IIDA NY to Host Third Annual Career Night

The International Interior Design Association’s New York Chapter (IIDA NY) proudly hosts its third annual Career Night on Wednesday, March 25, from 5–9 PM. This signature event brings design students and early- to mid-career professionals together with leading architecture and design firms from across the greater New York City area for an evening of mentorship, networking, and career insights. The event will take place at the Kielhauer Showroom (200 Lexington Ave, #1101, New York, NY 10016).

Launched by IIDA NY’s Student Development Committee in 2024, Career Night has quickly become a high-impact platform for professional growth and community building. Attendees will participate in interactive workshops, career discussions, and portfolio reviews, as well as have the opportunity to take professional headshots. This year’s Career Night introduces several exciting new initiatives:

• Welcome to the Industry Scholarship – An economic aid scholarship for a college student, awarded through the Design Camp Committee, supporting emerging talent as they transition into the professional world.

• Experiential Vendor Show – Sponsors will have the opportunity to engage directly with emerging designers, students, and top industry professionals in a creative, interactive setting. This reimagined approach allows sponsors to showcase their products while redefining the traditional materials fair experience.

• Professional Development with LMNOP – An engaging activity designed to introduce students and emerging professionals to pathways for continued involvement with IIDA and the design industry after graduation.

• Keynote Address by Stephen Wilder – A respected figure in architecture, Stephen Wilder serves as President of the New York Coalition of Black Architects (NYCOBA) and maintains professional affiliations with organizations such as AIA and the National Organization of Minority Architects. Through his visionary leadership, Stephen has become a trailblazer and thought leader, shaping communities and inspiring the next generation of designers.

“Last year’s Career Night was inspiring, seeing so many students and emerging professionals connect with industry leaders, receive mentorship, and leave with new confidence was incredibly rewarding,” said Robin Reigi, IIDA NY President Elect and Career Night Creator. “We are thrilled to build on that energy this year and create another evening where designers at every stage can learn, grow, and feel supported by our vibrant IIDA NY community,” added Paridhi Chawla, Co-Vice President of Student Development at IIDA NY.

Career Night will also honor the three recipients of the fifth annual Hazel Siegel Scholarship—Rahil Mandalia (Pratt), Syna Saigal (The New School, Parsons), and Sarah Touri (RIT)—for their creativity, thoughtful design, and commitment to inclusive, human-centered environments, reflecting the legacy of the late textile designer Hazel Siegel.

For more information about IIDA NY’s Career Night, please visit https://iidany.org/event/student-development-career-night/

About IIDA NY

The IIDA New York Chapter (IIDA NY)—an inclusive community of creative and diverse professionals, industry partners and students—celebrates design, encourages collaboration, shares knowledge and advocates for the interior design community. This professional networking and educational association provides invaluable resources to more than 700 members in 10 specialty forums to enhance their expertise, knowledge and contacts. IIDA NY is proudly committed to design advocacy, sustainability, civic engagement, student mentorship and development, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. For more information, visit: http://www.iidany.org/.