USU Interior Design Professor Earns National Recognition as ASID Fellow

LOGAN, Utah — Darrin Brooks, USU interior architecture and design professor, has recently been inducted into the College of Fellows within the American Society of Interior Designers.

This honor is reserved for individuals whose work has significantly shaped the interior design profession through leadership, innovation, advocacy and service. Representing a breadth of contributions across sustainability, education, research and policy, the new fellows embody the society’s mission to advance design’s impact on the human experience and serve as dedicated mentors guiding the profession’s future.

As a professor in the interior architecture & design program at USU, ranked 8th in the nation, Brooks has demonstrated a strong commitment to both interior design education and practice.

“I joined the American Society of Interior Designers in 2004 as a professional member and helped establish our first student professional organization at Utah State,” Brooks said. “Since 2003, nearly 900 students have joined ASID as student members.”

This connection has led to significant opportunities for students including prestigious scholarships, internships and recognitions. From the courses Brooks teaches, students have received over $150,000 in scholarships and awards.

Brooks was also one of four founding members of IDEAL for Utah (Interior Design Education and Legislation for Utah), an organization established in 2008 to promote the interior design profession in Utah through legislation, education and advocacy.

“ASID played a significant role in the advocacy efforts,” he said. “Students actively participated by meeting with legislators and policymakers to emphasize how recognizing our profession in Utah would greatly enhance their job opportunities. In 2016, Utah became the 27th state to adopt interior design legislation.”

The ASID student chapter at USU, which spans the largest geographical area within the society, has thrived for over 25 years.

“Being a member of ASID’s College of Fellows is the highest honor,” Brooks said. “I aim to show students and other ASID leaders that we can create a meaningful impact.”

This recognition exemplifies USU’s commitment to educational excellence by providing students with real-world learning opportunities that prepare them for professional success, while reinforcing the university’s community impact through advocacy, mentorship and service to the profession.

Brooks, along with the other 2025 inductees, were recognized on Aug. 17, at Cheers to Excellence: ASID’s Awards Toast. To learn more about ASID and this award, visit the website.