VOLUNTEER
We are always looking for committed volunteers – doers – to assist in the development and planning of chapter events, work on the website or social media, help with sponsorship and fundraising, and work to improve student and member outreach. Volunteering is a great way to expand your reach in the design community and can be both personally and professionally rewarding.
Want to get more involved?
Action
Catalyst COMMITTEE
MISSION
Engage with local communities through design-based service programs or educational initiatives for increased community development and ownership with traditionally marginalized communities.
WHAT WE DO
Yearly Community outreach program
Yearly Laptop Initiative
Yearly Collaboration event
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead recurring Committee meetings (monthly).
Committee Commitment:
Year round
Jennifer Graham
Vice President
Perkins and Will
LinkedIn
Sherri Simko
Co-Chair
Lingrove
LinkedIn
Action
Equity Council COMMITTEE
MISSION
Provide access to programming, resources, and tools of engagement for organizations to create and be accountable for their own pathway to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Our Vision: A design industry that is just and equitable.
Our Values: We aspire to be just and fair, carrying out our work with these core values in our hearts, minds, and actions by: – embracing constant learning; – practicing cultural humility; -fostering community and belonging.
WHAT WE DO
Steward the Design Industry Pledge
Provide informative and engaging programming and workshops each quarter to facilitate “Living With The Pledge”
Provide consistent outreach and communication of our progress and upcoming events
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead Lunch and Learn and Education Sessions (bimonthly)
Lead recurring Committee meetings (monthly).
Committee Commitment:
Year round
Tania Chau
Co-Chair
ALA Studio
LinkedIn
Raphael Williams
Co-Chair
Allsteel
LinkedIn
Action
Sustainability Circle COMMITTEE
MISSION
Evolve and expand sustainable design to better serve humanity and the planet, honoring human-centric principles. We aim to lead design that positively impacts both built and natural environments.
The forum encourages interior design strategies that reduce environmental harm and fosters collaboration among practitioners, educators, and industry members for socially responsible design. We seek to educate both the public and design community on how sustainable design promotes health and well-being for those who inhabit the spaces we create.
WHAT WE DO
1-2 CEU centric events a year focusing on progressing sustainability in the industry
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead recurring Committee meetings (monthly).
Committee Commitment:
Year round
Maxime De Scheemaeker
Co-Chair
JUUNOO
LinkedIn
co-chair needed
ADVOCACY
Advocacy COMMITTEE
MISSION
The Advocacy Committee executes, produces messaging and information regarding legislation and public relations to advance and promote interior design as a profession. Focusing on legislative agenda, grassroots efforts as well as coordinating with all sections of the chapter, the Interior Design Consortium and IIDA Headquarters.
WHAT WE DO
Develop and distribute content for membership to engage their legislator
Plan Capital Events
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead recurring Committee meetings (bi-weekly).
Committee Commitment:
Year round with a break in Summer
Corina Folts
Vice President
SWBR
LinkedIn
Sarah Levine
Vice President
ZGF
LinkedIn
CITY CENTERS
Albany City Center
MISSION:
The Albany City Center supports the local design community through professional development and continuing education opportunities, while advocating for future generations of Interior Designers. Our team of passionate board members and committee volunteers develop and execute events, build key relationships with like-minded professionals, and provide a platform for local representatives to expand their network.
WHAT WE DO
Work together as design professionals to create networking opportunities, connect with students, and raise awareness for meaningful causes.
Partner with the NYC Chapter President, Board of Directors, VP of City Centers, and fellow IIDA City Centers.
Advocate for the future of Interior Design.
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Attend monthly board meetings and event committee meetings.
Organize and run signature events, CEUs, student events, and a member/sponsor appreciation event.
Committee Commitment:
Year round.
Afton Beattie Buser
Director
CSArch
LinkedIn
Ashley Sheehan
Past-Director
CSArch
LinkedIn
CITY CENTERS
Buffalo City Center
The Buffalo City Center supports the local design community through professional development and continuing education opportunities, while advocating for future generations of Interior Designers. Our team of passionate board members and committee volunteers develop and execute events, build key relationships with like-minded professionals, and provide a platform for local representatives to expand their network.
WHAT WE DO
Work together as design professionals to create networking opportunities, connect with students, and raise awareness for meaningful causes.
Partner with the NYC Chapter President, Board of Directors, VP of City Centers, and fellow IIDA City Centers.
Advocate for the future of Interior Design.
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Attend monthly board meetings and event committee meetings.
Organize and run signature events, CEUs, student events, and a member/sponsor appreciation event.
Committee Commitment:
Year round.
Brittany Nowicki
Director
CPL
LinkedIn
co-chair needed
CITY CENTERS
Rochester City Center
MISSION:
The Rochester City Center is a growing community of designers, students, educators, and industry partners passionate about creating enriching learning and networking opportunities that inspire and drive excitement within our local design community. As design leaders, we are committed to pushing the boundaries, fostering forward-thinking ideas, and encouraging progressive design and collaboration that shapes the future of our industry.
WHAT WE DO
Collaborate as a team to oversee planning and operations for the Rochester City Center.
Fulfill duties as outlined by the NY Chapter President, Board of Directors, and VP of City Centers.
Plan and promote local events, including professional development for designers and student and networking activities.
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Attend meetings and events, collaborate with Upstate City Centers, and support outreach and donation drives.
Committee Commitment:
Year round.
Erika Reed
Co-Director
Vargas Associates
LinkedIn
Kara Brown
Co-Director
Colliers
LinkedIn
CITY CENTERS
Syracuse City Center
MISSION:
The Syracuse City Center brings together the city’s design community, industry partners, and students. We create networking opportunities, mentor students, and raise awareness for impactful causes. At the same time, we remain committed to shaping the future of interior design, all while giving back to the thriving community we proudly call home.
WHAT WE DO
Work together as design professionals to create networking opportunities, connect with students, and raise awareness for meaningful causes.
Partner with the NYC Chapter President, Board of Directors, VP of City Centers, and fellow IIDA City Centers.
Advocate for the future of Interior Design.
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Attend monthly board meetings and event committee meetings.
Organize and run signature events, CEUs, student events, and a member/sponsor appreciation event.
Committee Commitment:
Year round.
Natalie Nigolian
Co-Director
Dwyer Architectural
LinkedIn
Ryan Morley
Co-Director
King + King Architects
LinkedIn
Communication
EVENTS COMMITTEE
MISSION
Support our amazing committees by guiding them through the process of hosting events. Working directly with the co-chairs and volunteers on scheduling, promoting and problem solving.
WHAT WE DO
Review Event scheduling requests
Coordinate with volunteers and guiding them through the Event process
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead recurring Committee meetings (bi-weekly).
Committee Commitment:
Year round with emphasis on the Spring and Fall
Nanmei Jiang Rich
Co-Chair
HDR
LinkedIn
co-chair needed
Communication
WEBSITE COMMITTEE
MISSION
Designing, maintaining, and growing our IIDA NY website. Creating new ways for our website to support our community.
WHAT WE DO
Work with the board on new initiatives
Maintain the website with general check ups
Coordinate with committees on adjustments to their pages and guiding them through the best process to showcase their work to the community
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead recurring committee meetings (monthly).
Committee Commitment:
Year round
co-chair needed
Events
DEX COMMITTEE
MISSION
DEX provides a dynamic platform that fosters open communication and collaboration between leaders in the design industry and creatives from a wide range of alternate fields, encouraging cross-disciplinary exchange, idea-sharing, and innovative dialogue that drives creative growth and the advancement of design across various sectors.
WHAT WE DO
Hold the IIDA NY DEX round table event each year hosting around 150 ppl
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead recurring Committee meetings (monthly).
Committee Commitment:
Spring to Fall
Amy Mays
Co-Chair
HDR
LinkedIn
Jennifer Eno
Co-Chair
NYU Langone
LinkedIn
Events
Leaders Breakfast COMMITTEE
MISSION
The IIDA NY Leaders Breakfast® brings together the New York design community for a dynamic event that fosters networking, celebrates design excellence, and offers professional development. As one of the year's largest events, it connects a diverse audience, including members, students, and young professionals, to share ideas and elevate the design conversation. Featuring an annual honoree and an inspiring keynote, the event highlights industry leaders' achievements while inspiring the next generation. The Leaders Breakfast® serves as a platform for collaboration, learning, and advancing design in New York.
WHAT WE DO
Brainstorm and secure speakers
Coordinate, on board and plan with all supporting consultants
Connect with Sponsors and maintain current partnerships
Additional Responsibilities
Graphic design as needed
Committee Commitment:
Between September and May
Anne Wood Drysdale
Co-Chair
MillerKnoll
LinkedIn
Lance Amato
Co-Chair
Canoa
LinkedIn
Events
Pioneering Design COMMITTEE
MISSION
Pioneering Design® celebrates the trailblazers shaping the future of design. Our mission is to elevate the conversation by showcasing innovative work that challenges conventions, pushes boundaries, and drives the industry forward. We recognize and honor those at the forefront of design to inspire creativity, spark new ideas, and create a platform for dialogue on design's evolving role in society. Through groundbreaking architecture, cutting-edge interiors, and visionary products, we acknowledge bold ideas and leaders redefining what is possible and shaping the future. This event celebrates design's power to inspire change and make a lasting impact.
What We Do
Develop connective themes for the year and secure speakers
Coordinate, on board and plan with all supporting consultants
Connect with Sponsors and maintain current partnerships
Additional Responsibilities
Graphic design as needed
Committee Commitment:
Between September and May
Mel Casipit
Co-Chair
Vocon
LinkedIn
Kristen Camejo
Co-Chair
Vitra
LinkedIn
Events
Color Invasion COMMITTEE
MISSION
Color Invasion® celebrates creativity, community, and philanthropy by uniting design professionals for a themed networking event. IIDANY’s premier annual gathering supports the Student Awards Program and raises awareness for the Pajama Program, which provides comfort to children in need. Attendees are encouraged to donate new pajamas and books to make a positive impact while fostering generosity and camaraderie in the design community.
What We Do
Develop themes and stage production level displays for yearly events
Coordinate, on board and plan with all supporting consultants
Connect with Sponsors and maintain current partnerships
Additional Responsibilities
Build weekends before the event
Day of setup and breakdown
Time Commitment
Between January and Mid November
Brian Bates
Co-Chair
Narbutus
LinkedIn
Steven South
Co-Chair
Spector
LinkedIn
Events
Healthcare Forum COMMITTEE
MISSION
The Healthcare Forum seeks to provide members with a venue with which to discuss the latest trends and design concepts, as well as disseminate knowledge through education, resources and communication. We support design professionals in the challenging and rewarding field of healthcare design and act as a source for exploring methods of design and innovation, which create positive, effective healing environments.
WHAT WE DO
Hold 1-2 Healthcare Forums hosting around 75 ppl
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead recurring committee meetings (monthly).
Committee Commitment:
Summer and Fall
Jason Lockspeiser
Co-Chair
Mannington
LinkedIn
Lilliana Alvarado
Co-Chair
Uphealing
LinkedIn
Events
Hospitality Forum COMMITTEE
MISSION
The Hospitality Forum seeks to provide members with a venue with which to discuss the latest trends and design concepts, as well as disseminate knowledge through education, resources and communication. We support design professionals in the challenging and rewarding field of hospitality design and act as a source for exploring methods of design and innovation, which create positive, effective environments.
WHAT WE DO
Hold 1-2 Hospitality Forums hosting around 75 ppl
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead recurring committee meetings (monthly).
Committee Commitment:
Summer and Fall
Dylan Kruse
Co-Chair
Rockwell
LinkedIn
Yolanda Silva
Co-Chair
Carl Hansen
LinkedIn
Events
Civic Design Forum COMMITTEE
MISSION
The Civic Design Forum seeks to provide members with a venue with which to discuss the latest trends and design concepts, as well as disseminate knowledge through education, resources and communication. We support design professionals in the challenging and rewarding field of Civic Design and act as a source for exploring methods of design and innovation, which create positive, effective environments.
WHAT WE DO
Hold 1-2 Civic Design Forums or Tours hosting between 40-75 ppl
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead recurring committee meetings (monthly).
Committee Commitment:
Spring and Fall
Joan Tsen
Co-Chair
Mancini Duffy
LinkedIn
Terrence Davis
Co-Chair
Corgan
LinkedIn
Member services
MEMBER WELCOME COMMITTEE
MISSION
The Member Welcome Committees mission is to help, guide and encourage new members to get involved and take full advantage of all that IIDA and the IIDA NY Chapter has to offer.
WHAT WE DO
Create the New Members Quarterly, a digital quarterly newsletter for new members featuring events, benefits, and some fun facts.
Send the welcome letter/e-mail to all new members.
Host several informal social/networking events & happy hours throughout the year.
Arrange a Member Welcome Committees table at most signature events to provide information, make introductions, distribute swag and say, “hello!”
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead recurring Committee meetings (at least every other month).
Establish and delegate Committee tasks to Co-Chairs and Committee as needed.
Committee Commitment:
Spring, Late Fall
Caroline White
Co-Chair
Maharam
LinkedIn
Matt Bishop
Co-Chair
TPG Architecture
LinkedIn
Member services
VOLUNTEER COORDINATION COMMITTEE
MISSION
Volunteer Coordination was founded in 2019 to foster connections with our current and future volunteers. Volunteer Coordination’s mission is to support the Interior design community by facilitating connections and growing the IIDA community.
WHAT WE DO
• Hold the IIDA NY Volunteer Fair in June with all committees in attendance to provide face to face interaction between co-chairs and potential volunteers.
• Coordinate with existing IIDA NY committees for potential volunteer opportunities.
• Place IIDA members on committees that interest them either through direct contact at events or via email.
• Participate at in person events by manning the sign in table, speaking to potential volunteers about joining IIDA NY and becoming part of a committee.
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead recurring Committee meetings (bi-weekly).
Establish and delegate Committee tasks to Co-Chairs and Committee as needed.
Committee Commitment:
Year round with emphasis on the Spring
Laura Sviridoff
Co-Chair
Jacobs
LinkedIn
Erin Krummenacker
Co-Chair
SLS
LinkedIn
PARTNERSHIP
PARTNERSHIP COMMITTEE
MISSION
The IIDA NY Partnership Committee was created to engage current and new strategic partnerships that support the mission, values, and community of the New York Chapter. This team helps develop, cultivate and sustain key partnerships by collaborating with local and global organizations, producing annual programming, and providing opportunities for professional development to the IIDA NY community.
WHAT WE DO
Actively seek potential partners to add additional value to the organization and design industry.
Collaborate with internally and externally to streamline outreach efforts and ensure a holistic experience for members and sponsors.
Maintain current partnerships and help them reach full potential.
Coordinate annual partnership events
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Attend committee meetings and planning sessions
Committee Commitment:
Year round with a break in Summer
Natalie Chalker
Co-Chair
WB Wood
LinkedIn
John Capobianco
Co-Chair
Unispace
LinkedIn
Professional DEvelopment
Business Leadership Training COMMITTEE
MISSION
BLT (Business Leadership Training) is a unique opportunity offered to our Design Advocate Firms. The program is designed to further develop mid-level designers in strategic business planning. This is an opportunity for IIDA NY to invest in the future leaders of our industry.
WHAT WE DO
Full Curriculum developed for IIDA NY in conjunction with Pace University: Lubin School of Business. Classes focus on leadership and business knowledge from marketing, presentation skills, networking, team enhancement and management, and business planning, negotiations, contracts, finances, and business psychology
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead recurring committee meetings (monthly).
Committee Commitment:
Year round with a break in Summer
Maria Vila
Co-Chair
TwoOneTwo Design
LinkedIn
Angela Laterza
Co-Chair
Eureka Lighting
LinkedIn
Professional DEvelopment
WELL Study Group COMMITTEE
MISSION
We are a collective of passionate, WELL certified Interior Designers who are driven to share our knowledge and support our fellow industry peers with their professional development by providing tools and guidance to take the WELL examination. Our goal is to foster a welcoming place for learning and support to prepare mentees for the WELL exam by bringing together a diverse group of industry professionals to share in their journey.
WHAT WE DO
Full Curriculum developed by IIDA NY in a multi-course format over consecutive weeks covering each section of the WELL exam
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead recurring committee meetings (monthly).
Committee Commitment:
Spring or Fall
Brooke Altidor
Co-Chair
Certain Teed
LinkedIn
Sharon Sauli
Co-Chair
Duravit
LinkedIn
Professional DEvelopment
LEED Study Group COMMITTEE
MISSION
We are a collective of passionate, LEED certified Interior Designers who are driven to share our knowledge and support our fellow industry peers with their professional development by providing tools and guidance to take the LEED examination. Our goal is to foster a welcoming place for learning and support to prepare mentees for the LEED exam by bringing together a diverse group of industry professionals to share in their journey.
WHAT WE DO
Full Curriculum developed by IIDA NY in a multi-course format over consecutive weeks covering each section of the LEED exams
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead recurring committee meetings (monthly).
Committee Commitment:
Spring or Fall
Brooke Altidor
Co-Chair
Certain Teed
LinkedIn
Sharon Sauli
Co-Chair
Duravit
LinkedIn
Professional DEvelopment
NCIDQ Study Group COMMITTEE
MISSION
We are a collective of passionate, NCIDQ certified Interior Designers who are driven to share our knowledge and support our fellow industry peers with their professional development by providing tools and guidance to take the NCIDQ examinations. Our goal is to foster a welcoming place for learning and support to prepare mentees for the NCIDQ exams by bringing together a diverse group of industry professionals to share in their journey.
WHAT WE DO
Full Curriculum developed by IIDA NY in a multi-course format over consecutive weeks covering each section of the NCIDQ exams
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead recurring committee meetings (monthly).
Committee Commitment:
Spring or Fall
Jeremy Jonet
Co-Chair
Gensler
LinkedIn
Rick Stewart
Co-Chair
Kvadrat
LinkedIn
Professional DEvelopment
LMNOP COMMITTEE
MISSION
Leadership, Mentoring & Networking Opportunities (LMNOP) provides personal, professional development to members of the design community. Dedicated to offering workshops, mentorship and networking activities for the architecture and design community at large.
WHAT WE DO
• Host 2-4 events each year consisting of workshops which cover networking, mentoring & CEUs
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead recurring committee meetings (monthly).
Committee Commitment:
Yearly
Chanel Brandon
Co-Chair
Dow Jones
LinkedIn
Taryn Potenza
Co-Chair
Interface
LinkedIn
Sponsorhip
SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE
MISSION
The IIDA NY Sponsorship Committee engages current and new strategic sponsorships that support the mission, values, and community of the New York Chapter. This team helps develop, cultivate and sustain key sponsorships by collaborating with local and global organizations. producing annual programming and providing opportunities for professional development to the IIDA NY community.
WHAT WE DO
Product the Annual sponsorship package
Assist all the committees in finding key sponsorship pairings and assisting the strategic pairing of sponsors with events that highlight the values of both parties.
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Hold weekly meetings where we discuss the business of the week.
Committee Commitment:
Year round
Ginger Gilden
Vice President
Marco
LinkedIn
Student development
Hazel Siegel COMMITTEE
MISSION
The IIDA NY Hazel Siegel Scholarship honors the legacy of Hazel Siegel by supporting emerging design talent. Three exceptional students receive an all-expense-paid trip to the IIDA SHIFT Student Conference, where they participate in project charrettes, tour leading design firms, and network with industry professionals, guided by an IIDA NY mentor. A IIDA NY student membership is also awarded. Established in memory of Siegel after her passing in 2020, the scholarship reflects her dedication to mentorship, education, and service.
What We Do
Outreach to college campuses and review submissions
Setup all travel and coordination to the SHIFT conference
Connect with Sponsors and maintain current partnerships
Additional Responsibilities
Graphic design as needed
Time Commitment
Between September and February
Jillian Allerton
Co-Chair
Gensler
LinkedIn
Michelle Schutt
Co-Chair
CertainTeed
LinkedIn
Student development
Knowledge Forum COMMITTEE
MISSION
We are a collective of passionate Interior Design students who are driven to share our knowledge and support our design student peers with their career development by providing resources and networking opportunities with industry professionals. Our goal is to serve as a link between academia and professional practice through collaborative efforts among interior design educators, practitioners and industry members.
WHAT WE DO
Hold the IIDA NY Knowledge Forum which hosts between 30-50 ppl
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead recurring Committee meetings (monthly).
Committee Commitment:
Spring to Fall
Joe Olivieri
Co-Chair
Corgan
LinkedIn
Joshua Liu
Co-Chair
Rockwell
LinkedIn
Student development
Design Camp COMMITTEE
MISSION
Design Camp is committed to spreading awareness about the Interior Design profession for the next generation. Our Committee Focuses on guiding and educating K-12 students who come from underrepresented backgrounds that show interest in the arts and design.
WHAT WE DO
Creative workshops, portfolio review and information sessions about interior design.
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead recurring committee meetings (monthly).
Committee Commitment:
Year round
Carmita Sanchez-Fong
Co-Chair
FIT
LinkedIn
Kathleen Murphy
Co-Chair
Shaw
LinkedIn
Student development
College Ambassadors COMMITTEE
MISSION
The College Ambassadors Committee was established to maintain relationships with Interior Design Programs/ Schools and Interior Design Student Clubs in NY. Ambassadors who are assigned to various Programs/ Schools collaborate with IIDA student groups and leverage committee connections increasing engagement.
WHAT WE DO
• Host educational events at the Design Schools and assist in recruiting IIDA NY Student Members.
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead recurring committee meetings (monthly).
Committee Commitment:
Spring and Fall
Ethan Lu
Co-Chair
FIT
LinkedIn
Julia Glazer
Co-Chair
OFS
LinkedIn
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Communication
Social Media COMMITTEE
MISSION
Designing, maintaining, and growing our IIDA NY social media involves curating engaging content, managing interactions, and ensuring a consistent brand voice across platforms, while finding innovative ways to enhance each platform’s ability to support and connect our community, promote events, and showcase achievements in the design industry.
WHAT WE DO
Work with the board on new initiatives
Maintain our social media footprint by coordinating with consultants
Coordinate with committees and sponsors on posts that highlight the work of our community
Some of our other responsibilities include:
Lead recurring committee meetings (monthly).
Committee Commitment:
Year round
co-chair needed
co-chair needed