Interior Design Society Announces Winners of Designer of the Year Awards

October 6, 2026  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

“This year’s Designer of the Year Award winners showcase the creativity, thoughtful problem-solving, and attention to detail that make residential design so meaningful,” said Jenny Cano, IDS executive director. “We’re proud to recognize their exceptional work and celebrate the many ways our members create spaces that enrich their clients’ lives.”

The 2026 winners of the Designer of the Year Awards are:

Space Designs:

Accessory Dwelling Unit: Design Lifestyles

Bathrooms 75 sq ft and Below: Monica McCaskill Interiors

Bathrooms 76–125 sq ft: Dorian Bolick / Red Door Living

Bathrooms 126–200 sq ft: Partum Interiors - Dominika Chanc

Bathrooms 201 sq ft and Above: J Squared Home Designs by Juliana Ewer

Powder Rooms: Krystal Reinhard

Bedrooms 150 sq ft and Below: Kat Black Interiors

Bedrooms 151 - 300 sq ft: Angela Rennie

Bedrooms 301 sq ft and Above: Dana Bass Designs

Dining Rooms 200 sq ft and Below: Elizabeth Ryan Interiors

Dining Rooms 201 sq ft and Above: Debbe Daley

Entry Way & Foyers: Sabina Kunitsyna and Brittnie Giles

Health & Wellness Space/Home Gym: Nicole Yee, NY Interiors

Home Bar / Wine Cellar: Deborah Gregg Interiors

Home Office / Studio / Craft 150 sq ft and Below: Studio Steidley

Home Office / Studio / Craft 151 sq ft and Above: Leah S Mamone

Kid & Teen Rooms: Baker Design Group

Kitchens 250 sq ft and Below: Brittnie Giles and Sabina Kunitsyna

Kitchens 251 – 350 sq ft: Haus of Blaylock

Kitchens 351 – 500 sq ft: Studio Steidley

Kitchens 501 sq ft and Above: Melissa Trivette

Living Spaces 150 sq ft and Below: Michelle Yorke

Living Spaces 151 – 300 sq ft: Debbe Daley

Living Spaces 301 - 450 sq ft: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors

Living Spaces 451 sq ft and Above: Dana Bass Designs

New Construction 3,001 sq ft and Above: Jana Schleif Interiors

New Construction 3,000 sq ft and Below: Nicole Yee, NY Interiors

Nurseries: Clarissa Oleksowicz

Outdoor Spaces - Furnishings and Decor: Dana Bass Designs

Outdoor Spaces - Furnishings & Construction: Megan Long

Pet Feature: Debbe Daley

Recreation Spaces 500 sq ft and Below: Dana Bass Designs

Recreation Spaces 501 sq ft and Above: Gina D’Amore Bauerle

Utility Spaces 150 sq ft and Below: Kendra Stewart

Utility Spaces 151 sq ft and Above: Bellisa Design

Whole Home 3,001 sq ft and above: Christine Cook, EP Interior

Whole Home 3,000 sq ft and below: Debbe Daley

Specialty Awards

Digital Rendering: TAB Interior Designs

Holiday Design: Dana Bass Designs

Product Design: Shayla Copas Lifestyle

Sherwin-Williams Award: Amy Owens, Hidden Gem Design Group

Smart Home / Technical Lighting Feature(s): Sights-N-Sounds and Keith Baltimore

Student Design Award: Lisa Le

Sustainable Design: Erica Reiner

Unique Design Element (tie): Old Soul Design Studio and Meehan Giacone Design

Universal Design / Aging in Place: Susy McBride

Vacation Rental Design: Design Vision Studio

Value Design: J Squared Home Designs by Juliana Ewer

Business Practices

Best Social Media Presence: Veronica Ferro, Britt Hinrichs

Best Studio Design: Angela Rennie

Best Website: Mae Reedy Build + Design

IMPACT Awards

Group IMPACT Award: Rhobin DelaCruz Designs | The Design Besties

Individual IMPACT Award (tie): Fredric Alexander and Ryan Williams

Industry Partner or Sponsor IMPACT Award: Heritage School of Interior Design Dallas

All winners and runners-up are also listed on the Interior Design Society website here.