IA Interior Architects Diversity in Design Scholarship
AwardsIA Interior Architects established the IA Interior Architects Diversity in Design Scholarship in partnership with the IIDA Foundation to support and elevate students that represent diverse voices and perspectives in interior design, with the goal of enriching diversity of thought and practice across the industry.
A diverse design community drives innovation and inclusion by incorporating different experiences, voices, and ideas, and as the future of design, students are a major force pushing the industry towards more diverse and inclusive workplaces.
“At IA Interior Architects our commitment to the future of interior architecture is a firm-wide passion. This translates into a desire to mentor the development of young, visionary designers within our studios. We also recognize that the future of design begins at the university level. IA is proud to be part of this new IIDA Foundation initiative and we hope this scholarship will play a part in moving that cause forward.”
-Tom Powers, co-President/CEO, IA Interior Architects
Applications
Applications are now open. Apply here.
Open: October 7, 2025
Close: December 5, 2025
Eligibility
This scholarship award is open to minority graduate and undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in an interior design or architecture programs worldwide.
Award
The program awards one $5,000 scholarship, one $3,000 scholarship, and four $500 scholarships annually. The recipients will also receive official digital assets, a mention on IIDA’s website, and recognition on IIDA social media channels.
2025 IA Interior Architects Diversity in Design Scholarship Recipients
First Place
Shailynn Charley, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
Second Place
Anthony Pearl, Student IIDA, Savannah College of Art and Design
2024 IA Interior Architects Diversity in Design Scholarship Recipients
First Place
Sophia Vinasco, Student IIDA, Louisiana State University
Secon Place
Joe Beal, Student IIDA, George Washington University
Read the winning essays here
2023 IA Interior Architects Diversity in Design Scholarship Recipients
First Place
Bella Oliver, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Second Place
Sidnia Garcia, Student IIDA, Thomas Jefferson University