International Well Building Institute and the American Society of Interior Designers Partner to Elevate Health and Wellness in Design

June 14, 2016  by in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

The partnership will help advance the profession by demonstrating design’s impact on the human experience, and position design professionals at the leading edge of industry practices through co-developed research, education, and training opportunities around the WELL Building Standard™ (WELL).

“Interior design has the power to impact our health and wellness in a tremendously positive way,” said IWBI Founder Paul Scialla. “Partnering with the American Society of Interior Designers will help further engage this important community of commercial and residential designers, which is critical to the global awareness of the importance of health and wellness in the built environment.”

As part of the collaboration, ASID has pledged to educate its members in preparing for the  WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP™) program with a goal to significantly grow the number of practitioners who become accredited in the coming months. The WELL AP credential signifies knowledge in human health and wellness in the built environment and specialization in the principles, practices, and applications of the WELL Building Standard, which is the first building standard to focus exclusively on the health and wellness of the people in buildings.

In addition, ASID will provide informational and research-based resources to support members in developing innovative interior design solutions that can enhance health and well-being.

The alliance will also generate research on the health impacts of the built environment, with ASID and IWBI collaborating on a pre- and post- occupancy study on the new ASID National Headquarters in Washington, D.C., which is registered to pursue WELL Certification.  

“By aligning with IWBI, ASID reaffirms its commitment to demonstrate that interior design can improve people’s lives,” said Randy Fiser, CEO of the American Society of Interior Designers. “Our partnership goes beyond a statement of mutual support. We will continue to work with and through our members, the broader design community, and their clients to advocate for the integration of health and wellness in all spaces, buildings, and communities. Last month, ASID moved into its new corporate headquarters in Washington, D.C., which is registered for WELL and targeting platinum level certification. Our office will be a living laboratory – a tool to advance research and education around health, wellness, and well-being. We are living the commitment.”

Pioneered by Delos™, WELL is an evidence and performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features that impact human health and well-being in the built environment, through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind.  WELL is administered by IWBI and third-party certified by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). To date, the program has enrolled nearly 170 building projects in 18 countries.