IIDA announced the signing of a Charter Agreement with the United States General Services Administration. As the U.S. GSA strives to deliver excellence in design, the organization has reached out to the International Interior Design Association to support its Design Excellence programs, encouraging collaboration with IIDA peer design professionals in all future work. With an additional 300 new projects and $5.5 billion in stimulus expenditures for modernization of existing buildings, the integration with interiors professionals will include lighting, furnishings, floor coverings and interior elements.

The Charter Agreement being signed by Les Sheppard and Cheryl Durst

Specifically, the Partnering Agreement states that GSA Interior Designers will participate in IIDA Chapter Government Forums, share knowledge of GSA Policies and Initiatives through presentations and guest speaking engagements, serve on IIDA committees, participate in local events, provide access to GSA internal experts, and share trends and practices. IIDA and its Members will promote the role of interior design within GSA, develop partnerships with regional GSA designers, add professional credibility to GSA and the individual Designer, provide educational opportunities through IIDA Chapter events, provide exposure to other designers and increase GSA membership and involvement in IIDA.

The Partnering Agreement was signed by Les Sheppard, AIA, Chief Architect, U.S. GSA and Cheryl Durst, Honorary FIIDA, LEED AP, CEO/Executive Vice President, IIDA, during the Government Forum Meeting at NeoCon Worlds Trade Fair, Wednesday, June 17, 2009 and was attended by nearly 100 industry professionals. The group plans to meet again during NeoCon East in October.