A major part of your professional career will include keeping updated on and participating in professional associations. Professional associations set benchmarks, link you to career resources, and provide information on the latest developments. Other types of organizations may publish reports, newsletters, blogs, etc. that will assist you in career development and learning new skills.
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID): is a community of people — designers, industry representatives, educators, and students — committed to interior design. Through education, knowledge sharing, advocacy, community building, and outreach, we strive to advance the interior design profession and, in the process, to demonstrate and celebrate the power of design to positively change people’s lives.
ARIDO: Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario. AIRDO is the only organization for Interior Designers in Ontario.
ASHRAE: The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. The Society and its members focus on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and sustainability within the industry.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation: The website offers many free publications, reports, and other CMHC resources. Some products are available in both print and electronic formats.
Canadian Construction Association: A national association representing contractors and manufacturers, service providers, and suppliers in Canada. This website contains key information links and reports on all aspects of the construction industry.
The Canadian Decorators’ Association: CDECA is a professional not-for-profit association representing both student and accredited interior decorators and interior designers, and affiliate businesses across Canada.
Canada Green Building Council: The CGBC's mission is to lead and accelerate the transformation to high-performing, healthy green buildings, homes and communities throughout Canada.
Illuminating Engineering Society (IES): The IES will build upon a century of excellence to create the premier lighting community dedicated to promoting the art and science of quality lighting to its members, allied professional organizations, and the public.
Interior Designers of Alberta (IDA): Acting as a regulatory body, IDA's mandate is to regulate the interior design profession in Alberta for the betterment of the profession and in the best interests of the public.
Interior Designers of Canada: Founded in 1972, Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) is the national advocacy association for the interior design profession. As the national advocacy body, IDC represents more than 4,000 members including fully qualified interior designers, Intern members (who have yet to pass their exams), students, educators and retired members.
International Interior Design Association: A commercial interior design association supporting design professionals, industry affiliates, educators, students, firms, and their clients through a network of 15,000+ members across 58 countries.
LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is basically a third-party certification program. It is a nationally accepted organization for design, operation and construction of high performance green buildings. This ensures the buildings are environmentally compatible, provide a healthy work environment and are profitable. Canada is one of the top territories in the world for LEED certification.
National Kitchen & Bath Association: (NKBA) A not-for-profit association that through the creation of marketplaces, networks and certifications, NKBA will inspire, lead, and empower the kitchen and bath industry.Ontario/Canada Chapter The mission of the NKBA is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry in Southern Ontario.