Sheffield Student Center - Design Societies.

Design Societies and Organizations

A professional organization provides opportunity for its members to network with others who have similar interests. These organizations also offer supplementary education on the latest developments in the fields of interior design, wedding and event planning and Feng Shui. The following are some organizations that a Sheffield student can join.

• Interior Design Society (IDS) — www.interiordesignsociety.org
  The Interior Design Society is the design arm of the National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA). IDS promotes the education and the development of residential interior designers.
  
  IDS members enjoy many benefits – including market seminars, educational conferences, training courses, local chapter functions, networking opportunities and most importantly – access to industry events. As a point of interest, one of our Sheffield graduates, Tiny Jones, was the past president of the Interior Design Society (IDS)
  
  Sheffield students may apply as a student member of IDS. Graduates of Sheffield School may apply as an affiliate member – see the IDS Web site to apply.
• International Interior Design Association (IIDA) — www.iida.org
  IIDA is an international organization of over 10,000 members that supports the field of interior designers through education, advocacy of design issues, and providing a knowledge center.
  
  Benefits include invitations to chapter meetings and IIDA special events, networking opportunities, and other professional resources.
  
  Sheffield students may apply as a student member of IIDA. See their Web site for application.
• The International Feng Shui Guild — www.internationalfengshuiguild.org
  The International Feng Shui Guild was started in the mid-1990s to support feng shui students and practitioners. The goal of the Guild is to promote awareness of Feng Shui in the United States and to develop interaction in its community. There are 30 chapters across the country with over 400 members. The Guild provides its members with a quarterly newsletter, educational forums, and networking opportunities. In addition, the Guild's website supplies an online Feng Shui market and the latest event information on their calendar.
  
  
• Association of Bridal Consultants — www.bridalassn.com/
  The Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) has supported the wedding industry since 1981. Headquartered in Connecticut, ABC has over 4,000 members in over 26 countries around the world. The advantages of being an ABC member include participation in its educational seminars, networking with other bridal consultants and wedding vendors, marketing development, and promotion of the member's services. ABC also hosts an annual conference where its members have the opportunity to meet with other industry professionals.