The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has announced an expanded membership structure to support professionals and organizations collaborating in interior design. Featuring four new membership types—Affiliate Member, Firm Partner, Higher Education Partner, and Affiliate Partner—the new model extends the benefits of ASID membership to professionals and companies complementary to interior design.

“ASID’s new member types make ASID membership even more inclusive and support the profession by offering new channels for those with diverse expertise to strengthen the interior design community. All those who support the interior design profession now have a place to call ‘home’ within ASID’s membership,” said Khoi Vo, chief executive officer of ASID.

“Our existing member experience will only be enhanced by offering collaboration across our cross-sectoral community and providing fresh opportunities for collaboration. As we open our doors to new members and partners, our collective perspectives and expertise cement ASID’s position as the industry leader not only for all sectors of design but for all those who make an impact through the profession, broadening our reach and strengthening the holistic impact of design.”

Below is a brief description of the new ASID membership types: 
ASID Affiliate members support the interior design profession and do not otherwise qualify for any other Individual member category; Firm Partner membership is available to any business offering interior design as part or all of its service offerings; Higher Education Partners include any post-secondary, higher education institution such as a university, college or accredited interior design school; and Affiliate Partners are organizations that operate in accordance with the ASID mission but do not fall under any of ASID’s other established membership categories.

Within the first quarter of ASID’s new membership structure launching in 2024, the organization welcomed four affiliate partners, five higher education partners, 25 firm partners, and 197 affiliate members — extending ASID membership benefits to 1,065 employees, educators, and students. The increased access to member benefits is designed to expand networks, build brand awareness, showcase achievement, and advance professional expertise by way of the ASID appellation, access to ASID Foundation initiatives and ASID awards, entry to ASID chapters and events, ASID research and proprietary resources, and more.

The introduction of ASID’s new membership structure stemmed in part from ASID research, which found in the ASID 2023 State of Interior Design report that designers’ relationships with contractors, fabricators, consultants, real estate professionals, and manufacturers’ representatives, amongst others, were vital to growing their practices through referrals and recommendations.

Founding members and partners of the updated ASID membership structure include the National Building Museum, Marymount University, Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates, Rottet Studio, SALT and University of Southern Mississippi (USM).

Visit asid.org for more information on ASID’s upgraded membership structure and new member types.