HDR’s Lois Wellwood Inducted into IIDA College of Fellows

Lois Wellwood, global interior design director at HDR, has been inducted into the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) College of Fellows, the organization's highest honor. 

It is awarded to interior designers who have both demonstrated outstanding professional achievements and exceptional leadership in the interior design community, as well as made extraordinary impacts and contributions to the profession and industry.

With a career that spans over 25 years, Wellwood is the driving force behind HDR's global interiors practice. Based in Chicago, she collaborates across continents, bringing award-winning expertise and strategic vision to the firm’s interdisciplinary design work. 

Her leadership is grounded in advancing diverse perspectives, emerging industry innovation and strategic thinking to shape transformational interior architectural solutions. A recognized thought leader, her work and perspective help advance conversations around sustainability and the creation of forward-thinking spaces with global impact.

“We are honored to welcome this all-woman group of inductees into the College of Fellows this year,” said IIDA College of Fellows Chair Susanne Molina, FIIDA. “These incredibly talented professionals have demonstrated exceptional leadership and impact across the industry — from advancing legislation and professional standards, to championing inclusive design and shaping global interiors. Their collective contributions continue to elevate the practice of interior design and are an inspiration to the next generation of designers.”

“Being inducted into the IIDA College of Fellows is the highest honor bestowed upon an interior designer,” Wellwood noted. “Ours is a remarkable profession and we have the opportunity and responsibility to connect spaces and places to people, enriching their lived experiences every day. I am deeply honored to receive this award.”

All inductees will be honored and accepted into the College of Fellows during the IIDA Annual Meeting on June 7, 2026.