Become the Leader You're Meant to Be
Apply for Membership
Programs of All Sizes
The DLN brings members together in many ways throughout the year. Some moments call for intimate conversation; others invite broader gatherings where new relationships and ideas emerge.
7
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9
Forum Groups
These small, peer-to-peer groups meet regularly for deep, guided discussion following a training with a facilitator.
20
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75
Virtual Programs
These frank, timely roundtable discussions on pressing topics encourage shared knowledge.
30
Design Leadership Workshop
A condensed professional development program with a respected facilitator.
150
The Leadership Summit
A deep dive on the state of the design industry, covering critical business, technology, and political topics.
350
The Design Summit
The DLN’s annual global conference featuring world-class speakers, private tours, intimate dinners, and our annual Design Leadership Awards.
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Core Programs
From our tentpole Design Summit to our intimate Workshop and dozens of gatherings around the globe, members enjoy access to over 100 professional decelopment events throughout the year.
Become a MemberVirtual Panels and Roundtable Discussions
The best insights in the DLN often arise from spontaneous conversations between our members. Our virtual programs kickstart those conversations by prompting dialogue around key topics.
White Papers and Educational Resources
Our dedicated Resource Library presents educational videos, downloadable discussion guides, and white papers on everything from AI in design to strategic succession planning, client billing, contracts, and more.
Become a MemberWhat You’ll Gain
Signature Events
The Design Summit
Design Leadership Workshop
The Leadership Summit
Virtual Programs
Regional & Special Events
Community Gatherings
Design Week Programs
DLN Travels
Special Invitations
Media & Resources
Newsletters
The Quarterly
Digital Media
Research & Resources
What kind of membership is right for me?
A design firm principal
Founder, owner, or partner in a:
Architecture firm
Interior Design firm
Landscape architecture firm
Lighting design firm
See Requirements
High-level position within firm (Senior Designer, Associate Partner, Vice President, or a similar title denoting a high level of responsibility with the likelihood to matriculate into a principal status within three years)
At least three years of design experience
Two (2) DLN member sponsors or sponsors from other approved lists that speak to (1) talent and (2) professional integrity
Professional photography of projects and current professional headshot
Published work in regional/national/international design publications
A design firm principal under 40 (interior design) or 45 (architecture)
Founder, partner, or senior leader in a:
Architecture firm under 45
Interior Design firm under 40
Landscape architecture firm
Lighting design firm
See Requirements
High-level position within firm (Senior Designer, Associate Partner, Vice President, or a similar title denoting a high level of responsibility with the likelihood to matriculate into a principal status within three years)
At least three years of design experience
Two (2) DLN member sponsors or sponsors from other approved lists that speak to (1) talent and (2) professional integrity
Professional photography of projects and current professional headshot
Published work in regional/national/international design publications
A leader of a professional services firm
Public Relations professional
Branding expert
Interiors or architecture photographer
Interiors or architecture stylist
Design or architecture journalist
See Requirements
Top position within firm (Principal, Founder, Managing Partner, President, Chief Executive Officer, Publisher, Senior Vice President, or a similar title)
At least five years of experience working with designers, architects, and/or landscape architects
Two (2) DLN member sponsors who have worked with/for them that speak to (1) talent (2) professional integrity and (3) value they bring to DLN
Professionally-designed website and current professional headshot
Current clients with public profiles (through TV, social media, academic contributions, etc.)
Eligible fields within the design industry: Journalism, Recruitment, Press & PR, Strategy, Business Coaching, Law, Accounting
An artisan or craftsperson
Decorative painter, gilder, or carver
Producer of specialty finishes
Operator of a boutique studio or atelier
See Requirements
Top position within firm (Principal, Founder, Managing Partner, President, Chief Executive Officer, Publisher, Senior Vice President, or a similar title)
At least five years of experience working with designers, architects, and/or landscape architects
Two (2) DLN member sponsors who have worked with/for them that speak to (1) talent (2) professional integrity and (3) value they bring to DLN
Professionally-designed website and current professional headshot
Current clients with public profiles (through TV, social media, academic contributions, etc.)
Questions?
Amanda Oppenheimer
Your connection to a global network of design innovators starts here.
"Creative entrepreneurship can be a lonely pursuit until you learn to lean on your peers. When leaders come together, a collective intelligence forms, advancing everyone's practice and the field itself."
"I believe the strongest businesses are built on relationships. The DLN exists to deepen them, giving industry principals room to connect openly, share what they know, and move forward with confidence."
Learn from your peers
The Design Leadership Workshop is an intimate conference of DLN Members that includes business-minded programming, break-out sessions, and workshops held in beautiful locations.
Develop personal relationships with brand leaders
The Design Leadership Workshop is an intimate conference of DLN Members that includes business-minded programming, break-out sessions, and workshops held in beautiful locations.
Meet your next collaborator
The Design Leadership Workshop is an intimate conference of DLN Members that includes business-minded programming, break-out sessions, and workshops held in beautiful locations.
