About IIBD

IIBD was created in response to a gap between education and practice in building design. Traditional academic pathways are often time-intensive, costly, and disconnected from the realities of the profession. IIBD takes a different approach, focusing on easy-access individual customization and practical competence.

OUR MISSION

IIBD’s mission is to expand access to careers in architecture, interior design, and other design-related fields, by providing affordable, fast-tracked, and workforce-aligned pathways to employment in the building design industry — without having to get a college degree.

We believe that professional education should be grounded in real-world practice, shouldn’t require taking out student loans or going into debt, and should set students up for the career they desire — not the limited options that traditional academic programs offer.

OUR APPROACH

Our program centers on three core principles:

Accessibility

We provide a low-cost, flexible learning model that allows students to study at their own pace from any location—without the burden of paying high tuition, commuting to campus, or fitting classes around personal obligations.

Workforce Alignment

Our curriculum is developed by practicing architects, designers, and industry professionals to ensure that students acquire the specific skills needed for entry-level employment.

Industry Partnership

We collaborate with design firms, professional organizations, and community partners to create mentorship opportunities, paid practical training experiences, and streamlined pathways from education into the workforce.

Through these principles, IIBD seeks to create a more inclusive, practical, and responsive model of design education, one that better aligns with expectations of the building design industry and ensures preparedness for immediate entry into the design workforce.

HOW OUR PROGRAM WORKS

IIBD brings high-quality online instructional content under one umbrella and organizes it into a streamlined curriculum to achieve one goal: to prepare students for an entry-level position in the building design industry as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Open-Source Online Tutorials

Content created by experts, with interactive exercises to measure your progress.

Guided Mentorship

Mentoring sessions to support your learning when you need it

Real-World Experience

Real-world experience where you can earn income while learning on the job

Open Accessible Content

The foundation curriculum consists of open-sourced instructional videos that are freely available to the public. This allows anyone to begin learning at no cost and to study at their own pace, from any location.

All curated content is selected specifically for entry-level architectural and interior design skills, and reviewed by practicing architects and design professionals for quality, technical accuracy, and industry relevance.

Professional Mentorship

To support student learning when it’s needed, practicing architects and designers offer mentorship sessions—either one-on-one or group forums—to answer questions about the material, review exercises, or seek career guidance.

Entry-Level Employment

Gain hands-on experience working alongside experienced designers on real projects, and earn income while continuing to develop your design skills.

As your career progresses, you can customize your learning pathway to deepen your knowledge, pursue advancement, explore other directions in the design industry, or work toward professional certification or licensure.

OUR MENTORS

Jason Danielak
AIA | NCARB

Ayumi Date
AIA

Michelle Reyes
Architect | MID

Matt Gilbertson
AIA

Reiko Lewis
NCIDQ | CAPS

Christopher Blake
AIA

Miguel Cuadros
Interior Architect

INDUSTRY SPONSORS

IIBD partners with several leading design firms who support and provide opportunities for our students. Contact us if you’d like to become an industry sponsor!

FAQs

Can I get professional credentials without a degree?

Yes, in Hawaii and several other U.S. jurisdictions, an academic degree is not required to become a licensed architect or a certified interior designer. Alternative pathways allow candidates to qualify through a combination of work experience and examination.

Can I qualify to take the architectural or interior design licensing exams?

Yes. Both the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) and the NCIDQ Interior Design Exams offer eligibility paths based on documented work experience in lieu of an academic degree. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, but these alternative pathways are well established.

How long does it take to complete the foundation curriculum?

If you study full-time, the foundation curriculum is designed to be completed in approximately one year; however, completion time depends on your schedule, work and family obligations, and learning pace. The program is intentionally flexible, allowing students to progress quickly or as gradually as their circumstances require.

How do I schedule the lessons?

There is no need to schedule video lessons. All Foundation videos are available at no cost once you enroll, and you can watch them anytime from anywhere. This allows for lessons to be self-paced and reviewed as often as needed.

What is required to complete the foundation curriculum?

Besides the series of videos, each module includes exercises and answer keys available for a nominal fee, and sessions with mentors are also available for an hourly rate when you need them. The exercises, along with mentor feedback, are essential for professional preparation. They deepen your knowledge beyond the video lessons, help you understand how the material is applied in practice, build a portfolio of work, and provide clear evidence of your capability and proficiency.

How will I know if I am ready to enter professional practice?

Before transitioning into the workforce, students must demonstrate proficiency in core skills and knowledge areas; your completed exercises will be compiled into a portfolio, which will be reviewed by IIBD mentors. This assessment ensures that your abilities align with the expectations of entry-level positions in professional design offices.

Does IIBD assist with job placement?

Yes. IIBD works directly with practicing designers and local firms. Once you have completed the foundation curriculum and portfolio review, we can help connect you with available entry-level opportunities.

MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

Our innovative program has been featured in…

Yahoo News

KHON Wake Up 2Day

KITV Island Life Live

Pacific Business News