A distinction that recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the design profession, the Honorary International Interior Design Association (IIDA) title is bestowed for life—and this year it goes to Interior Design magazine Editor-in-Chief Cindy Allen.

"IIDA members are committed to 'do more, know more, expect more, grow more and give more’—and when we’re talking about good design, more is always more,” said Allen. “I am proud to accept this honorary membership, join hands with the IIDA in their mission to enrich our industry and become an official IIDA-ian!”

Allen was named Editor-in-Chief of Interior Design magazine in 2001. Since then, she has steadily steered the publication to ever-increasing importance to the industry, using her vantage point and her connections to position it as a champion for design and its interests, and for celebrating established names in design as well as rising talent.

She has been the recipient of many industry awards and honors, including an Honorary Doctorate from the New York School of Interior Design in 2010, the 2010 Circle of Excellence Award from IFDA and the 2009 Alpha Award by Alpha Workshops. She has also served as juror for the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Awards and the Gensler Design Excellence Awards, and currently is a board member of Alpha Workshops and is chair of the national board of Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA).

“Since taking over as Editor-in-Chief of Interior Design, Cindy has brought a limitless passion for design to the magazine as well as to the industry,” said IIDA Executive VP and CEO Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, LEED AP. “Her total commitment to interior design and its advocacy is demonstrated in every aspect of her professional life. Cindy consistently serves as a design leader, elevating design and the profession in a manner that’s consistent with IIDA values. And for that reason, the IIDA International Board is personally very pleased to welcome her as an Honorary Member of IIDA."

Allen will be formally recognized and celebrated as an Honorary Member at the IIDA Annual Meeting to be held Sunday, June 8, at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago.