Join us for the highly anticipated IIDA New England Festival of Trees. This year’s event will be held on December 18th at Interscapes showroom in Farmington, CT, and promises to be a festive celebration of innovation, community, and holiday cheer. The Festival of Trees showcases stunningly designed trees created by local architecture and design firms, dealers, and manufacturers from our local community. Each tree reflects unique themes and creative concepts.

Enjoy a night of networking, light refreshments, and holiday spirit as we come together to celebrate the season and support our community. Whether you’re here to marvel at the artistry or connect with industry professionals, the Festival of Trees is an unforgettable experience that embodies the magic of the season. Mark your calendar and join us for an evening of inspiration, collaboration, and giving back. We look forward to celebrating with you!

TREE DECORATING INFORMATION

Interested in decorating one of our ten (10) trees this year?  Here is some information for you to know:

• There is no additional cost to you, your firm, or your company to decorate a tree and the tree is already provided.

• Trees will be installed at Interscape's showroom starting on December 9th and you can go over and decorate them at any time during regular business hours leading up to the event date.  

• In order to decorate your tree prior to the event, please contact Rita Joy from Interscape at rita.joy@interscape.com

• Choosing to decorate a tree does not include a ticket to the event.

• There is no theme for the event so every tree can have a different theme.

• The artificial trees are 6ft tall and have white lights already installed on them.

• Participants will be responsible for getting their own decorations to and from the event.

• Anyone decorating can partner up with other firms, dealers, manufacturers if you want.  There is no limit or restrictions to who can work on a tree together.

• There is an award for Best in Show as voted by the attendees of the event.  This award will be given out at 8:30pm the night of the event.  

• Each attendee is given one ticket to cast their vote for the Best in Show award.

EVENT SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION

This year we are looking for those design firms, dealers, and manufacturers that want to do a little more to help make this event a little more spectacular!  For $300.00 you will help us keep the event ticket price the same as they were last year, get a single ticket to the event yourself, get your company logo on special event signage, and get some special shoutouts during the event. This contribution helps our Connecticut Chapter Committee in planning the food, beverage, and event activities that we can offer everyone attending.  Please consider making a difference if you can.  

TICKET PRICING

Member- $55.00
Non-member - $65.00
Student & Faculty - $35.00
Event Sponsor (includes 1 event ticket)- $300

Registration has closed.

For more details or to get involved, please contact smontemerlo@officeworksinc.com.

Planning on taking the NCIDQ exams in 2025? IIDA NE is offering a study group from IDFX/ IDPX and Practicum exam. This year's study group will be a highly interactive, virtual study group. Moderators will set a study schedule for the 7 week program. Each week, they will help study group participants organize study materials to cover different content areas, create practice questions, and share content amongst the group. Moderators, recent test-takers and NCIDQ professionals will join sessions to share insights and tips to help with preparing for what exam questions are like, how to manage study time, and how to manage time while taking the exams.

NOTE: This study group is designed around mind sharing. Therefore, it is highly dependent on the study group's participation. This group requires a high degree of individual and group participation.

This course will qualify for a 4-month Premium Access (VIP) to Q-Practice. Please click here to learn more about Q-Practice. Attendance at the study group is required to maintain your Q-Practice access. There are a limited number of Q-Practice Codes available and once we reach that number registration for the Study Group + Q-Practice will no longer be offered. Please note, access to Q Practice is mandatory.

This 7 week program will be held on Monday evenings from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. via Zoom, on the following dates:

Session 1: January 13

Session 2: January 21 (Jan 20 skipped due to holiday)

Session 3: January 27

Session 4: February 3

Session 5: February 10

Session 6: February 18 (Feb 17 skipped due to holiday)

Session 7: February 24

Registration

IIDA Member

• 4 month membership with Q-Practice Premium Access + Study Group: $430

• Study Group Only + agree to individually purchase Q Practice: $0

Non-IIDA Member

• 4 month membership with Q-Practice Premium Access ($420) + Study Group ($179): $599

• Study Group Only + agree to individually purchase Q Practice: $179

CANCELLATION POLICY
In the event IIDA NE cancels the study group, a full refund for the study group only will be sent to all registered. It is not possible to honor refund requests for Q-Practice Access.

Thinking about taking the NCIDQ and joining the IIDA NE Study Group? Join us for a Q&A session where we discuss the study group - our approach, participation requirements, tools, resources, and more! Learn how the NCIDQ Study Group can help you prepare for your exams.

This info session is provided to you free of cost.

The Consortium for Interior Design- Rhode Island, invites you to join us for coffee and conversation to discuss efforts to launch interior design legislation in RI. Learn what the bill may entail, how it may impact you or your firm, and why it is important to the profession. Come with questions and join us on Friday, December 6 at 9:00am at the Mac Davis Flooring Showroom located at 106 William St, Newport, RI 02840.

Breakfast and coffee will be provided and this event is FREE.

TICKET PRICING

Free for all attendees.

JOIN US!

The Providence City Center invites you to come join us as we tour the North Atlantic Carpenters Union Local #330 Building in Warwick, RI. Come join us as we tour this beautiful project designed by Vision 3 Architects!

Post tour snacks and drinks will be provided. Hope to see you there!

This event is free. Registration is now closed.

Join us in celebrating the 26th Annual IIDA NE Fashion Show on November 7th, 2024 at Roadrunner in Boston. Be our guest for this unconventional evening of fashion as industry materials become works of art!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

TWO LOCATIONS!

The IIDA NE Student Engagement Committee is thrilled to present the second annual "Design Your Path," an in-person event that will give students a glimpse into the different avenues an interior design career can take. The event will include thought-provoking panel discussions, hands-on exploration, and networking opportunities with other local students and professionals.

This year's event will take place in-person in BOTH Boston and Connecticut, and is free to all students and faculty. Be sure to register to secure your spot at the location that is most convenient for you. Light breakfast, coffee, and lunch will be provided at both locations. Whether you attended last year or if this will be your first time attending, we hope to see you there!

EVENT TIMELINE
Arrival + Networking: 9:00 - 9:50 a.m.
Welcome + “IIDA Intro”: 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Panel Discussion: Personal Design Stories: 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
“Station Rotation” Activity: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Lunch/Networking: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

LOCATIONS
Environments At Work
101 Arch St Suite 200
Boston, MA

University of New Haven
Dodds Hall, 300 Boston Post Road
West Haven, CT

This event is free to attend. Online registration is now closed but you can register onsite. We look forward to welcoming you!

This event is by invitation only.

MEMBER ONLY EVENT ALERT!

Join the IIDA Membership Team for a 30-minute program to help IIDA members maximize their membership. Learn about the exclusive benefits and resources available and discover networking opportunities and professional development events. Members will get tips on how to navigate our online platform and connect with other members as well as hear from a current member about their experience and success stories. Whether you're a seasoned member or new to the community, this webinar will provide valuable insights and practical information to enhance your membership experience. Take advantage of this opportunity to get started on the right foot and maximize your involvement with IIDA!

This event is free and open to IIDA members only. Click here to register and join!

Join us in celebrating design excellence at the 17th Annual IIDA NE Design Awards which will be held on September 12th, 2024 at the historic SoWa Power Station in Boston. Bring your dancing shoes for a red-carpet-ready evening, and delight in the accomplishments of our talented New England design community!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS!

No one ever said achieving the sustainable materials easy button would be … easy. By aligning around a common language and clear market signal we can move further together.

Register today for this years Farm to Table event at Heirloom Market in Old Wethersfield, CT and find out just how we can make a difference. ​Last year's Farm to Table event at Heirloom Market in Old Wethersfield, CT was so popular that we are bringing it back!

Join us on August 21, 2024 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm for another truly remarkable experience centered around a discussion on achieving holistic material sustainability for all. This event will feature an enlightening discussion led by our returning esteemed guest speaker, Annie Bevan – a true visionary and CEO of mindful MATERIALS. Annie is renowned for her relentless dedication to turning sustainable concepts into impactful actions, driving significant change on a grand scale. Her insights promise to be both inspiring and thought-provoking. In addition, we'll also be focusing on forging a deep connection between what we eat and where it comes from. Imagine indulging in a delectable meal with your close design community friends crafted from fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients sourced straight from nearby farms and producers. By joining you're not only championing local agriculture and sustainable practices, but you're also immersing yourself in an exceptional opportunity to savor the richness of our local culinary delights and intellectual discourse.

Agenda
5:30-6:00 PM: Guest Arrival and Cocktail Reception
6:00-7:00 PM: The Next Stage of Mindful Materials: From Reactionary to Revolutionary Presentation
7:00-8:30 PM: Farm to Table Dinner

Registration - SOLD OUT
- $100 - Member
- $115 - Non-Member
- $75 - Students and Faculty
- $800 - One Table (8 seats)

*1 drink ticket is included in registration cost

CT City Center Beneficiary Spotlight: Auerfarm

Auerfarm is a 120 acre non-profit educational farm located in Bloomfield, CT. It is adjacent to Auerfarm State Reserve and the MDC reservoir. This huge expanse of preserved land brings with it unique wildlife and rare opportunities to explore nature in a densely populated region. Located near the West Hartford and Simsbury borders of Bloomfield, and just 2 miles from Hartford, Auerfarm brings together students, parents, and guests in a region for learning, events and for recreation. Students, adults and families come to the farm to learn about agriculture and the environment.  Their programs all include hands-on interaction with natural materials to facilitate lifelong self-growth and education. Their setting also lends itself to emotional healing and growth, as visitors experience the beauty of our trails, orchards, and animal pastures.

Click here to make a donation!

Join us for a fun night of learning how to confidently specify your flooring selections from initial design concept to installation. We simplify the process for you and your clients, finding solutions for all types of applications and making decisions that leave a positive impact.

Bentley Mills stands as a beacon of innovation in the flooring industry, uniquely positioned as the sole commercial carpet manufacturer nestled within California’s borders. Our dedication to crafting exceptional flooring solutions is amplified by our commitment to exceeding the state’s stringent environmental standards, a testament to our unwavering responsibility towards the planet and our community. With Bentley Mills, you’re not just choosing a floor; you’re embracing a legacy of design excellence, community stewardship, and unmatched beauty that only California’s unique landscape can inspire.

Agenda
6:00-7:00 PM: Networking and Hors D'Oeuvres
7:00-8:00 PM: Presentation on Carpet 101 - How to Specify with Purpose

Registration
Registration is now closed.

Please join us for our 21st Annual IIDA New England Croquet Tournament, hosted at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, RI. RAIN OR SHINE!

This dynamic event highlights the competitive, yet friendly spirit of our local Design community and its myriad partners, while funding the Providence City Center Student Scholarship. This year we will continue to host our expanded number of playing spots with three separate rounds! Based on availability each time slot can accommodate 112 players. Please be sure to arrive 15 minutes early for your playing time to ensure there are no delays in starting play.

EVENT SCHEDULE

12:00 p.m. Registration Opens
12:30 p.m. Round One
12:30 - 5:30 p.m. Bar Open
12:30 - 2:00 p.m. Snacks
2:00 p.m. Round Two
2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Hot Buffet
3:30 p.m. Round Three
4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Desserts
5:30 p.m. Awards and Drawing
6:00 p.m. Event Concludes

TICKETS - SOLD OUT!

For more information on pricing and terms, click here.

Click to register here In-Person or Virtually!

The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Sponsorship committees are excited to announce that our 3rd Annual IIDA New England EDI Block Party is on Thursday, July 25th! Hosted in the same location as last year in the heart of Seaport, this event supports local minority, LGBTQIA+, and women-owned businesses with a focus on highlighting products designed by underrepresented groups in the design industry. There will be amazing food, music, games, prizes, and great products. We hope to see you there!

NOTE: Rain date of Thursday, August 1

GENERAL ADMISSION

Raffle tickets. Please note, (1) food voucher includes a single meal from any food truck entrée selections, as well as one dessert from the ice cream truck (food and dessert are first come first serve, while supplies last!)

-Member/ 2024 Chapter Sponsor: $25
-Non-Member: $30
-Student/Educators: $15

Add On Options:
-Additional Drink Ticket: $12
-1 Raffle Ticket: $3
-5 Raffle Tickets: $10

CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellation requests must be sent in writing to info@iidane.org. Cancellations received on or before Thursday, July 4, will be charged a $10 cancellation fee, and refunded the remaining balance. Registrations cancelled after Thursday, July 4, will not be refunded.

Registration has now closed.

VENDOR REGISTRATION

Join us as a vendor at this incredible event! Your registration includes 4 tickets (2 vendor/ 2 industry guests), 4 food vouchers, and 4 guest raffle tickets. Any additional guests or staff must purchase a General Admission ticket.

This is a tailgate out of the back of your car in a parking lot. No tables will be provided. No chairs will be provided. Bring your own table, or just present out of your trunk! Weighted sand bags must be used if you are planning to use a pop-up tent per the facilities regulations. You are allotted one parking space that will include adjacent room to your left or right for additional display space. Power will not be provided. There are limited spots so sign up early to secure yours!·

-2024 Chapter Sponsor: $445
-Non-Chapter Sponsor/Member: $495
-Non-Member: $545

Add On Options:
-1 Raffle Ticket: $3
-5 Raffle Tickets: $10
-Contribution towards a raffle item selected by EDI committee (Your donation will be recognized!)

CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellation requests must be sent in writing to info@iidane.org. Cancellations received on or before Thursday, July 4, be refunded less a $100 cancellation fee. Registrations cancelled after Thursday, July 4, will not be refunded.

Registration has now closed.

Check out the event map below to get a feel for the layout of vendors!

Join us for our Summer Social! Come out and Meet local IIDA members and learn more about all that IIDA NE has to offer! Good Food, Good Fellowship & Good Fun!

This event is free to attend but registration is required.

Registration has now closed for this event.

Happy Pride!

Join us on Friday, June 21st, to celebrate Pride Night at Central Rock Gym (CRG)! Looking to get some exercise, meet new people, or just try something new? Then join your fellow IIDA New England community members and friends, at Central Rock Gym on a Friday night for some summer fun. First timers and experienced climbers are welcome and you can arrive at anytime the night of the event and stay for as long as you want.

Fun Activities from 4:00 - 8:30pm
- Crate Stacking: Stack plastic milk crates one by one as you climb up attached to a top rope!
- Vendors: Support your local businesses
- Rope Art: Sign up at the event, and choose between making a set of coasters, a koozie, or a bowl out of recycled rope!
- Dyno Wall: How far can you dyno? Try out our rainbow dyno wall during the event.
- Live Music: Enjoy live music by a couple of our CRG members while you climb!

Fun Activities from 8:30 - 10:30pm
- GLOW Climbing! Louder music and party lights may not be suitable for all attendees.

Special Opportunity!
This event includes a COMPLIMENTARY "Intro to Belay Class" on Wednesday, June 13th at 5:30pm. This class will teach you the basics so you can enjoy rope climbing in our gym(s) without booking a staff member for assistance and once completed you will be able to climb on your own for the remainder of the time our facility is open that day. It is important that you attend this class so you can climb freely the night of the event. This class is normally $50 to attend for non CRG members but is FREE when you sign up for the June 21 event! Once you register for the June 21 event, you will be contacted about the June 13th event opportunity.

Registration
This event is limited to fifteen (15) people due to class size so make sure you sign up quickly. Members of CRG do not need to sign up for this event.

- IIDA Members: $30
- Non-Members: $35

In honor of Juneteenth, IIDA New England’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee in partnership with the Community Engagement Committee are hosting an “Emancipation Celebration” at Youth Build Boston’s Designery in support of the summer internship and externship programs. Come see YBB’s new space and experience their “Stull & Lee Black Architecture Vision for an Infrastructural City” Exhibit before it leaves the space at the end of June.

This event is free to attend but we are requesting donations of $25, $50 and $100, with all proceeds going directly to YBB via their donation portal, help us meet our goal of $2,500. How will these funds be used to support the Youth Build Boston’s 2024 Designery Summer Cohort? Check out the wish list here!

EVENT AGENDA
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.: Networking | Exhibit Tour | Refreshments
5:00 - 5:30 p.m.: Introductions & Remarks
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.: Networking | Exhibit Tour | Refreshments

REGISTRATION
This event is free and everyone is welcome but space is limited! Online registration is now closed.

Congratulations to our 2024 Award Winners!

Volunteer of the Year Award- Amelia Papadakis (Sponsorship Committee)
Rising Star Award - Chloe Housenger (Membership Committee)
Advocacy Award- Matt Hyatt (Advocacy Committee)
Visionary Award- Robina Shepherd (Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Committee)
EDI Award- Alexander Vanbeek (Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Committee)
Certificate of Appreciation- Denge Agola, Sarah Burrows, Lisa Cupolo, Madeline Danevich, Krista Easterly, Deb Gearty, Joanna Jackson, Allison Jones, Ritsa Konstantinidis, Scott Montemerlo, Emily Pereira, Amanda Stanton, Kristin Tedford, and Nicole Ward.

A special thank you to Chris Huff for volunteering to take photos! Click HERE to view more.

As we near the year's longest day, come together with us for IIDA NE’s Annual Meeting & Volunteer Celebration to honor our achievements and embrace what lies ahead!

Let's bid farewell to departing board members and extend a warm welcome to those joining us anew. Share in our triumphs and chart our course for the future! Come for networking, summery drinks, and fun prizes! Doors open at 5:30pm for a delightful summer evening filled with reflection, gratitude, and forward-thinking.

Join us as we shine a light on the path forward and revel in the vibrancy of our community!

LOCATION

You are welcome to join us in person or via Zoom. We are holding two in person events simultaneously. You will be asked during the registration process where you will be attending.

- Humanscale, 34 Farnsworth St, Boston, MA 02210
- M. Frank Higgins & Co. Inc., 199 White Oak Dr, Berlin, CT 06037

REGISTRATION

This event is free to attend but registration is required. Online registration is now closed.

Join us for the final session in our 2024 Emerging Experience Series! This series is hosted by our very own 2023 Emerging Leaders Class and includes four sessions.

ABOUT THIS SESSION
Key factors in urban planning of historical city centers and compare them to the modern age.  The conceptualization of the “ideal city” and what are its drivers….universal challenges such as affordable housing intersect with the nationwide housing crisis, placing a strain on major cities grappling with overpopulation, environmental sustainability, and overall public health to create a more livable and balanced urban environment.

SPEAKERS
- Cody Peinovich, MillerKnoll
- Larissa DaSilvia, Stantec

REGISTRATION
This event is free and everyone is welcome! Registration is required in order to receive the access details. Online registration is now closed.

Join us for the third session in our 2024 Emerging Experience Series! This series is hosted by our very own 2023 Emerging Leaders Class and includes four sessions.

ABOUT THIS SESSION
During this session, we will explore the reasons why we still see neglected buildings left with their futures unknown.  We will dive into the progression  & regression of adaptive reuse in New England and learn how to navigate and advocate for adaptive reuse in the future.

SPEAKERS
- Amanda Oski, TRIA
- Ana Sirota, Svigals
- Amanda Vieu, Unispace
- Mia Zhang, Fennick McCredie

REGISTRATION
This event is free and everyone is welcome! Registration is required in order to receive the access details. Online registration is now closed.

Join us for the second session in our 2024 Emerging Experience Series! This series is hosted by our very own 2023 Emerging Leaders Class and includes four sessions.

ABOUT THIS SESSION
Who this population entails and explore how design decisions can support their needs and provide a sense of community and belonging. We will consider how acoustics, lighting, color, and zoning of spaces provide an environment for neurodiverse individuals to thrive in whether that is academically, professionally, or socially.

SPEAKERS
- Fabiola Lara, MDS Architects
- Amanda Meady, Shepley Bulfinch
- Emily Pereira, Bergmeyer
- Meredith Tobias, Perkins & Will, Interior Designer

REGISTRATION
This event is free and everyone is welcome! Online registration is now closed.

Join us for the first session in our 2024 Emerging Experience Series! This series is hosted by our very own 2023 Emerging Leaders Class and includes four sessions.

ABOUT THIS SESSION
It is becoming almost impossible to create “original” ideas, and steps that we can take as designers to gain inspiration from sources outside of the internet, and how we can apply it to our designs.

SPEAKERS
- Melissa Cirpriano, Visnick & Caulfield
- Ashley Maggiacomo, SMMA
- Tara Martin, PCA
- Ashley Sayers, Lavallee Brensinger Architects

REGISTRATION
This event is free and everyone is welcome! Online registration is now closed.