August 13, 2001—A group of representatives from The American Institute of Architects (AIA), American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), and International Interior Design Association (IIDA) met recently in Michigan to explore opportunities for mutually advantageous collaboration. The two-day facilitated conference—hosted by Herman Miller, Inc., with facilitation sponsorship from Steelcase, Inc., Wilsonart International, Armstrong World Industries, Lightolier and Milliken & Company—represented the first such gathering of architects and interior designers in many years.
In examining opportunities for joint programs, the 16 architects and interior designers representing the three groups identified six areas in which potential benefits exist, including professional education, knowledge development and dissemination, public awareness, government affairs, joint benefits, and building industry.
Each organization will analyze current resources and initiatives that could be shared or enhanced in the defined areas. Further efforts will address how those benefits might prove advantageous to all three organizations. Participants agreed that the collaborative opportunities should be undertaken very soon.
