A History of the American Society of Interior Designers 

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) is a prominent professional organization that has evolved significantly since its founding in 1975. Born out of the merger between two legacy groups—the American Institute of Decorators (AID) and the National Society of Interior Designers (NSID)—ASID has been instrumental in shaping the interior design profession over the years.

Formation and Early Years 

The roots of ASID reach back to the early 20th century, when the U.S. interior design profession was growing in stature and influence. In 1931, the American Institute of Interior Decorators (AIID), later (AID), was formed as a social club, but AID gradually adopted a more professional structure.

During the 1950s, the rise of new design methodologies and commercial applications led to the formation of the National Society of Interior Designers (NSID) in 1957, which was committed to the professionalization of interior design.

ASID is Formed 

The 1970s saw AID and NSID seeking common ground, and the pivotal moment in 1975 when the two organizations merged to form ASID. This unification reflected a shared commitment to advancing interior design, improving public understanding, and establishing a more robust presence in regulatory and legislative contexts.

ASID rapidly expanded its influence, creating programs to foster education and accreditation standards and becoming increasingly active in advocating for legislative measures to protect interior designers’ rights to practice.

Leadership in Advocacy and Professional Development 

The 1980s and 1990s were marked by significant legislative victories and professional advancements for ASID. In 1984, ASID’s Louisiana chapter helped secure one of the first state title acts, which restricted the title "interior designer" to qualified professionals. This set a precedent for similar legislation across other states.

The organization also emphasized continuing education and sustainability. In 1989, ASID offered its first sustainable design course, pioneering an early focus on environmental responsibility that would become a hallmark of the organization.

Technological and Operational Modernization 

In the 1990s, ASID leveraged technological advances to strengthen member engagement. The launch of Network ASID, an online service for designers, marked one of the first forays into virtual communication within the field. This early adoption of digital technology anticipated future trends and underscored ASID's commitment to innovation.

ASID's operations also saw the relocation of its headquarters from New York City to Washington, D.C. in 1991, positioning the Society closer to national policymakers, enabling it to better advocate for the profession on the legislative front.

Embracing Sustainability and Health in Design 

ASID’s partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council in the early 2000s cemented its role as an advocate for environmentally responsible design. By establishing programs around sustainable and universal design principles, ASID promoted practices that would help interior designers contribute to a more resilient and healthier built environment.

ASID's headquarters office in Washington, D.C. became the world’s first space to achieve both LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and WELL Platinum certifications, est. in 2016.

ASID's commitment to diversity and inclusivity was highlighted by the creation of programs such as the “Ones to Watch” initiative, launched in 2017 to support diverse talent within the profession. These efforts demonstrated ASID's forward-thinking approach and commitment to an inclusive industry.