About the CIA & the Annual Summit
When you hire a CIA member, you are hiring a professional who has committed to the highest standards of craftsmanship, ethics, and ongoing education in the custom closet industry.
Why it matters to homeowners
Choosing a custom closet company is a significant investment. Working with a CIA member who stays current through the Summit means you benefit from:
- The latest design knowledge and smarter, more efficient use of your space.
- Higher-quality materials, finishes, and hardware informed by current industry standards.
- Fewer costly mistakes thanks to up-to-date installation and safety practices.
- Confidence that you are working with a professional who takes their craft seriously.
What is the Closet Institute of America?
The Closet Institute of America (CIA) is a professional body dedicated to raising the standard of the custom closet and home storage industry across the United States and Canada. It brings together independent, local custom closet companies that share a commitment to quality design, honest business practices, and exceptional customer service.
Membership is not automatic. CIA members are vetted custom closet professionals who uphold the Institute's standards for craftsmanship, ethics, and customer service — the same standards that homeowners rely on when they invite a company into their home.
What CIA membership & certification means
A CIA membership badge signals that a company has agreed to a shared code of conduct and quality expectations. In practice, that means:
- A documented commitment to quality craftsmanship and durable, well-installed storage systems.
- A professional code of ethics covering honest quoting, clear contracts, and respectful conduct in the home.
- A focus on customer service before, during, and after the installation.
- Participation in ongoing training so skills and knowledge stay current.
The annual CIA Summit
Every year since 2013, the CIA has hosted its annual Summit — an industry conference where members come together to train on the newest design techniques, materials, hardware, safety standards, and business best practices.
The Summit is where the industry's most engaged professionals sharpen their craft. Members who attend regularly stay on top of evolving trends in space planning, finishes, and hardware — and bring that knowledge straight back to the projects they design for homeowners.
On each company's profile you can see exactly which years they attended the Summit — a quick way to gauge how actively a company invests in continuing education.
Custom Closet Finder is association-neutral. We list independent local companies regardless of affiliation and simply highlight recognized memberships — such as the CIA and the ACSP — so you can factor them into your decision.
Find a CIA member near you
Browse vetted custom closet companies that carry the CIA membership badge and see their Summit attendance history.
Browse CIA members