Professional Member

Professional Members must demonstrate a minimum of three years of experience and fall within at least one of the following categories: Interior Designer, Architect, Design Build Firm, Landscape Architect, Interior Decorator, Interior Stylist, or Specialty Design Professional (i.e., Lighting Specialist, Set Designer, Exhibit Designer, etc.). It is recommended that Professional Members’ primary practice is based within sixty miles of Washington, D.C. If accepted, all Professional Members will be required to participate in one community service project, one portfolio review session, and a mentorship program every year.

What Professional Members gain:

  • Regular spotlight and promotion on DCDC social media and website

  • Exclusive invitation to participate in promotional DCDC projects

  • One social media audit elevation session with DCDC’s social media manager

  • Assistance in developing a professional media kits

  • A monthly Virtual Round Table

  • Exclusive access to:

    • Lectures, panels, seminars, and private showroom visits

    • Vetted vendor directory and trade resources

    • Curated industry (local, national and international) trips

    • Professional development and learning

    • DCDC members-only database

Annual Fee: $240 (Pro-RATED)

Design Associate Member

Design Associate Members must fall within one of the listed categories: Student (who is actively enrolled in an educational program), Aspiring Design Professional, Design Influencer, Design Educator, Design Photographer, Architectural Photographer, Editorial Photographer, Stylist, Freelance Design Writer, or Fine Artist.

What Design Associate Members Gain:

  • Access to mentorship programs and industry events, such as lectures, discussions and panels

  • Access to DCDC’s members-only database

  • A professional development session (i.e. portfolio reviews, resume reviews, business startup reviews, etc.)

Annual Fee: $240 (PRO-RATED)

Corporate Sponsor

Corporate Sponsors must fall within at least one of the following categories: Design Manufacturer, Product Vendor, Showroom, Construction Firm, Architecture Firm, or Interior Design Firm. They must have more than three employees, with showrooms and/or a business presence in locations other than the DC Metro area.

What CORPORATE SPONSORS Gain:

  • Access to mentorship programs and industry events, such as lectures, discussions and panels

  • Access to DCDC’s members-only database

  • Project or product features on DCDC’s website and social media

  • Marketing opportunities to promote services and/or products

  • Inclusion on DCDC’s preferred vetted vendor list

  • Opportunity to host member events, presentations, and discussions

Annual Fee: $1,000

Small Business Industry Partner

Small Business Industry Partners must demonstrate a minimum of three years of experience, employ a maximum of three employees, and fall within at least one of the following categories: Design Social Media Expert, Design Manufacturer, Design Product Vendor, Design Showroom, Design-Related Public Relations Professional, Design-Related Publication, Artisan, Design Trade Rep, or Design Sales Rep.

What Small Business Industry Partners Gain:

  • Access to mentorship programs and industry events, such as lectures, discussions and panels

  • Access to DCDC’s members-only database

  • Project or product features on DCDC’s website and social media

  • Marketing opportunities to promote services and/or products

  • Inclusion on DCDC’s preferred vetted vendor list

  • Opportunity to host member events, presentations, and discussions

Annual Fee: $350

 1. What Does DCDC Require of its members?

Members of DCDC are expected to:

  • Support the mission, vision, values and goals of the organization;

  • Offer expertise to help ensure the health and success of the organization;

  • Contribute to fundraising and program activities;

  • Attend at least 8 virtual or in-person monthly meetings throughout the calendar year;

  • Commit to participating and assisting in activities to promote the mission of DCDC;

  • Represent DCDC and communicate the organization’s mission to audiences in pre-approved events, media, functions and gatherings;

  • Actively maintain good standing in professional practice or educational status; and

  • Actively participate in all requests for assistance and response.

2. I am a designer who works for a firm. Can I join as individual or should I join on behalf of my firm?

Our membership is per individual. Firms with more than three employees should apply as a Corporate Sponsor Level.

3. Are there any geographical limitations on becoming a member of DCDC? Can I join if I live in Richmond or Baltimore?

Yes, there is a geographical limitation as we want members to be able to participate in events and activities that would be convenient from their location. We welcome individuals who work or reside within a forty-mile radius from the Washington, DC Metro Area.

4. What if I need to make my annual payments in installments?

We are currently not setup for payment installments.

5. How does DCDC define BIPOC?

We welcome all individual who ethnically identifies as Black, Indigenous or a Person of Color.