Our History: A Shared Vision, A Lasting Community
Great ideas grow when people come together. North Dakota Interior Designers (NDID) began in 2004 with a shared desire to connect the region's design community- to exchange ideas, build relationships, and support one another's professional growth.
As an interior designer, Joan Maring Nelson, NDID's founder, loved her work but missed the camaraderie she had experienced as an educator and an interior design student at North Dakota State University. She wanted a place where designers could exchange ideas, build friendships, and learn from one another. Her belief was simple: even in a competitive industry, there was room for connection and shared success. NDID began with the goal of uniting interior designers in North Dakota. Joan envisioned an organization that focused on professionalism, education, development, and public awareness of the design profession. What began as a great vision has developed into an organization made up of not only designers, but NDSU students, architects, retired designers, and industry representatives all with one goal - uniting to give back to the industry, our community, and the future of both.
Supporting the next generation has always been a foundational goal for NDID. Joan's background in education and her connection to NDSU inspired her to establish the Joan Maring Nelson Endowment/Scholarship, personally providing its initial donation. NDID helped that fund grow over the years, extending her commitment to students pursuing careers in interior design. For over two decades, Joan has helped guide NDID through her service on the board. Her leadership, alongside the dedication of founding members and those who followed, helped turn a desire for connection into an enduring professional community.
Today, NDID brings together interior designers and industry professionals across North Dakota through education, industry events, networking, and community outreach. The organization continues to carry forward the spirit that sparked its beginning: share what you know, support one another, and make room for new ideas and new people.
What began with a conversation has become more than two decades of connection—and a story that every new member helps write.
