The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) has named Contract editor-in-chief John Czarnecki an honorary member. Honorary membership⎯⎯a distinction that recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the design profession⎯⎯is bestowed for life.
Since assuming the role as editor-in-chief of Contract magazine in 2011, Czarnecki led the publication through a significant redesign and re-launch while also heading the publication’s online presence and its awards programs⎯⎯including the Interiors Awards, the Healthcare Environment Awards, and the Best of NeoCon Awards. He currently also serves as chair of the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Convention Advisory Committee for the 2014 AIA National Convention.
Through eight years of service at publisher John Wiley & Sons, Czarnecki edited and published books for design professionals⎯⎯a number of which resulted from Wiley’s professional relationship with the AIA. As associate editor of Architectural Record from 2000-2003, Czarnecki covered the aftermath of the 9/11 attack for the October 2001 issue⎯⎯which became one of three finalists for a Jesse H. Neal National Business Journalism Award for best news coverage⎯⎯and covered the initial planning concepts for the World Trade Center site.
Czarnecki holds master of architecture and master of urban planning degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), and was honored as one of 10 recipients of the 2003 UWM Graduate of the Last Decade Award.

“Throughout his publishing career, John has demonstrated a consistent commitment to design,” says Cheryl S. Durst, IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO. “From the print and online publications he has overseen to his role in organizing awards programs for designers, John has shown himself to be an industry ally of the highest caliber. With no small measure of gratitude for his dedication to the profession, we acknowledge him as an honorary member and look forward to his further involvement with IIDA.”
