New in 2025, the PLAID program will expand to serve both the Washington Metro and Baltimore-Annapolis City Centers, offering emerging designers the opportunity to build meaningful, local connections within their professional communities. The Washington Metro City Center (WMCC) cohort will launch in October 2025, followed by the inaugural Baltimore-Annapolis City Center (BACC) cohort in January 2026.
PLAID Program
Propelling Leadership + Advocacy in Interior Design
IIDA Mid Atlantic Chapter’s core values are to advocate, educate and engage. We see no better way to achieve these goals than to provide an Emerging Leadership Program. This program is designed for early career professionals who have an interest and talent for leadership within the interior design community. The goal is to provide participants with a better understanding of various aspects of interior design and how they relate to each other. This will offer participants the opportunity to explore many facets of our industry, to engage in dialogue with experienced leaders and experts and to develop a network of colleagues within the Mid Atlantic region.
2025-2026 APPLICATIONS FOR WMCC ARE NOW OPEN
Information & Requirements
✓ All IIDA MAC Associate and Professional Members are encouraged to apply. Limited spots available. Acceptance by application process.
✓ Sessions ARE held monthly for seven months on a Friday from 1pm – 5pm. Participants agree to commit to the full program duration.
✓ Approval from participant’s firm leadership is required to show agreement of the participant’s 4 hours a month (28 hours total) program commitment.
✓ Each participant will be allowed one excused absence.
APPLICATION process
PLAID enrollment opens annually each Summer with the first sessions beginning in the Fall. The PLAID course runs from Fall-Spring of the following year.
STEP 1
Be an IIDA member. To be considered for the PLAID program, designers must be IIDA Members that have 1-5 years of experience.
STEP 3
Send your application over to the VP of Professional Development. After a review period, you'll find out if you've been selected for the PLAID class.
STEP 2
Fill out the application! The application includes two long-response, firm leadership approval, letter of recommendation and resume.