Membership Benefits

Peer Recognition

Every member of the IED has been peer reviewed in order to become a member. All applications are assessed and approved by a panel of existing professional designers who review the qualifications and experience of new members against a set of competencies. Success via this independent peer review is a mark of excellence.

Professional Community

The IED is made up of a community of registered professionals, all of whom have demonstrated their competence in their chosen field and have been independently assessed by peer review. Membership of the IED allows entry into that community of professionals, where best practice can be shared, knowledge sought and gained and advice given.

Development Support

The staff and trained volunteer members at the IED are experts in giving specialist one-to-one advice about career development and support. It is our job to help members develop professionally and to gain the recognition for their skills and knowledge. We have over 75 years' experience in supporting our members and providing tailored guidance to individual designers.

Engineering Designer Magazine (ED)

The IED magazine Engineering Designer is published regularly and features news and views of interest to designers of all specialisms and at all stages in their career. Articles are submitted by members and professional journalists, and cover issues such as use of materials, designing for the ageing population, environmental concerns and updates in legislation. The magazine is produced in both hard copy printed format and digital copy, available via the IED website.

Follow in the footsteps...

Since the IED was founded in 1945, over 35000 designers have chosen to become members. Our members come from all fields of technological design, covering the spectrum from engineering through to industrial. We have members who design jet engines, mobile phones, motorway gantries, hair dryers, garden machinery, power stations, lifeboats, you name it, they design it. We have members who work in special effects, who teach and research in universities and schools, who study design and who manage others who design. If your chosen profession is design then we are the professional body for you.

Benevolent Fund

The Benevolent Fund is a specific fund held by the Institution and used to make grants or loans to members in need of support in exceptional circumstances through illness, redundancy or other misfortune. Most commonly this fund is used to assist members in maintaining their professional membership and registration to better support their circumstance. Applications are considered by Council who at their sole discretion will decide on the extent to which the Institution will support the application.

The IED has various types of membership...

Student Membership - StudIED

Student membership is available to anyone aged 18 or over who is studying engineering design, product design or industrial design. Membership is free to those who are studying part time or who are completing an apprenticeship - those who are in employment and studying part time with the Open University are asked to pay a small annual fee to cover the cost of their membership. (Click on 'OU Student member' on the application form). Student members receive all the benefits of membership, including digital copies of the journal, newsletters, and invitations to local events.

Member - MIED

Becoming a member is an important step on your joining our community of technology focused designers. Membership also allows you to show employers your commitment to the profession, giving you the opportunities to progress in your current role or finding your dream job. Application is via the submission of a form plus a copy of a CV and evidence of academic attainment - assessment is by a panel of volunteer members who are trained in peer review. Once you have become a member we will then work with you to help you achieve the most appropriate grade of professional registration for your field of expertise, whether that be in engineering design, product design, CAD or design for the environment.

Affiliate

Affiliate membership is available to all those who have an interest in the work of the IED but who might not necessarily qualify for full Membership (or are not yet ready to complete the application process). Affiliates do not have post-nominals but do have access to a wide range of members benefits including receipt of the IED magazines, access to events and networking.

Apply online now!

Did you know you can apply right away online? Simply click the button on the right to start the process, join the community and begin your journey with the IED today.

Apply Online

Fellow - FIED

Our highest grade of membership is for those who have made a big contribution to the profession. Fellows and prospective Fellows are often known and respected in the industry for their expertise and are usually already Member grade within the Institution - although Fellowship can be awarded instead of Membership in exceptional circumstances. IED Fellowship recognises your high level of knowledge, ability and experience, reflecting your status in the industry and how clients, employers and peers view you.

Honorary Fellow - HonFIED

The highest honour the Institution has power to bestow, Honorary Fellows are elected by the Council in acknowledgement of special services rendered to the Institution or to the profession in general. Written nominations for Honorary Fellowship are submitted to Council by individual members for their consideration, defining the nominee’s service to the Institution or the Profession, supported by two other members of the Institution.