Institute of Integrated Building Design
Education for employment—not just a degree.
IIBD delivers streamlined vocational training aligned with NCARB’s guidelines—preparing students for immediate employment and long-term professional growth.
Building Industry Career Options
WHO WE ARE
The Institute for Integrated Building Design (IIBD) is a nonprofit workforce education initiative developed by practicing professionals to expand access to careers in architecture, interior design, and related building professions.
IIBD offers a more affordable and efficient alternative to traditional degree programs, providing accessible, skills-based pathways into employment.
The curriculum is built around the realities of professional practice, preparing learners to enter the workforce quickly, advance through employment, and earn income while they learn.
Beyond initial entry-level employment, IIBD provides structured pathways for career advancement, promotion, and progress toward professional certification and licensure as goals evolve.
WHY CHOOSE IIBD OVER TRADITIONAL PROGRAMS?
Enter the workforce after completing the program in about one year of full-time study — or move at your own pace.
Develop Real-World Skills
Curriculum built by experienced design professionals. The modules teach real- world skills, not abstract theory, that will prepare you for a job—not a degree!
Affordable Pathways
Online educational videos are carefully curated to form our foundation curriculum. Because they are open-source, they are free to everyone!
Learn at Your Own Pace
Flexible, self-paced learning allows you to study any time, from anywhere, and fit coursework around work or family responsibilities.
Employment Opportunities
Job-focused training designed to fast-track you into an entry-level role in an architecture or interior design firm, “earn while you learn.”
A DAY IN THE LIFE…
Take a peek into the daily activities of an architect or interior designer.
OUR FOUNDERS
IIBD was created by a group of professionals and educators who all shared the belief that design education should be more accessible, more affordable, and grounded in real-world practice. With decades of experience in education and in the design industry, we saw firsthand how traditional academic programs often fall short in preparing students for the expectations of the professional practice. IIBD was conceived to bridge that gap—helping students chart the path that’s right for them, and develop the actual skills and knowledge firms look for when hiring.
Liza Lockard, M.Arch, Ph.D.
NCIDQ | ASID | IIDA | IDEC | LEED | SEED
Jason Danielak
AIA | NCARB
Ayumi Date
AIA