For students with a passion for creativity, the path to a career in design can begin with a single opportunity. Design Your World is a free, two-week summer program that introduces creatively minded high school students to the possibilities of a future in design, providing hands-on experiences and exposure to an industry they may not otherwise have the opportunity to access. Created to help address gaps in representation across the design profession, the program is investing in the next generation of designers while creating meaningful pathways for young talented individuals to see themselves in the future of the industry.
In 2026, 15 South Florida high school students participated in Design Your World, gaining firsthand experience in commercial interior design through a combination of classroom instruction, professional experiences, and collaborative projects.
Hosted at the FIU School of Architecture, an affiliate sponsor, the program is supported by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) South Florida Chapter and FIU’s Department of Interior Architecture. Design Your World is led by Kenzie Leon Perry, NCIDQ, an FIU Interior Architecture adjunct professor and professional interior designer with more than 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
Over the course of two weeks, students progressed from learning the fundamentals of commercial interior design to developing design solutions of their own. During the first week, they explored the design process and foundational principles of the profession while participating in presentations by industry vendors and touring professional environments, including Gensler Miami and Wynwood.
Students also took on an individual design challenge, creating a commercial interior for a micro-business housed within a shipping container. The project encouraged students to apply their newly developed skills while considering space planning, functionality, materials, and the relationship between a business and its physical environment. Several students exceeded expectations by constructing architectural models to accompany their projects, bringing their concepts to life in three dimensions.
The second week challenged students to consider design on a larger, community-focused scale. Working collaboratively, they developed a concept for a Cultural Community Center envisioned for the Overtown–Wynwood corridor. Their multi-story proposal included a community lounge and library, public health clinic, food bank market, and eatery, as well as temporary housing.
Through this second project, students explored how interior architecture can extend beyond aesthetics to address social needs and contribute to the well-being of communities.
“Now in my fifth year facilitating Design Your World, it continues to be an honor to help introduce the next generation of designers to the profession,” said Perry.
For Perry, the value of the program extends beyond teaching students design skills. It gives young people an opportunity to experience the profession firsthand and begin imagining themselves as part of its future.
The program culminated in final presentations at the BEA Gallery, where students presented their work to parents, faculty, and members of the design community. One exceptional participant was also recognized as the program’s Rising Design Star and received a brand-new computer to support their continued creative pursuits.
The impact of Design Your World can be seen in the confidence students gain throughout the experience. Each year, parents share how the program inspires their children to think more creatively, build confidence, and discover the possibilities of interior architecture as a future career.
When asked what three words he hoped students would use to describe their experience, Perry said “competent, enlightened, and passionate.” Those qualities capture the broader purpose of Design Your World: giving students the knowledge, exposure, and confidence to explore a career in design and understand the impact their ideas can have on the world around them.
The successful 2026 program would not have been possible without the support of its sponsors, industry partners, guest speakers, volunteers, and everyone who contributed their time and expertise to introducing the next generation of designers to the profession of Interior Architecture. As an affiliate sponsor and host of the program, the FIU School of Architecture is proud to support opportunities that connect young creatives with design education, professional mentorship, and real-world experiences. Through initiatives like Design Your World, FIU continues to cultivate the next generation of designers while demonstrating the transformative role architecture and design can play in shaping individuals and their communities.
