we are truly inspired by the energy that students bring to us!
4. CELEBRATE GREAT DESIGN!  Associations have design award programs that celebrate and recognize design excellence at local and global levels.  Check out IIDA’s competitions, and the BSA’s awards http://www.architects.org/awards
5. EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS – THINK GLOBALLY! We all know that design is increasingly a global effort.  Many of us have clients across the continents, and global cultural and economic influences affect each of us every day.  IIDA is an international organization, with members in 58 countries.  IIDA continues to grow our network, and connect with our partners around the world.
6. COLLABORATE WITH OUR PARTNER DISCIPLINES  Professional associations have a strong spirit of collaboration, which reflects the way we work today.  Interior Designers, Architects, Landscape Architects, Facility Managers, Real Estate Brokers, Marketing Professionals can connect and learn from one another through partner associations and their events.
7. STAY CURRENT AND EDUCATE YOURSELF  Professional organizations offer courses, seminars, lectures to keep ourselves up to date on the latest innovations, research and trends.  Associations publish great magazines such as IIDA’s Perspective,  and the BSA’s Architecture Boston.  IIDA’s Knowledge Center is a resource bank of articles, research and courses that is available to the community. IIDA just published a new book, What Clients Want, exploring the relationships between designers and their clients in the development of successful projects.
8. BECOME A LEADER  Professional associations give you an opportunity to develop your skills as a leader, and this is important not only for your personal growth, but for your growth in your firm.  At the Chapter and local levels, there are event and program committees, and leadership opportunities are available at the City, Chapter and International levels. 
9. GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY  Our associations coordinate socially conscious initiatives to support community efforts.  The BSA’s Canstruction event gives designers the opportunity to design and build using canned food for a charitable donation.
10. PARTY  It’s not all work and no play!  There are some amazing social events, and a lot of fun to be had with your colleagues– and that’s part of networking too!  Check out IIDA New England’s Fashion Show on October 25 for the party of the year! 

-Felice