Interior Design Student Organization Connects Students with each other and Opportunities

For over 28 years, the Interior Design Student Organization (IDSO) has enabled students within the Interior Architecture and Design (IA&D) program to connect with one another as well as with career practitioners in the American Society of Interior Designers and International Interior Design Association professional organizations throughout the United States and internationally. Through building a network with their peers and outside professionals, students in the IAD program have the opportunity to foster professional connections and to seek mentorship while attending Florida State.

Professor Kelley Robinson of the IA&D Department is the current faculty advisor, and serves the active council that can range from 20-35 members or more. Each year, the IDSO puts on numerous events to provide students with networking opportunities including trade fairs, guest speaker events and visits to interiors projects, and these events are further bolstered by Florida State University faculty, who bring to the events their own expertise and connections.

“Members of the Interior Design Student Organization contribute to the impressive 95% post-graduation employment rate in the IAD program,” said Robinson. “Student members especially benefit from making connections with professional organizations to receive scholarships and enter competitions. Several of our members have been recognized for their work by both national and international design organizations.”

Despite the Covid-19 crisis, the IDSO continues to hold virtual events and to connect students with one another and with outside professionals. “The health and well-being of students and members is the top priority of the Interior Design Student Organization,” said Robinson. “In lieu of meeting face to face, we will be offering virtual critique sessions for members’ projects and portfolios and hosting group meetings to stay connected and engaged during these times.”

Students interested in participating in the IDSO can complete the membership application, which is open to all second through fourth-year members of the Interior Architecture and Design program. The membership includes all benefits listed above and the opportunity to run for a position on the Executive Board in future semesters. For more information, please contact Kelley Robinson at kgrobinson@fsu.edu.