New York, New York – October 29, 2019 – The New York School of Interior Design is pleased to announce that it has appointed Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, LEED AP, executive vice president and CEO of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), as a member of the College’s Board of Trustees, effective September 24, 2019.

“We are delighted to welcome Cheryl Durst to the New York School of Interior Design Board of Trustees,” said NYSID president David Sprouls. “Cheryl has a wealth of experience and her leadership has been key to the success of IIDA. Her unique perspective combined with her individual commitment to NYSID, and the interior design industry makes her a valuable addition to the Board. IIDA, itself a nonprofit, has a strong alignment with the mission and goals of NYSID, and we look forward to her guidance as a member of our Board of Trustees.”

An exceptional communicator, innovator, and visionary leader, Durst has spurred progress, driven change, and encouraged the expansion of the interior design industry. As the Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of IIDA, Durst is committed to achieving broad recognition for the value of design and its significant role in society through both function and engagement in every-day work spaces and the built environment. Demonstrated by her active involvement in connecting industry professionals, including designers, manufacturers, clients, end users, and employers, she has worked to promote an understanding of how design impacts human behavior and affects all aspects of shared spaces.

In 1997, Durst joined IIDA as the senior director of education and professional development and was promptly promoted to executive vice president and CEO in 1998. Despite significant challenges in the organization, Durst implemented an aggressive fiscal redevelopment and turnaround strategy. Through her efforts, she revived the association and repositioned it as a profitable enterprise, integral to the interior design community and dedicated to furthering the profession of interior design.

Today, with more than 15,000 members across 58 countries, Durst oversees the strategic direction of IIDA, curates and publishes Perspective, the association’s design journal, manages a team of 25 professional staff members, leads the 10-member International Board of Directors, and directs all outreach and programmatic efforts, including more than a dozen global design competitions, which recognize worldwide excellence in interior design.

"Today’s design students are tasked with creating and shaping the built environment of tomorrow. It is truly an honor to be given the opportunity to support the emerging designers of the future,” said Durst. “I am proud to join NYSID’s exceptional leadership team alongside my talented and dedicated fellow board members.”

In addition, the New York School of Interior Design has appointed Eric Gering as faculty trustee, effective September 24. Gering has been an instructor at NYSID nearly 20 years and offers a unique faculty perspective to the Board of Trustees.

“Eric Gering is a renowned architect and educational leader, and has been deeply involved in our student's development as future designers,” said Sprouls. “We are thrilled to have him on the board.”

About New York School of Interior Design

New York School of Interior Design is a private, nonprofit college focused exclusively on interior design. The college offers certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs for students at all stages of their careers—whether they’re just becoming familiar with the discipline, considering a career change, or looking to deepen knowledge in a particular area. Consistently ranked one of the top interior design programs in the United States, students study both residential and commercial interior design, some with specialties in sustainable design, lighting, and healthcare interiors. NYSID students enjoy a small class size and sharp focus, a great deal of personal attention from dedicated faculty, and they go on to practice at the highest levels of the profession. To learn more, visit NYSID.edu.

About IIDA

For 25 years, IIDA, the commercial interior design association with global reach, has been a leader in defining, supporting, and enriching the interior design profession. We support design professionals, industry affiliates, educators, students, firms, and their clients through our network of 15,000+ members across 58 countries. We advocate for advancement in education, design excellence, legislation, leadership, accreditation, and community outreach to increase the value and understanding of interior design as a profession that enhances business value and positively impacts the health and well-being of people’s lives every day. www.iida.org.  

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