ISFD Invites Designers and Students to Join in 2025

Furniture World News Desk on 1/7/2025

The International Society of Furniture Designers® (ISFD) invites professional and student furniture designers to join its organization in the new year. Dedicated to advancing the profession of furniture design, ISFD provides a platform for designers, manufacturers, retailers, and industry partners to connect, grow, and collaborate.

ISFD’s members include residential and contract product designers, manufacturers, retailers, trade affiliates, and university professors, supported by sponsors such as HPMA, ANDMORE, Sherwin-Williams, Lockdowel, Continental Hardware, and Appalachian Hardware. Hooker Furniture contributes to the ISFD Foundation scholarship fund, and Canadian Wood is a corporate partner.

“ISFD is dedicated to excellence, education, and originality in furniture design and serves as the voice of the furniture design community,” said 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.”

Membership Benefits

Members gain access to a variety of resources and opportunities, including:

• Peer networking through general meetings.
• Job referrals for furniture designers.
• A comprehensive membership directory with contact information.
• Entry fee discounts for the Pinnacle Awards.
• Health insurance discounts (30–50%) through America’s Healthcare Experts.
• Free passes to High Point Market (valued at $55+).
• Discounts on office supplies from Staples/Office Depot.
• Discounted subscriptions to Furniture Today.

Member Testimonials

Joe Mallison, a founding ISFD member, praised the organization’s role in supporting emerging designers. “I am always inspired by ISFD’s ability to help young furniture designers establish and support themselves using its knowledge and networking opportunities,” he said.

Steve Hodges emphasized the value of professional connections: “By far, the greatest benefit to joining ISFD is networking with one’s peers, particularly with the rapidly changing technology and shifting retail channels.”

Educational Opportunities for Students

ISFD also provides benefits to students and educators through scholarships, design competitions, and networking. Richard Prisco, a professor of industrial design at Appalachian State University, noted, “The scholarships and design competitions showcase students' talents and provide a stage to promote our program.”

Jane Nichols, Chair and Associate Professor at High Point University, highlighted how ISFD connects classrooms with the industry. “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,” she said.

Join ISFD

ISFD welcomes anyone passionate about advancing furniture design to become a member. To learn more and sign up, visit Join ISFD | International Society of Furniture Designers.

About ISFD
The International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD) is an association of professional and student furniture designers in residential and contract furnishings and accessories. Its mission is to promote and advance outstanding design and to elevate and support the furniture designer through networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Its Pinnacle Awards® recognize the very best in furniture design each year, and its INNOVATION + DESIGN awards promote the outstanding work of designer-makers. Visit ISFD.org for more information about the organization and its programs, or follow its activities on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter.