Membership Information


OBD has several categories of membership. If you would like to receive an application for membership, send us an e-mail with your name, address, telephone and discipline (industrial, graphic, fashion, interior, other) and we will send you the necessary material.

All OBD members are eligable for


Choose any of the headings below to learn more about the different membership categories.
ProfessionalAffiliatePress

EducationalStudentHonorary

National Trade MemberAssociate Trade Member














Professional Member OBD

Applicants for this category shall be persons who have completed

Four years of design training at an accredited design school or a four year college course with a major in technical training in design and two years of experience actively engaged in the profession, or

Three years of design training in an accredited design shool or three years of college courses with a major in technical training in design and three years of experience actively engaged in the profession, or

Individual actively engaged in the profession for a minimum of five years, dealing directly with the public provided such individual can show proper evidence of the highest degree of knowledge and professionalism, required of designers by today's standards.
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Affiliate Member OBD

Applicants for this category shall be persons who have completed
Three years of design training in an accredited design shool or three years of college courses with a major in technical training in design and is now actively engaged in the profession

Such members shall have no vote in governing the Organization, but may carry membership cards bearing the designation Affiliate Member OBD
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Press Member OBD

Editors and writers of design and the allied arts/active in this field. Such members shall have no vote in governing the Organization, but may carry membership cards bearing the designation Press Member OBD. Press members are invited to attend and participate in the Organization's seminars, programs and other activities.

Press Affiliate Member OBD

Public relations, adverising, freelance writers and photographers actively involved in the design industry. Such members shall have no vote in governing the Organization, but may carry membership cards bearing the designation Press Affiliate Member OBD.
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Educational Member OBD

Heads of Departments of Design, professors and instructors of Design in accredited colleges, technical schools and design schools. Such members shall have no vote in governing the Organization, but may carry membership cards bearing the designation Educational Member OBD.
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Student Member OBD

Design students currently enrolled in accredited colleges, technical schools and design schools who are interested in pursuing careers in the various fields of design.
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Honorary Member OBD

Honorary members are persons of standing on a national level who have made valuable contributions to the progress of the professions. They may be nominated by the Board of Directors or by a Chapter. Upon approval by the Board they may then be declared elected. Honorary members shall not vote or hold office but may attend meetings and serve on committees. Honorary members may use the identification Honorary Member OBD.
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National Trade Member Firm

Firms doing business in a minimum of thirty five (35) states, and or internationally to include the following

Manufacturers Firms which produce items used in commercial design, selling on a non-retail basis

Distributors Firms which import, and or convert items for resale to commercial designers, selling on a non-retail basis.

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Associate Trade Member OBD

Representatives of corporations holding national trade membership in the Organization may be granted on Associate Trade Membership, and may participate in programs and serve on committees in their respective chapters. Associate Trade Members shall have no vote in governing the Organization. Top of page