BOLD: Building Our Leaders in Design
Program Information
Building Our Leaders in Design (BOLD) is designed by principals and firm leaders from across Indiana. Designers with at least two (2) years of experience and a maximum of five (5) years of experience in the design industry who want to pursue future leadership roles within in the design community are encouraged to apply for this ten (10)-month program.
The program is no cost for designers, including non-IIDA members, so designers from all backgrounds are encouraged to participate. In exchange for this curated and invaluable training, employers agree to pay for the participating designer’s IIDA membership for the following year. This allows designers who have graduated from BOLD to act as mentors to the incoming class of BOLD designers and serve on IIDA IN committees where their leadership skills will be further developed. Interested designers can apply through the application link below. Space is limited to twenty (20) participants for this unique opportunity.
2026-2027 Program Dates
Please note all sessions will be held in Indianapolis, IN. Designers from the entire state of Indiana are welcome to participate.
Session
Description
Date
BOLD Beginnings
An introduction to the BOLD program. Includes an assessment on professional communication as well as a discussion on finding your leadership style.
September 11th
BOLD Presence
Lessons on improving speaking and presentation skills in order enhance communication to and with clients, colleagues and other professionals.
October 9th
BOLD Speaker
Lessons on improving speaking and presentation skills in order enhance communication to and with clients, colleagues and other professionals
November 13th
BOLD Ambassador
A discussion on interpersonal communication and conflict resolution. Includes topics such as delegation, constructive criticism, and how to appropriately voice concerns in the workplace.
December 11th
BOLD Alliances
Strategies for communicating with and working alongside trade and design partners.
January 8th
BOLD Leader
Explores the challenges and strategies associated with managing both people and projects. Includes information on writing proposals and contracts, time management and resource allocation, and design refinement.
February 12th
BOLD Research
Discussion on relevant trends and tools impacting the industry. Includes ongoing sustainability initiatives, upcoming AI tools, and trends in design software
March 12th
BOLD Advocacy
Discussion on the path to NCIDQ certification and legislation impacting designers today.
April 9th
BOLD Future + BOLD Designer
Conclusion of the program that recaps lessons learned. Cohort will discuss possible leadership paths, future career options, and options for potential business and professional certifications.
May 14th
Application
This program’s success is directly related to the attendance by the participants, and therefore attendance is mandatory. Each member will be allowed one excused absence. If two or more sessions are missed, the applicant may be released from the program. Supervisor approval and full support is required for applicants in this program. A committee member will confirm such with your supervisor as part of the selection process.
Key Dates:
- Application Opens June 1st
- Application Closes August 14th
- Participants Announced August 15th
BOLD Planning Committee
Laken Taylor
Director of PD
Account Executive at Office Works
Tara Seesman
RID, NCIDQ
Owner and Interior Designer at Accio Design LLC
BOLD Sponsors
For more information, please contact:
Tara Seesman, RID, NCIDQ
Director of BOLD