6.10.13 | Chicago, IL | The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) proudly announces IIDA Georgia Chapter as the winner of its Large Chapter of the Year, and IIDA Great Plains Chapter as its Small Chapter of the Year. The Chapter Awards are designed to encourage IIDA Chapters to develop and maintain excellence in Design and to enhance the profession at the local level. In addition to the Chapter of the Year designations, winners in nine specialty categories were recognized.

“The elevation of Design is at the root of everything that IIDA strives to achieve, and we are proud to acknowledge these Chapters for their commitment to that goal,” Executive Vice President and CEO Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, LEED AP, said. “Through their steadfast dedication to representing and maintaining the profession at its highest level, these Chapters have inspired their peers and illustrated to their communities the importance of Design. We are delighted to recognize them for their diligence and innovation.”

The judging panel agreed, singling out the Chapter of the Year winners for distinctive praise. “[Georgia’s] application communicated a real sense of family for the organization,” Diana Bitting, editor-in-chief of Modern Luxury said. “That's what implored us to rank Georgia strongly — in terms of making an impact in the community and in the lives of its members, it was no contest.”

“A solid contender throughout, the Great Plains told a great story of their Chapter overall,” Bud Rodecker, graphic designer for thirst/a design collaborative, said. “This year’s submissions were overall of a very high caliber and were well-articulated, thought-out and had a high degree of professionalism.”

The winners of the IIDA 2013 Chapter Awards are:

Chapter of the Year – Large
IIDA Georgia Chapter

Chapter of the Year – Small
IIDA Great Plains Chapter

Excellence in Membership Marketing Communications
Winner: IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter
Honorable Mention: IIDA Great Plains Chapter

Excellence in Programs & Forum Educational Activities – Chapter
Winner: IIDA New York Chapter
Honorable Mention: IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter
Honorable Mention: IIDA Georgia Chapter

Excellence in Programs & Forum Educational Activities – City Center
Winner: IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter
Honorable Mention: IIDA Illinois Chapter

Excellence in Programs & Forum Educational Activities – Campus Center
Winner: IIDA Northern Pacific Chapter
Honorable Mention: IIDA Great Plains Chapter

Excellence in Chapter Advocacy & GRA Activities
Winner: IIDA New York Chapter
Honorable Mention: IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter

Excellence in Graphics – Overall
Winner: IIDA Alabama Chapter
Honorable Mention: IIDA Great Plains Chapter
Honorable Mention: IIDA Georgia Chapter

Excellence in Graphics – Special Event
Winner: IIDA Northland Chapter
Honorable Mention: IIDA New York Chapter

Chapter of the Year honorees were announced at the IIDA Annual Meeting held Sunday, June 9, 2013, at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. Specialty category winners were recognized during the IIDA Chapter Awards June 7, 2013, in the Milliken showroom at Merchandise Mart, Chicago.

About International Interior Design Association

The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) is a professional networking and educational association with more than 13,000 Members practicing worldwide in more than 50 countries. IIDA is committed to enhancing the quality of life through excellence in Interior Design and advancing Interior Design through knowledge, value and community. IIDA advocates for Interior Design excellence; nurtures a global Interior Design community; maintains high educational standards; and supports its Members and the Profession with visionary leadership. IIDA has helped reveal new Design talent through a variety of trade show involvement and Interior Design/Architecture competitions honoring national and international talent, including the Interior Design Competition, Global Excellence Awards and Hospitality Product Design Competition. www.iida.org