american academy of healthcare interior designers

What american academy of healthcare interior designers does

The American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers (AAHID) is an independent 501c3 non-profit corporation headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois that administers the CHID (Certified Healthcare Interior Designer) credential — the only certification specifically designed for healthcare interior design. AAHID's core product is the CHID examination, delivered annually (September 1-30) via remote proctoring, with eligibility requiring NCIDQ or NCARB certification plus 3+ years of healthcare experience (or 10+ years healthcare design experience). Supporting the certification are digital badges issued through Credly, a bi-annual recertification program ($380 every two years with 10 CEUs), the searchable CHID Directory of 400+ certified designers, e-Learning and Connection Series educational content, a white paper library, and the annual Beacon Award. Technology is a conventional certification management platform — online application processing, remote-proctored examination delivery, and credential metadata — with no proprietary AI or advanced tooling.

AAHID operates a multi-revenue-stream model. Primary revenue comes from individual certification and recertification fees ($455 standard exam, $555 late, $380 recertification, $100 inactive/emeritus status). The second major stream is the four-tier Industry Partner Program — Platinum ($12,000), Gold ($9,000), Silver ($6,000), Bronze ($3,000) — currently supporting 35+ partners including flooring, furniture, lighting, and surface manufacturers such as AHF Products, MedViron, Mohawk Group, and Palram Americas. Complementary revenue is generated from Design Firm Partners (Grace Design, PhiloWilke, Pulse Design Group, TJNG Partners), à la carte sponsorships (Product Showcases $7,500, IP Think Tanks $2,500, Annual Meeting sponsorships $500-$2,500), and a Leadership Circle donation program that contributed $2,100 in 2025.

Go-to-market is sales- and community-led: AAHID drives awareness through annual conference presence at Healthcare Design Expo and NeoCon, allied partnerships with ASID, IIDA, Center for Health Design, and CIDQ, LinkedIn-led digital engagement (20% follower growth in 2025), Community Connections webinars, CHID Meet-Ups, CHID Spotlights, and the CHID Connect member forum. The organization is governed by a 9-person Board of Directors with 3-5 operational staff led by Executive Director Kelly Podkowa, supported by 55+ volunteers. Geographic reach currently spans the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Singapore through directory-listed CHIDs.

Name

american academy of healthcare interior designers

Legal name

American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers

Website

https://aahid.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers is a Schaumburg, Illinois-based 501c3 non-profit that administers the CHID (Certified Healthcare Interior Designer) credential — the only certification specific to healthcare interior design — for individual designers, architects, and a network of 35+ industry partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Schaumburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Certification Fees: Primary revenue from CHID certification application fees ($455 standard, $555 late application) and recertification fees ($380 every two years with $100 late fee). The exam fee includes $150 non-refundable application fee and $305 examination fee.
2. Industry Partnership Programs: Annual partnership fees from Industry Partners at four tiers: Platinum ($12,000), Gold ($9,000), Silver ($6,000), Bronze ($3,000). Additional revenue from a la carte sponsorships including Product Showcases ($7,500), Annual Meeting sponsorships ($500-$2,500), IP Think Tanks ($2,500), and digest email banner ads ($500-$1,925).
3. Design Firm Partnership Fees: Revenue from Design Firm Partner program offering recognition, job posting opportunities, and employee discounts on certification fees.
4. Leadership Circle Donations: Tax-deductible donations to the 501c3 organization supporting educational programming, candidate resources, and initiatives. Donors recognized at various levels ($50-$1,000+). In 2025, donors contributed $2,100.
5. Inactive/Emeritus Status Fees: One-time $100 fee for Inactive CHID status and Emeritus CHID status applications.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

AAHID is a non-profit professional association that administers the Certified Healthcare Interior Designer (CHID) credential and sets practice standards for interior designers working in healthcare settings. It provides individual membership, certification, continuing education oversight, and an industry partner program for manufacturers, specifiers, and design firms serving healthcare environments.

Product overview

AAHID is a professional certification organization offering a unified credentialing platform for healthcare interior designers. The core offering is the CHID (Certified Healthcare Interior Designer®) certification examination, administered online via remote proctoring. Supporting the certification are add-on services including digital badges via Credly, recertification management with Emeritus and Inactive status options, educational resources (AAHID e-Learning Series, Connection Series), white papers, and durable coated finishes technical resources. The organization also operates partner programs (Industry Partners, Design Firm Partners, IP Affiliates) that provide access to the certified professional community and promotional opportunities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• CHID Certification (Certified Healthcare Interior Designer) The CHID credential certifies interior designers who specialize in healthcare environments, validating competency in healthcare-specific codes, infection control, patient safety, and evidence-based design. It is targeted at practicing interior designers seeking to demonstrate specialized healthcare expertise.
• AAHID Individual Membership Annual individual membership in the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers, providing access to the member directory, continuing education resources, and the broader CHID community. Targeted at practicing interior designers and design students.
• AAHID Industry Partner Program A corporate sponsorship and partnership program for healthcare product manufacturers, contract furniture dealers, and design firms, providing access to the CHID-certified designer network, directory listings, and brand association with the recognized healthcare interior design credential.

Quantifiable outcome

• 400+ CHIDs certified and directory-listed
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic, flagship, major, standard and minor.

• ASID (American Society of Interior Designers)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional membership association partnership for cross-promotion and recognition of healthcare interior design expertise. ASID members can pursue CHID certification.
• IIDA (International Interior Design Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEU policy aligned with IIDA's 10 contact hours per two-year schedule. Joint promotion of healthcare interior design excellence.
• Center for Health DesigncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for evidence-based design research and EDAC certification. CHID accepts EDAC CEU-approved webinars for recertification.
• CIDQ (Council for Interior Design Qualification)coreTechnology or IntegrationCHID eligibility pathway requires NCIDQ certification. CEU compliance verified through NCIDQ self-reporting system.
• Nursing Institute of Healthcare Design (NIHD)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew allied partnership established in 2025 to strengthen collaboration across the healthcare design community.
• Consortium for Interior DesignstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew allied partnership for collaboration on resources and press related to interior design in healthcare settings.
• NeoConcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerDesign Organization Partner of NeoCon - world's leading platform for commercial design. AAHID promotes CHID credential at NeoCon and encourages CHIDs to register.
• AHF Products (Platinum Industry Partner)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPlatinum Industry Partner providing flooring solutions (Armstrong Flooring, Crossville, AHF Contract) to healthcare organizations. Supports CHID visibility and programming.
• MedViron (Platinum Industry Partner)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPlatinum Industry Partner manufacturing patient care equipment including headwalls, wall mounts, and architectural wall protection for healthcare facilities.
• Mohawk Group (Platinum Industry Partner)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPlatinum Industry Partner providing commercial flooring (resilient sheet, LVT, carpet tile) for healthcare environments. Presents Industry Partner Insights sessions and CEU webinars.
• National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association (Platinum Industry Partner)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPlatinum Industry Partner establishing national standards for terrazzo floor and wall systems. Provides specifications, color samples, and technical advice to healthcare designers.
• Palram Americas (Platinum Industry Partner)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPlatinum Industry Partner manufacturing PALCLAD Pro hygienic PVC wall and ceiling systems for healthcare applications including surgical suites and waiting areas.
• InPro (Gold Industry Partner)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGold Industry Partner providing wall protection, handrails, privacy systems, interior signage, accessible shower systems, roller shades, and specialty products for healthcare facilities.
• Mecho (Gold Industry Partner)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGold Industry Partner manufacturing manual, motorized, and automated solar-shading systems for healthcare environments. EcoVeil Sheer is first shadecloth meeting Healthier Hospital's Safer Chemicals Challenge.
• Stance Healthcare (Gold Industry Partner)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGold Industry Partner manufacturing furniture for healing environments with focus on hospitals and Behavioral Health facilities. Known for rotationally molded products and award-winning designs.
• CF Stinson Brands (Silver Industry Partner)standardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSilver Industry Partner providing design-focused textile and wallcovering brands for healthcare interiors. Family includes Stinson, Anzea, and Arc-Com.
• Construction Specialties, Inc. (Silver Industry Partner)standardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSilver Industry Partner manufacturing specialty building products including Acrovyn wall protection, entrance flooring, expansion joints, and privacy curtains for healthcare.
• Norix (Silver Industry Partner)standardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSilver Industry Partner designing innovative, robust furniture for challenging healthcare environments with emphasis on safety, security, and extreme durability.
• Rockfon (Silver Industry Partner)standardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSilver Industry Partner providing stone wool ceiling solutions that aid recovery by absorbing sound, improving air quality, and enhancing patient privacy in healthcare settings.
• Shaw Contract (Silver Industry Partner)standardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSilver Industry Partner providing evidence-based flooring research and products (resilient sheet, LVT, PVC-free sheet, slip-resistant flooring, carpet) for healthcare spaces.
• SitOnIt Seating (Silver Industry Partner)standardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSilver Industry Partner providing ergonomic seating, lounge solutions, and tables at mid-range value pricing with extensive textile options and quick ship (typically under 10 days).
• Kwalu (Bronze Industry Partner)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBronze Industry Partner providing antimicrobial-protected furniture and wall protection for senior living and healthcare with 10-year performance warranty.
• Wieland (Bronze Industry Partner)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBronze Industry Partner manufacturing healthcare furniture designed to withstand heavy use while accommodating changing trends, including sleepToo virtual family room concept.
• MillerKnoll Healthcare (Bronze Industry Partner)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBronze Industry Partner providing furniture and headwall solutions as part of the MillerKnoll collective of design brands focused on sustainability and equity.
• KI (Bronze Industry Partner)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBronze Industry Partner providing furniture solutions for healthcare as part of their core market focus. Known for Market of One customer-centric approach.
• Kimball International (Bronze Industry Partner)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBronze Industry Partner providing commercial furnishings for workplace and health markets through brands including Kimball, National, Etc., Interwoven, and David Edward.
• Grace Design (Design Firm Partner)strategicGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Design Firm Partner employing CHIDs. Receives 10% off certification fees, job posting access, website recognition, and Annual Meeting invitations.
• PhiloWilke (Design Firm Partner)strategicGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Design Firm Partner employing CHIDs including Stephanie Fallon who serves as AAHID President. Same benefits as other Design Firm Partners.
• Pulse Design Group (Design Firm Partner)strategicGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Design Firm Partner. Same benefits as other Design Firm Partners including certification discounts and marketing recognition.
• TJNG Partners (Design Firm Partner)strategicGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Design Firm Partner. Same benefits as other Design Firm Partners including project highlight opportunities in emails and social media.
• CredlycoreTechnology or IntegrationThird-party vendor partnership providing digital badge issuance platform allowing CHIDs to share credentials on LinkedIn, email signatures, and social media with authenticated metadata.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• American Society of Interior Designers (ASID): Allied professional membership organization for interior designers and an AAHID strategic partner. Comparable as an adjacent industry association serving the same professional base.
• International WELL Building Institute (IWBI): Administers the WELL Building Standard focused on health and wellness in buildings. Comparable as a health-focused building credential competing for the same healthcare design community's attention.
• U.S. Green Building Council (LEED): Operates the LEED green building certification, which competes for the same healthcare design professional audience's credentialing attention. Comparable as an adjacent design/building certification body.
• American Institute of Architects (AIA): Largest professional association for architects in the U.S. Architects are a primary candidate segment for CHID certification, making AIA a comparable adjacent industry body serving an overlapping professional base.
• BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association): Industry association for furniture manufacturers serving commercial and healthcare interiors. Comparable as an adjacent industry body whose membership overlaps with AAHID's industry partner ecosystem.
• International Interior Design Association (IIDA): Allied professional membership organization for interior designers and an AAHID strategic partner with aligned CEU policy. Comparable as an adjacent industry association serving the same professional base.
• National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB): Administers architectural licensure and certification across U.S. jurisdictions. NCARB certification is also an eligibility pathway for CHID, making NCARB a comparable professional certification body serving a related design profession.
• Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC): Manages continuing education approval for interior designers and partners with AAHID on CEU delivery. Comparable as an enabling credentialing infrastructure for the interior design profession.

Direct peers

• Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC): Administered by the Center for Health Design, EDAC certifies healthcare design professionals in evidence-based design principles. It is the most directly comparable credential to CHID in the healthcare design certification space.
• Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ): Administers the NCIDQ examination, the foundational interior design certification that serves as an eligibility prerequisite for AAHID's CHID credential. CIDQ is the closest direct peer as another professional certification body serving the interior design profession.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-american-academy-of-healthcare-interior-designers/?viewAsMember=true
• Instagraminstagram.com/aahid.chid

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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