Hiring an interior designer for a residential or commercial project offers numerous benefits. A designer brings valuable expertise and knowledge in areas such as space optimization, functional layout, furniture selection, color coordination, and access to qualified contractors and resources—all of which contribute to a project’s success. Beyond these practical advantages, there are also important “soft” benefits: a skilled designer can evoke a specific mood or atmosphere through thoughtful space planning, color palettes and furniture arrangement, creating an environment that feels both cohesive and inviting for its occupants.

In Georgia, the largest organization representing the state’s interior designers is the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Like its national counterpart, the Georgia Chapter of ASID is celebrating its golden anniversary this year and kicked off the milestone with a 50th anniversary celebration last February. For the past 50 years, the Georgia Chapter has been dedicated to sharing knowledge, advocating for interior designers and expanding design markets across the state. Its professional members must pass rigorous acceptance standards requiring a combination of accredited design education, work experience and passage of a two-day accreditation exam administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification. Based in the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC), the chapter offers professional development, thought leadership and valuable resources, and also upholds best design practices to support Georgia’s vibrant professional community.

“Celebrating 50 years of the ASID Georgia Chapter is not just a look back—it’s a powerful moment to honor the legacy of design excellence, leadership and community that have shaped our profession across the state,” says Susan Currie, ASID Allied, president of the Georgia Chapter of ASID. “This milestone marks a pivotal point in our history, where we proudly reflect on our accomplishments and boldly chart the course for the next generation of design innovators.”

Georgia ASID is one of the first state chapters in the country; the national ASID organization also is celebrating 50 years in 2025 and will mark the occasion in August with its national conference, GATHER 2025, hosted in Atlanta. The event is focused around ASID’s anniversary theme: “Celebrating 50 years of Interior Design Excellence: Honoring our past, designing the future.”

According to the national organization, the selection of Atlanta as this year’s host city is particularly meaningful, as the city holds a special place in ASID’s history. From its early years, Atlanta has played a pivotal role in the organization’s development, serving as a key hub for the growth of the interior design profession. As ASID celebrates five decades of impact, returning to Atlanta underscores both the legacy and the continued evolution of design leadership. The city’s rich architectural heritage, vibrant creative culture and forward-thinking design community make it the perfect backdrop for this milestone celebration. The conference will be held at the Signia by Hilton Atlanta, with ASID hosting additional events, tours and programming throughout the city to highlight Atlanta’s design community.

“ASID is proud of its legacy and excited to celebrate it at this year’s GATHER,” says Khoi Vo, ASID’s chief executive officer. “Most importantly, GATHER showcases the heart of our organization—our design community. ASID’s practitioners and industry embody the passion and dedication that have fueled ASID for half of a century, and we’re thrilled to create a place for them to learn and connect in Atlanta this summer.”

Georgia ASID has nearly 900 members, representing design professionals, educators, industry partners, students and affiliate members. One of its key goals this year is increasing volunteerism in the local chapter to reflect the robust design community and better reach out to include those who are just getting their start in the industry. “We have a long line of volunteers who have served and led the chapter in the past,” Currie says. “We are grateful for what they have done to keep our chapter strong and growing. Our mission has always been to ensure the design industry is professionally recognized.”

Past chapter president Janie Hirsch, FASID, says she is proud of how the Georgia Chapter has elevated the quality and attendance of design events over the years, including tripling attendance at its annual Design Excellence Awards. She also credits ASID with providing a plethora of resources to its members at both the local and national levels. “The Foundation conducts research that we can access, along with other resources,” she says. “I personally love the relationships I’ve developed over the years; I’ve met some of my best friends through ASID. The camaraderie the organization offers always brings me back.”

Georgia ASID offers programming that adds value to its members, which they can pass along to the clients they serve. “We want to provide the kind of information that helps them create great residential and commercial projects, whether that’s through design strategies or ensuring projects comply with building codes and are safe,” Currie says.

Incoming chapter president Pamola Powell, ASID, hopes to build upon existing momentum established over the past year through new member and sponsor expansion. “My vision is to foster a vibrant community that promotes collaboration, innovation and professional growth,” she says. “With the incredible programming and other events this year, we have helped maintain our position as the largest and leading professional interior design organization in the U.S.”

Powell and others in the Georgia Chapter say that ASID’s continuing education courses are some of the most important benefits for members because they propel members toward design leadership and innovation.

Currie first became involved in Georgia ASID when she was a student, so inclusivity as it relates to experience is important to her. “We always want to ensure we are growing and advancing opportunities for interior designers,” she says. “As the Georgia Chapter has grown, our membership has grown more and more diverse, which is a reflection of the times and the state. We have all ages and ethnicities involved in this chapter, from well-credentialed professional members to students and emerging professionals. We are an inclusive organization, with both residential and commercial designers under one umbrella.”

Although the chapter marked its milestone anniversary earlier this year, local events continue to recognize its contributions to the design industry. The annual meeting in September offers another opportunity to celebrate and appreciate members, while additional events held throughout the year at industry partner showrooms provide ongoing opportunities for networking and engagement.

Every activity and initiative undertaken by Georgia ASID’s leadership is guided by the organization’s core values: championing best practices in interior design and their impact on people’s lives, offering resources that empower members to thrive in the marketplace, serving as a thought leader on issues influencing the design industry, and upholding principles that sustain and elevate the profession. *

Dana W. Todd is a professional writer specializing in interior design, real estate, luxury homebuilding, landscape design, architecture and fine art.

Top left: Micah Brown with The Slab Boutique by Francois & Co. Top right: Scott Moore with Humphries Bottom left: Jenna Socci with Kravet; Janie Hirsch, FASID; and Brittany Garman | Photo by Focus Minded Photo bottom right: Antonette Copeland with Construction Resources