Tag: iidanc

IIDA Northern California Wins Catalyst Grant

Posted on by Heather

Empowering Climate Action in Interior Design

In a world increasingly aware of the urgent need for environmental action, the interior design industry is stepping up to the challenge. IIDA Northern California Chapter, through its Climate Action Committee, has been at the forefront of this movement. Recently, the chapter secured a significant win—the IIDA Catalyst Grant—based on its compelling submission outlining an innovative project aimed at advancing sustainable design practices and fostering community engagement.

Project Purpose

At the core of the winning submission lies the IIDA Northern California Chapter Climate Action Committee’s vision to amplify its Climate Crawl series impact through the creation of an annual Climate Crawl Zine. This project represents a natural progression from the committee’s previous endeavors, particularly the Climate Crawl Series—a bi-monthly collaborative forum focusing on climate action initiatives and sustainability best practices within interior design.

The Climate Crawl Zine serves as a dynamic platform for sharing insights, strategies, and case studies, nurturing a community of environmentally conscious interior designers. Each edition of the Zine will delve into various facets of climate action in interior design, from building deconstruction to sustainable materials, fostering diverse perspectives and featuring thought-provoking articles, interviews with industry leaders, and exemplary sustainable projects within the chapter.

By intertwining the Climate Crawl series with the annual Zine, the project aims to create a vibrant, accessible, and evolving resource that propels the interior design community towards a greener, more responsible future.

Project Goal

The project sets forth several measurable goals:

  • Raising Awareness: Increasing awareness of climate action within the interior design industry.
  • Knowledge Expansion: Extending the reach of the Climate Crawl series to IIDA members across the chapter and the entire IIDA organization.
  • Educational Platform: Demonstrating IIDA as a platform for meaningful and educational content.
  • Community Expansion: Expanding Climate Crawl Series participation to a minimum of three new City Centers.
  • Advocacy Integration: Linking Climate Action activities with Advocacy efforts, enhancing IIDA’s value to the communities it serves.

In securing the Catalyst Grant, IIDA Northern California Chapter has not only gained financial support but also validation of its commitment to advancing sustainable design practices and fostering community engagement. This project stands as a testament to the chapter’s dedication to driving positive change within the interior design industry.

As the Climate Crawl Zine takes shape, it holds the promise of inspiring and empowering interior designers to embrace sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more resilient planet. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, IIDA Northern California Chapter continues to lead the charge towards a greener future—one page at a time.

Celebrating Excellence

Posted on by Heather
March 14, 2024

Event Recap

2024 Honor Awards

Masonic Auditorium, San Francisco

Read about all the winners and finalists of the 2024 Honor Awards event!

Evening Highlights

Cocktails and Conversations
The evening kicked off with cocktails in the gorgeous mid-century lobby of the Masonic Auditorium. Attendees enjoyed reconnecting with friends and colleagues before moving to the main hall for dinner and a memorable night.

Welcoming Remarks
Our emcee, Jonathan Chow, Event Committee Chair and Designer at DLR Group, warmly welcomed the attendees. He recalled his journey from a past IIDA Student Award winner to emceeing this grand event and expressed gratitude towards the Honor Awards committee. Jonathan’s introduction set the stage for a night where tradition meets innovation.

Acknowledging Excellence
Cheryl Durst, IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO, highlighted our advocacy efforts and forward-thinking legislative actions in California. She praised the designers of tomorrow while introducing the recipients of the Student Awards, which included the promising sophomore Kami Huynh, multi-year winner Electra White, and trailblazing senior Soojee Choi.

On March 14, 2024, energy buzzed through the Masonic Auditorium in San Francisco, as the IIDA Northern California Chapter Honor Awards celebrated stellar interior design projects. These projects not only define spaces but also set new standards. The event embodied a spirit of innovation and camaraderie, and we extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated. Your contributions inspire our community, fostering confidence and optimism.

Award Highlights

Innovative Design Recognized
The awards segment was filled with excitement as presenters spotlighted exceptional projects:

  • LIVE Category: Katelyn Hoffman and Enrique Sanchez showcased projects that turn spaces into homes.
  • JEWEL BOX Award: Jones Haydu presented the award for intimate design to Caffe by Mr. Espresso.
  • PLAY Award: Ian White and Whitney Feussner celebrated EHDD’s transformation of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.
  • HEAL Award: Stantec was honored for Care Essentials by Kaiser, a space where wellness thrives.

Sustainability and Craftsmanship
The evening continued with Ai Hamaji and Damien Watson presenting the SERVE award to HMC Architects for Sierra College, a beacon of community and learning. The LONG VIEW award went to EHDD for their sustainable design of the YouTube Campus Expansion. The CRAFT award recognized DLR Group for the SFMTA Subway Chinatown project, a testament to detailed and thoughtful design.

Corporate Creativity
The WORK awards highlighted functional creativity in corporate spaces:

  • SMALL Category: Gensler for LinkedIn Maude Deep Focus.
  • MEDIUM Category: Aidlin Darling Design for The Prow.
  • LARGE Category: Gensler again shone with NVIDIA Headquarters.

It’s All About Community

In her closing remarks, Katy Mercer, IIDA Northern California Chapter President, along with Melissa Pesci, Chapter President-elect, emphasized the strength of our community and collaboration. The Lark-Inn project, a harmonious partnership between DLR Group, Stantec, CRB, and Gensler, earned the SUMMIT award.

As the event concluded, Jonathan Chow reflected on an evening where aspirations met appreciation. Every speech, acknowledgment, and awarded project underscored the vital role of design in not just shaping spaces but lives.

For more information on the winners and their projects, visit our awards page.

Thank you to our dedicated committee for putting together another extraordinary event and all of our presenters!
If you are interested in being a part of the Honor Awards committee for 2025, please reach out.

Event Photos

Full photo album including all the photobooth pics!

Lobby Day Rewind

Posted on by Heather

Advocacy in Action for California’s Interior Designers

Ahead of the March 11th California Architect’s Board Sunset Hearing, a group of IIDA advocates took to the capitol to educate legislators on the profession of commercial interior design and the occupational barriers this profession faces in California. Representing the profession were Adam Newton, VP of Advocacy; Melissa Pesci, President-Elect; Tamara Roth, Sole Practitioner and Advocacy Committee Member; and Ellon Brittingham from Full Moon Strategies.

Lobby Day: A Gathering of Passionate Voices

Lobby days are an important tool in educating the legislature on any topic of advocacy. Lead by our lobbying team Full Moon Strategies, the team spent the day explaining the broad scope and powerful impact of commercial interior design projects, from restaurants to hospitals and everything in between. As a women and queer lead profession it was essential to educate our lawmakers on the importance of making change to improve equity throughout the construction industry. Additionally, Tamara Roth shared her experience as a sole practitioner who is regularly economically impacted by the outdated and inconsistent structure currently in California. Without updating the governance for commercial interior designers to be a state entity, sole practitioners will continue to be disproportionately impacted.

In total, IIDA met with nine legislative offices during the Lobby Day, making a grand total of thirty separate meetings with legislators and staff in the last two months alone. This high degree of engagement is only possible with the support of thought-leading firms and an active community of members.

Ellon Brittingham, Adam Newton, Melissa Pesci, Tamara Roth
Helping educate our lawmakers about Commercial Interior Design and what we’re trying to accomplish with our advocacy. Download your own copy →

The Hearing: From Discussions to Decisions

On March 11th IIDA represented commercial interior designers to the Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee for the California Architects Board Sunset Hearing. We appreciated the comments from Senator Roth, a long-time and esteemed member of the committee, and our colleagues at the American Institute of Architects California Chapter. This hearing was a very preliminary first step as we ramp up for more robust conversations so we are looking forward to collaborate more with stakeholders as this process progresses.

Watch Ellon & Melissa take the mic at 46:00 →
“I just want to thank you all for your time and interest in the issues, very well outlined in the background, that interior designers are facing in California. We’re really excited to collaborate with you all, and with CAB, to bring some consistency to our practitioners, our clients and our building officials.”
Melissa Pesci, AIA, NCIDQ, LEED AP, IIDA Northern CA President-Elect

Advocating for Progress

Posted on by Heather

Empowering Commercial Interior Designers in California

IIDA’s Northern and Southern California chapters’ advocacy efforts are moving ahead full steam this year to advance legislation that empowers commercial interior designers. In recent discussions surrounding these efforts, various points of view have emerged that illustrate the passionate engagement of professionals in the A&D industry. As part of our ongoing commitment to elevating our profession, it’s crucial to clarify the intentions of our efforts and dispel any misconceptions.

There are three main tenets of our objectives this year:

  1. Modernization: Working with state lawmakers to develop a governance structure that better reflects the increasing complexity of our practice and acknowledges the interdisciplinary landscape of our project teams.
  2. Consistency: Aligning commercial interior designers, and our statutory privileges, with the standardized regulatory environments of our peer professionals on the job site, in our offices, and across the nation.
  3. Equity: Acknowledging that the commercial interior design field is led by women and queer professionals, who currently do not enjoy the same statutory privileges as the colleagues in related fields.

TODAY: Monday, March 11th is the California Architect’s Board Sunset Review hearing and, based on the board’s sunset report, we anticipate these longstanding, structural issues to be a significant discussion. This follows on the heels of months of meaningful engagement with stakeholders. Don’t worry – we’ll be there to advocate for you! We are privileged to have this opportunity to collaborate with our lawmakers and architectural colleagues to align with many other states that govern architecture and interior design professionals under equivalent or joint regulatory structures.

When pushing for progress, it’s natural, and expected, for concerns from others to arise. It’s important to emphasize that our proposed goals seek to support, not undermine, our diverse community of professionals. As IIDA members, please understand that there is NO effort being made to dismantle the existing Certified Interior Designer (CID) structure. Instead, we aim to carve out a modernized governance structure that grants consistent privileges specifically for commercial interior designers. This is not a new concept; 31 other jurisdictions (29 states + DC and Puerto Rico) have some form of state-governed regulation for our profession. Even as recently as this week, a title act granting the ability to stamp and seal for state-registered interior designers was signed into law in Nebraska. For a leader like California, this change is long overdue.

We invite you to follow along during this process and look forward to the ongoing constructive conversations with our industry colleagues; this is only the beginning.

National Firms Support IIDA Efforts

Posted on by Heather
February 1, 2024

HGA and ASD|SKY Inaugural Signatories Supporting California Registered Commercial Interior Designer Title Act

Leading architecture and design firms, HGA and ASD|SKY, have signed letters to AIA California in support of a Commercial Interior Designer Title Act. This follows on the heels of a recent announcement by the International Interior Design Association’s (IIDA) California chapters declaring their intention to sponsor legislation for a title act in 2024, a move that has garnered widespread support within the industry. As inaugural signatories, these firms are at the forefront of a movement aimed at advancing the profession within the state.

HGA and ASD|SKY commitment to this cause is a reflection of their leadership in fostering innovative and collaborative approaches in architecture and design. Their participation as the first signatories underlines a shared vision for the future of the architecture and design industry – one that emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and team-based project execution.

At HGA it is a priority to elevate and integrate the Interior Design discipline into every project and into the leadership of the firm. We believe this integrated approach along with the visionary leadership of our Interior Design Partners is critical to the quality of our work and our future success. HGA strongly supports the path to licensure that the IIDA is proposing in the State of California.
Tim Carl | CEO, HGA

The proposed title act by IIDA aims to establish and recognize professional standards and qualifications for the profession of commercial interior design in California. This legislative effort is a crucial step towards aligning the profession with the evolving demands of the industry, where interdisciplinary collaboration and consistent regulation are increasingly becoming the norm. 

Both ASD|SKY and HGA have expressed their enthusiasm for this initiative, emphasizing its importance in shaping a more dynamic, integrated, and professional future for commercial interior designers in California. 

ASD|SKY is a multi-disciplinary firm where holistic design is paramount and interior design is a key element of our integrated approach. We see a clear path to licensure for our invaluable interior designers in the State of California as a long overdue measure. ASD|SKY fully supports the path to licensure that IIDA is proposing in the State of California.
Amy Tamburro | Principal, ASD|SKY SF

Katy Mercer, President of the IIDA Northern California Chapter, commented on this: “The backing of this initiative by leading firms like ASD|SKY and HGA highlights a long-awaited and crucial step for our industry in California. It signals a collective acknowledgment and readiness to embrace modernized practice and interdisciplinary approaches that many in our field have long seen as necessary for our profession’s growth and relevance.”

Brett Shwery, President of the IIDA Southern California Chapter, expressed his thoughts on the matter: “The support for this initiative from prominent organizations underscores a pivotal advancement for Commercial Interior Designers in California. Sharing this collective recognition and providing vital leadership is imperative to advancing the profession that provides vital practices in support of our ever-evolving society and the built environment”. 
For more information or to get more involved email advocacy@iidanc.org.

Sign. Seal. Empower.

Posted on by Heather
February 1, 2024

IIDA California Chapters Announce Intention to Enter 2024 Title Act Legislation for Commercial Interior Designers

In a progressive move, IIDA California chapters are spearheading a revolution for California interior design professionals, propelling them into a future where licensure standards reflect the modernized A&D industry. This innovative approach aims to empower commercial interior designers with permitting privileges, following the wave of national recognition and influence.

California commercial interior design professionals have long grappled with outdated regulations overseen by an all-volunteer board lacking the necessary consistency in licensing standards. It’s time to adapt and follow the currents of change sweeping across the nation.

The landscape has evolved since the 1990s, and it’s time for California to catch up. Since then:

  • AIA has shifted from outright opposition to a more neutral stance both at the national and state levels, allowing for increased collaboration and dialogue.
  • 28 states plus two jurisdictions have legislation in place, with a growing number of states are pursuing permitting privileges. 
  • SB 816, etched into law in 2023, marks a historic milestone by officially recognizing the designation of a commercial interior designer in California.

Armed with these developments, IIDA is reigniting efforts to carve a voluntary path for commercial interior designers seeking permitting privileges. The focus is on creating a nuanced route tailored to those in the commercial realm without compromising the practices of residential and kitchen-and-bath design colleagues.

At its core, this initiative is about interior designers taking the lead to modernize an outdated governmental structure that reflects current practice and industry standards. Collaboration is key. IIDA’s Northern and Southern California teams are building alliances with key stakeholders, from State Legislature experts to industry peers. The mission? To ensure that commercial interior designers stand tall alongside their industry colleagues.Over the next few months, IIDA is aiming to build consensus, educate the State Legislature, and pave the way for groundbreaking Title Act legislation with permitting privileges. Stay tuned as we keep you in the loop on this transformative journey. Have questions or want to be part of history in the making? Text “InteriorDesign” to 52886 or contact your local VP of Advocacy. Please direct all questions to advocacy@iidanc.org.  

2023 Legislator of the Year

Posted on by Heather
January 9, 2024

IIDA’s Northern and Southern California Chapters Honor State Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman

From L to R: Northern California President Elect Melissa Pesci, AIA, LEED AP, California State Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman, and VP of Advocacy Adam Newton, Assoc. IIDA

The Northern and Southern California chapters of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) have proudly announced the awarding of the prestigious 2023 Legislator of the Year to State Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman. This accolade is a testament to Eggman’s exemplary legislative leadership. As the third annual lawmaker to receive this award, Eggman joins a cohort of celebrated legislative leaders in California. Northern California President Elect Melissa Pesci, AIA, LEED AP, and VP of Advocacy Adam Newton, Assoc. IIDA, met with Senator Eggman in her Sacramento office to present the award.

Senator Eggman’s work spans several key areas important to California’s commercial interior designers, notably in improving health care and advocating for environmental sustainability. Her legislative priorities not only address urgent societal needs but also resonate with the values of the interior design community. Her efforts to enhance public health and make healthcare more accessible reflect IIDA’s commitment to inclusive and supportive environments. She’s also been a steadfast supporter of sustainable projects and initiatives, echoing IIDA’s focus on design excellence and environmental stewardship.

“This award not only honors Eggman’s substantial legislative achievements but is also an acknowledgement of the similarities in her social work background, to the occupational barriers commercial interior designers experience everyday. Eggman’s legislative efforts reflect an understanding of how essential it is to recognize the value and expertise required by these women-lead professions,” noted Adam Newton, VP Advocacy IIDA Northern California. The IIDA Northern and Southern California chapters look forward to continued collaboration with Senator Eggman’s office. To learn more about Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman’s initiatives and legislative work, or to show your support, you can visit her official website.

Reflecting on the 2023 IIDA Leaders Breakfast

Posted on by Heather
September 8 2023

Event Recap

Honoring Legacy and Inspiring Future Design 

Four Seasons Hotel, San Francisco

On the morning of Friday, Sept. 8, the design community of Northern California gathered in anticipation and excitement at the elegant Four Seasons Hotel in San Francisco. The occasion? The annual IIDA Leaders Breakfast, a prestigious international event series that celebrates the essence of design and recognizes those who have left an indelible mark on the industry, hosted by the IIDA Northern CA Chapter.

Keynote Speaker – Sloan Leo

Illuminating New Dimensions in Design

Sloan Leo, the Founder and CEO of FLOX Studio, commanded the spotlight as the distinguished keynote speaker at the 2023 event. Introduced by IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO Cheryl Durst, FIIDA, Sloan’s presence embodied the essence of design theory, practice, and facilitation, casting an aura of inspiration that enveloped the audience.

Sloan shared an anecdote as a trans man, shedding light on the challenges they faced in finding a space where they truly belonged. “Nothing felt like I was invited in,” they confessed, highlighting the need for inclusivity and diversity within the design community. In a move to spark meaningful conversations about community design, Sloan initiated a space where individuals could discuss innovative design solutions. The response was overwhelming, with their apartment quickly filling to capacity. Since then, FLOX Studio has launched – a platform that offers a unique blend of strategic management consulting and design education.

Sloan’s vision extends far beyond personal experiences. They firmly believe in a promising future, stating, “The future is coming – there is a plan for me.” Their mission revolves around the power of collective gatherings, emphasizing, “We can figure out how to live forward together.” In a world marked by constant change, Sloan’s determination to foster unity through design shines brightly.

Following their illuminating keynote address, Sloan Leo engaged in a dynamic Q&A session, sharing insights with Cheryl, and responding to thought-provoking questions from the captivated audience. 

IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO, Cheryl Durst, FIIDA and Keynote Speaker, Sloan Leo
IIDA Northern California President, Katy Mercer, IIDA and Honoree, Joan Price with Scott Dunlap.

Honoring Joan Price

A Beacon of Connection and Contribution

“LOL” doesn’t always stand for “Lots of Love.” But according to Jane Price’s 92-year-old mother, it certainly does! There was no shortage of “LOL” – whether it was laughter or a little extra love.

At the core of the 2023 Leaders Breakfast was a tribute to Joan Price, a distinguished figure in Bay Area architecture and design. Scott Dunlap of Gensler took the stage to introduce this year’s honoree, highlighting Joan’s remarkable career and her dedication to mentoring women in leadership roles.

While Joan Price may not have been a designer or architect herself, her visionary leadership during her two-decade tenure at Gensler left an indelible mark. She served as the first Director of Business Development and co-managed the San Francisco office. Her impact was palpable, as evidenced by her establishment of Gensler’s Client Advisory Council and her instrumental role in creating the global industry event, Design Forecast Live.

During her heartfelt speech, Joan expressed gratitude to those who had supported her throughout her career, including former colleagues and her family. She humbly acknowledged, “I owe everything to other people.”

Regarding the term “LOL,” Joan shared a different interpretation. To her, “LOL” can also stand for “Leaders of Leaders,” a nod to the exceptional individuals in the room who are driving change in the design field.

Looking ahead, Joan Price is optimistic about the future of design. She firmly believes that despite media narratives, the Bay Area and San Francisco are not in decline. Joan recognizes the dedicated community members working diligently to effect positive change.

In closing, Joan left the audience with a piece of wisdom: “Say what you mean and mean what you say.” And in a more lighthearted moment, she emphasized this point by repeating “LOL” three times, signifying the importance of laughter, leadership, and commitment in the world of design.

Thank you to our dedicated committee for putting together another extraordinary breakfast!
If you are interested in being a part of the Leaders Breakfast committee for 2024, please reach out.

Event Photos

Full photo album

2023 Leaders Breakfast SF
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2023 Distinguished Achievement Award

Posted on by Heather

Embracing Innovation and Building Lasting Connections

An Inspiring Journey of 38 Years in Bay Area Design

On May 23 at the annual Pioneers in Design event, Rachel Stallworth, a highly accomplished and respected professional in our local industry, was recently awarded the prestigious 2023 Distinguished Achievement Award by the Northern California International Interior Design Association (IIDA) chapter. This esteemed recognition is given to individuals who have made significant and consistent contributions to the profession, reflecting a deep commitment to excellence and dedication to their craft.

Lisa Weeks, from Gensler, had the privilege of introducing Rachel Stallworth as this year’s recipient, highlighting her remarkable ability to evolve and adapt throughout her career. Rachel has been an active participant in the Bay Area design community since 1985, embracing every industry shift and staying attuned to the needs of designers, manufacturers, and clients over the past 38 years.

Upon accepting the award, Rachel expressed her deep love for the industry and her immense gratitude to the Northern California chapter and its members. She credited her family, friends, and the countless designers, reps, and manufacturer rep agencies who have recommended her to others, acknowledging their support as integral to her success.

Over the years, Rachel’s dedication to her craft and commitment to supporting others led her to develop digital libraries and online tools to assist designers and manufacturers. She emphasized the importance of connections within the industry, encouraging everyone to reconnect and support one another, especially during challenging times.

Rachel Stallworth
Owner | Stallworth Enterprises, Inc.

2023 Chapter Honoree

Posted on by Heather

Celebrating CCB: A Remarkable Industry Steward and Honoree

On March 23, at the Honor Awards for IIDA Northern California, Carolyn Clark Beetle (CCB) was recognized as the Chapter Honoree for 2023. CCB, who has dedicated 12 years of volunteer service to the board, received accolades from her colleagues and peers for her inspirational leadership and unwavering commitment to the betterment of the community.

During the ceremony, Paul Mabe took the stage to express his admiration for CCB’s innovative and forward-thinking nature. He recounted how, when considering his current role, CCB was one of the first people he reached out to for advice. Her belief in him and recognition of his talent meant a great deal, showcasing her authenticity and generosity. CCB’s kindness extends not only financially but also in her willingness to guide and mentor others, making her an invaluable presence in the community.

Rashanda Udekwu joined Paul in honoring CCB and shared her own experiences of CCB’s remarkable qualities. She emphasized CCB’s genuine interest in others and her ability to build authentic connections. CCB’s reputation for knowing almost everyone in the industry stems from her deep personal connections and her commitment to listening and engaging with others. Rashanda also acknowledged CCB’s insatiable curiosity, evident in her drive to explore new ideas and advocate for equity and inclusivity, even before diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) became prominent in the industry.

CCB’s recognition as the 2023 Chapter Honoree by IIDA Northern California highlights her remarkable contributions and exceptional leadership within the industry. Her dedication to fostering genuine connections, mentorship, and advocacy for inclusivity has left an indelible mark on the community. Stepping down from the board after 12 years of volunteer service signifies a transition for CCB, but her influence and legacy will continue to inspire future industry thought leaders. We congratulate CCB on this well-deserved honor and express our deepest gratitude for her invaluable contributions.

Thank you so much for your powerhouse service, commitment & love!

Carolyn Clark Beedle, Industry IIDA
Director of Audience Engagement | One Workplace

Inspirational people don’t just discuss what is important to them; they act upon it. CCB is not just innovative and forward-thinking but is always thinking about the betterment of everyone.

Paul Mabe, VP of Philanthropy

Listening is not a technique but a way of being; it’s about attention, awareness, and genuinely wanting to hear someone else’s story – to be fully present. (Which is not easy for many of us today). It’s the threat that creates real human connections. CCB’s interest and care for others is how she built the reputation of knowing almost everyone in our industry, not from a surface level but on a bona fide deep personal level.

Rashanda Udekwu, VP of EDI