2026 Kimball International Makers of a Better Future Award
Kimball International established the Makers of a Better Future fund in partnership with the IIDA Foundation to support IIDA members designers and architects who are integrating the spirit of foresight into design, fostering innovative solutions for tomorrow's challenges. This award recognizes those committed to advancing technology, sustainability, or social evolution through visionary design practices.
For questions on this award, email foundation@iida.org.
Submissions Open: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Submissions Close: Friday, March 6, 2026
Submission Details:
Please share a recent design project, program, solution, initiative, model, or business that integrates strategic foresight or future-focused design principles – following the instructions for the video and written components below.
VIDEO COMPONENT: Approx. 5 minutes in length. Please include the following elements:
A. Brief introduction - provide background on your experience and passion for commercial interior design and future-forward design.
B. Description of a recent or in-progress design solution [i.e. built environment, design project or product, business model] in workplace, health, or education that integrates future considerations for the next 5-10 years.
- Include project’s purpose, scope, and key elements of the project.
- Talk about "signals of change" [i.e. an early, observable indicator that suggests a meaningful shift may be emerging within a system or industry] that you identified which helped shaped the project direction.
- Describe how your design solution integrates macro-industry trends [i.e. climate change, AI, housing insecurity, technological advancements] and how they could evolve over the future in 5-10 years, noting how your project is designed to adapt to that.
C. Include images, renderings, and sketches that help to tell the story.
WRITTEN COMPONENT: 300 words max. per section.
Additional requirements:
- 1 Letter of Recommendation
- CV/Resume
- Credentials as applicable