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From Home Furnishing Business
ISFD Membership Open to Professional & Student Designers
January 7,
2025 by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry 
Heighten your furniture design career by joining the International Society of Furniture Designers® (ISFD). ISFD is an association of professional and student product designers in residential and contract furnishings, who are dedicated to advancing, improving, and supporting the profession of furniture design and its positive impact in the marketplace.
In addition to furniture designers, the membership is comprised of manufacturers, retailers, trade affiliates, industry partners, and university professors. The association’s sponsors include HPMA, ANDMORE, Furniture Design Studios, Sherwin Williams, Lockdowel, Continental Hardware, and Appalachian Hardware. Hooker Furniture contributes to the ISFD Foundation scholarship fund, and the corporate partner is Canadian Wood.
“ISFD is dedicated to excellence, education, and originality in furniture design and serves as the voice of the furniture design community,” stated David Blair, executive director of ISFD. “Whether you are a student, seasoned professional, or a manufacturer, joining ISFD is a great way to support, motivate, and inspire the designers of tomorrow, build a deeper network of quality contacts, and stay informed on how the furniture design community is evolving.”
Member benefits:
— General meetings and peer networking
— Furniture designer job referrals
— Furniture designer resources
— Monthly newsletter
— Access to membership directory complete with contact information
— Pinnacle Award entry fee discount
— 30-50% discount on health insurance with America’s Healthcare Experts
— Free High Point Market passes ($55+ value)
— Staples/Office Depot discount
— Furniture Today discounted subscription
According to member, Joe Mallison, “As one of the founding members I am always inspired by ISFD’s ability to help young emerging furniture designers establish and support themselves using its knowledge, networking information, and monitoring.” Steve Hodges, added, “By far, the greatest benefit to joining ISFD is networking with one’s peers, particularly with the rapidly changing technology and shifting retail channels.”
Regarding students, Appalachian State Professor of Industrial Design, Richard Prisco, said, “I benefit through my students and the opportunities that are made available to them. The scholarships and design competitions are excellent. They showcase students' talents and provide a stage to promote our program.”
Jane Nichols, High Point University Chair and Associate Professor Luke Family Endowed Professorship in Interior Design, added “As an educator, I can bring ideas and trends into the classroom. I can offer students opportunities to engage in furniture design realistically, connecting with local professionals in critiques, design competitions, and internships. As a designer, I learn what my colleagues are up to and what furniture manufacturers are looking for. And I find inspiration in emerging furniture designs and the industry at large.”
Want to learn more? Visit Join ISFD | International Society of Furniture Designers and sign up today.