2026 IIDA Interior Design Excellence Awards

Neumann Monson Architects has been recognized by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Great Plains Chapter with a 2026 Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) Honorable Mention for University of Iowa Health Care North Liberty Campus.

The IDEA does not specify categories, and projects from every sector are judged on the same criteria. From the IIDA website:

"Good Design is Good Design, no matter the scale, no matter the sector. IDEA celebrates you and the design profession."

We submitted the Iowa Health Care North Liberty Campus because it demonstrates interior design as a method of wayfinding. Through several surveys, workshops, and empathy mapping, the design team implemented several features that allow for ease of navigation through the facility for both visitors and staff. These include using biophilic graphics and lighting to mark destinations and decision points, as well as generous daylighting and a unique "onstage/offstage" approach to visitor and staff sections of the building.

"The project really succeeds in bringing natural light to both staff and patients," said one judge. "The spaces feel bright, airy, and clean, which makes a huge difference in how the environment is experienced. Prioritizing daylight for staff is especially meaningful—it supports mental well‑being and creates a healthier, more uplifting workplace."

We congratulate the fellow firms who showcased their examples, and we thank IIDA for recognizing the impact of great interior design. To see all the winners, visit the official awards page. And to see our 2025 IDEA awards, visit our post from last year.