People have nice things to say about Megan Onley, IIDA. Her peers call her “an advocate in the truest sense of the word.” IIDA’s Senior Director of Advocacy, Marci Merola, calls her a standout leader. IIDA’s Executive Vice President and CEO, Cheryl Durst, Hon. FIIDA, says Onley’s empathy, energy, and sense of calm are “emblematic of leadership in this organization and this profession.”

It’s no wonder she was named IIDA’s 2026 Member of the Year.

A senior interior designer at Integrus Architecture in Spokane, Washington, and president of IIDA’s Northern Pacific Chapter, Onley is known for her passion, determination, and commitment to the profession.

Her Background

Onley joined IIDA nearly 15 years ago, when she was an interior design student at Washington State University. As a designer with Integrus, she has worked on a range of projects, including the U.S. Consulate General campus in Hyderabad, India, which won a 2024 IIDA Global Excellence Award.

“With over a decade of experience in commercial interior design, particularly in civic and educational environments, she brings a deeply human-centered, thoughtful, and purpose-driven approach to every project,” says Vice President of Washington Advocacy, Cecilia Arroyo, IIDA, who serves alongside Onley on the Northern Pacific Chapter Board. “Her work consistently elevates the experience of the communities and individuals who inhabit the spaces she helps shape.”

Her Impact

In recent years, Onley has become increasingly involved in advocacy efforts, pushing for legal recognition of the interior design profession. She became vice president of Washington advocacy in 2024 and president of the Northern Pacific Chapter in 2025, which includes hundreds of members across Alaska, Idaho, Washington, Alberta, and British Columbia. In short order, Onley has spurred significant progress. She helped create a new role to advance advocacy in Idaho — contributing to a major win in the state, which passed landmark interior design legislation in March — and she was pivotal in securing a lobbyist to support advocacy in Washington state.

“In a chapter full of standout leaders, it can be hard to stand out. But Megan’s impact is difficult to ignore,” says Marci Merola, who steers advocacy efforts at IIDA HQ. “During her tenure, advocacy efforts have flourished at IIDA Northern Pacific, and through her thoughtful, inclusive vision for the future of the many states and provinces the chapter represents, this work will continue to grow, strengthening not only the chapter, but IIDA as a whole.”

Vice President of Idaho Advocacy, Katie Edwards, IIDA, couldn’t agree more.

“As chapter president, Megan has brought renewed energy, thoughtful direction, and a collaborative spirit to our leadership team. She inspires others through her example — her work ethic, compassion, and vision motivate those around her to aim higher and engage more deeply. She has strengthened connections within our community, expanded opportunities for members, and ensured that advocacy remains at the heart of our mission as three states within our chapter are introducing bill language.”

Finding Her Power

Onley’s work as a leader, collaborator, and advocate has strengthened her chapter, the broader design community, and her own sense of personal agency.

“When I began legislative work,” she says, “I saw the frustration many felt, believing progress was impossible. But I discovered a grassroots network of passionate professionals laying the groundwork. I stepped in as a connector, reigniting momentum, and amplifying voices — and in turn, finding my own.” When she hit roadblocks, that friction “fueled my determination and lit a fire I didn’t know I had.”

Alongside her job and work with IIDA, Onley is also a mother of two young children. At IIDA’s Annual Meeting this year, Onley delivered remarks after officially receiving her Member of the Year award — many in the room were moved to tears.

“I often think that someday my children might ask, ‘Mom, did you sacrifice your dreams for me?’” Onley said. “And I’ll be able to answer, ‘No, I chased them with you right beside me.’ IIDA has helped me find my voice, and this recognition inspires me to keep pushing until the doors of this profession are wide open.”


Watch a recording of IIDA’s 2026 Annual Meeting here