Many designers are looking for that something that helps them stand out from others. Saying you are an award-winning designer can do just that. It separates you when speaking with potential clients and helps you to stand out in the industry overall.
If you are a member of the Interior Design Society, chances are you have heard about our Designer of the Year Awards. Or maybe you've experienced the thrill from winning one of these design awards. From bedrooms, to recreation spaces, to home offices and new construction, there is truly a category for every designer.
This year is our tenth year of the awards program, and it has come a long way since its origination in 2010. There are now over 30 categories in residential interior design. Some of our most popular categories, Space Designs, have added a third pricing tier this year to allow for improved competition. Click here to see a list of all available categories.
What can winning a national design award do you for?
There are many reasons designers apply for a national design award. We believe the most impactful reasons to apply for the IDS Designer of the Year (DOTY) Awards are:
1. Increased Press & Recognition: We feature all Designer of the Year winners and runner ups on our website, social media sites, and on our blog. Your design will be seen on many outlets, which often provides further published opportunities for many winners.
2. Sense of Pride and Accomplishment: Winning a National Design Award can do more than just help promote your business; it can fill you with a personal sense of accomplishment. Winning one of these awards means a lot, and helps you stand out from others.
3. Interior Design Credibility: Winning a DOTY Award gives you a conversation point during consultations with potential clients. It sets you apart and proves to your clients that you are a qualified and talented designer. Read below for a testimonial from Patricia Lockwood on how winning DOTY Awards has helped her business to boom.
Let's take a look back on winners from year's past. We were able to speak with some of them, who shared testimonials of success, pride, and business excellence.
2018-2019 Kitchens $50,000 & Below
Winner: Ginger Curtis, Urbanology Design
"To win a DOTY award means your work has been chosen as the best of the best in the industry, it doesn’t get much better than that. Receiving the award for the past three years has not only elevated my business, but positioned me as an expert in the industry." - Ginger Curtis, Urbanology Designs
2017 Outdoor Spaces
Winner: Design Vision Studio
"IDS has been an integral part of growing my business as an independent interior designer. My membership with IDS shows that I am dedicated to staying current and relevant in the design field. Being recognized and awarded the IDS Designer of the Year is a conversation point with clients and has allowed me to increase my design fees." - Patricia Lockwood, Design Vision Studio
Living Spaces, $30,000 & Below
Winner: Kara Karpenske, Kamarron Design, Inc.
"Winning multiple IDS DOTY Awards has built recognition for the work my team and I do in the design industry. It has benefited my business as it shows others my expertise in design, giving instant credibility to my work. IDS DOTY Awards prove credibility in the industry as well because the awards are judged by industry-leaders and experts in the Interior Design field. It has also opened PR doors, and has allowed me to benchmark myself against others and truly stand out from the crowd." - Kara Karpenske, Kamarron Design, Inc.
2017 Bathrooms $30,000 & Below
Winner: Michele Youell, Natural Domain Interiors
“Being able to tell a national account manager about winning DOTY awards has helped me to secure a large trade show job this year. Winning awards is not only important for business development, it fills me with gratitude and a sense of pride." - Michele Youell, Natural Domain Interiors
Ready to apply? Click here to set up an account and enter your best work from 2019 (project must have been completed between October 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019). The 2020 award recipients will be recognized at our Awards Gala on August 7th in Chicago, IL, during our 2020 IDS National Conference.
