Developed and produced by IIDA, the International Interior Design Association, and supported in Miami by Black Architects in the Making (BAM), the IIDA South Florida Chapter, and Fresh Artists. The Design Your World (DYW) summer program introduces students to the fundamentals and practice of commercial interior design.

Students will develop a basic understanding of commercial interior design including the history and process of design, sustainability, ergonomics, materials and furnishings through practical learning sessions, hands-on projects, field trips, and industry engagement. DYW will also introduce the business practices of interior design, career specializations, and educational requirements—all supported by visits from designers, manufacturers, and design school representatives.

WHEN

Monday, June 12 through Friday, July 7.

Instruction will be Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Final presentations by teams will be on Friday, July 7.

DATES OF NOTE
There will be no class on the following days

Monday, June 19 - (“Juneteenth” Holiday)
Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4 (Independence Day)
There WILL BE CLASS ON July 5-7

WHERE

Florida International University (FIU), School of Architecture

Paul L. Cejas School of Architecture, Room PCA175, Ground floor

For map/directions to the Paul L. Cejas School of Architecture -- CLICK HERE

WHO

Professional Designer and Educator – Kenzie Leon Perry*
Teaching Assistant – Amalia Morejon

Teaching Assistant – Anya Savain

*Bio are available in the Resources section below.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Included in the program are two in-person field trips in Miami area.
- Gensler Miami offices (545 NW 26th St) - dates/times TBA

- Historic Hampton House (4240 NW 27th Ave) - dates/times TBA

A stipend of $400 will be paid to each student who completes the program having met the required attendance threshold.

Program Resources

FIU Campus Release Waiver for DYW Miami 2023

All DYW students and their parent/guardian must download the form using the button below, print, fill in all required fields, and bring the completed waiver with them on the first day of class and give to DYW Program Manager Phyllis Jones.

Thank you!

Download FIU Waiver

DYW Miami Program
Participant Waiver 2023

All DYW students and their parent/guardian must download the form using the button below, print, fill in all required fields, and bring the completed authorization with them on the first day of class. All documents need to be given to DYW Program Manager Phyllis Jones.

Thank you!

Download DYW Waiver

Medical Authorization
for DYW Miami 2023

All DYW students and their parent/guardian must download the form using the button below, print, fill in all required fields, and bring the completed authorization with them on the first day of class. All documents need to be given to DYW Program Manager Phyllis Jones.

Thank you!

Download Authorization

Interested in DYW Miami
for 2024?

Applications for Design Your World (DYW) Miami are now closed for 2023!

If you are interested in the DYW program in the future, we encourage prospective students as well as their parent/guardian complete the contact sheet together using the button below. We will reach out via email in 2024 when applications reopen.

Thank you for your interest in DYW!

Interested in 2024?

About Kenzie Leon Perry

Born and reared in Miami. Perry has worked as a Sr. Designer for Sandals Resorts, Inc. in the Caribbean for half of his career. He currently is the Creative Director for Ze Haus Design Studio. He is a licensed interior designer, specializing in hospitality, commercial, and residential spaces. Perry also is a visual artist and product designer.

Perry is returning for his second year as DYW Miami instructor and design educator.

View His Bio

Hear from IIDA leadership and program partners on why the DYW program is so important in opening up design to previously underrepresented communities and what we hope you’ll get out of the program.

“The goal of the program is to demonstrate that design is accessible to all, both as a career and as a necessary component of life.”

- Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA
IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO