Emma Smith, IIDA
President of the IIDA Texas/Oklahoma Chapter
Architectural Representative, Daltile

What are three things you can’t live without?

Coffee, my Kindle, my dogs. 

One thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I was a published author at the age of 10 for my short story, "After Jack Jumped Over the Candlestick.”

One skill you think every designer needs today?

Adaptability! Our industry is constantly changing and is extremely dynamic. Being able to adapt to the day-to-day chaos of a project is a huge win. 

What makes a good leader?

A good leader is someone who is able to listen and digest information in an efficient but thoughtful manner. Being able to delegate and find ways to make your team succeed are invaluable. 

One design detail you always notice?

Tile edge conditions. 

You are stuck on an island. You can pick just one food to eat forever. What would you choose?  

Ice cream.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

This industry while large is also incredibly small. You never know when you will run into someone again. 

Best gift you’ve ever received?

A trip to Chicago to see “Hamilton” when it first came out!

Your favorite way to rest and recharge after a packed week?

Face masks, hot bath, hot tea and a good book!

What’s one small habit, ritual, or routine that makes you better at your work, or simply brightens your day?

Steps in the morning! Helps clear my mind and gets me energized for the day. Also, helps me destress prior to tackling my busy day. 

Share a work of art or culture that you can’t stop thinking about. Why?

“Ted Lasso.” I am never not happy watching that show and I feel I discover a new life lesson in each episode. 

What’s a favorite IIDA program or experience that you’d recommend to new members?

SHIFT! It is a great way to get involved with IIDA early on. I attended as a student, and it truthfully is what roped me into now being a chapter president. 

How has IIDA membership supported or advanced your design career?

IIDA has provided access to a large network. Just by attending events, I have been able to make new connections to utilize in both my career and in my personal life. Being on the board even provided me an opportunity to get another board member hired onto my team at work!

Megan Hess, IIDA
President of the IIDA Carolinas Chapter
Interior Designer, CJMW Architecture

One thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I started traveling overseas when I was 11 years old and I’ve visited more countries than states.

One design detail you always notice?

Lighting. It's such a subtle feature but makes a huge impact on how people experience a space.

One skill you think every designer needs today?

Being able to adapt to the ever-changing world of trends, design programs, AI, and more is so valuable.

What are three things you can’t live without?

My dog, Barkley; the ability to travel and experience new things; and family and friends.

Your favorite way to rest and recharge after a packed week?

A relaxing morning in a coffee shop and a long walk with the dog.

What’s a favorite IIDA program or experience that you’d recommend to new members?

Our city centers host a wide variety of events including social gatherings, CEUs, philanthropic initiatives, and membership events. Each is geared towards different ways of networking, learning, and getting involved. My favorite IIDA experience so far has been DesignWorks, an event celebrating all the amazing talent within the Carolinas, including various firms and industry partners. Seeing the wide range of skillsets was inspiring and it was a great way to meet new people.

How has IIDA membership supported or advanced your design career?

Becoming an IIDA member allowed me to build relationships and connections throughout the Carolinas and other states, which also led to my current job. I’ve learned valuable skills in professional development, advocacy, and public speaking throughout my IIDA journey and on the chapter board.

Julie Mohamad, IIDA
President of the Indiana Chapter
Interior Designer, krM Architecture

One design detail you always notice?

Alignment. I can never unsee misaligned tiles, casework doors, textile/wallpaper patterns, or transitions!

You are stuck on an island. You can pick just one food to eat forever. What would you choose?  

Potatoes. Hear me out, potatoes can be turned into so many different things. Surely there’s something else on the island I can eat it with, right?

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

You can’t control what people do or say, but you can control how you respond and how it affects you.

What are three things you can’t live without?

Good food, good people, and a good plan (with a little bit of chaos).

One skill you think every designer needs today?

Communication. How you say something, the words you choose, and how much information you provide can really change how someone responds. Strong communication helps build trust and respect.

What makes a good leader?

I think a good leader is someone who genuinely wants the best for their team. Someone who supports people, helps make their lives a little easier, stays humble, and communicates openly. For me, leadership is less about having all the answers and more about being someone people can count on, someone who inspires people to grow.

What’s a favorite IIDA program or experience that you’d recommend to new members?

I’ve always loved our IDEAwards! I think it’s such a great way for the entire industry to come together and celebrate the amazing work happening in our design community. I always enjoy getting to read the concepts behind each project and learning what went into bringing the designs to life. Joining the IDEAwards committee has made the experience even more special. You really get to see how much creativity, collaboration, and passion our industry has, and I think that’s something every new member should experience!

How has IIDA membership supported or advanced your design career?

Being an IIDA member has given me the opportunity to meet and connect with so many people in the industry that I probably wouldn’t have crossed paths with through my everyday work. It’s helped me grow my network, make some really great friendships, and see design from different perspectives. IIDA has also given me opportunities to take on leadership roles and other passions. 

I’ve learned a lot about communication, conflict resolution, project management, and how to work with different personalities and perspectives. It’s also helped me develop some of my other interests, especially when it comes to technology, organization, and finding ways to make things work more efficiently. A lot of those skills and interests have carried over into my day-to-day career and have helped me grow not just as a designer, but as a professional and a leader.

Brianna Walter, IIDA
President of the IIDA Georgia Chapter
Founder + Creative Director, Studio BWD

What are three things you can’t live without?

Coffee, chips, and sleep!

One design detail you always notice?

I really focus in on millwork details. I love a detail that builds in the right amount of tolerance so the final result looks intentional and refined. Thoughtful detailing is where design and construction meet, and getting that balance right is one of my favorite parts of the process.

One thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I like doing punch lists …

One skill you think every designer needs today?

The ability to listen, take direction, and trust the process.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Early in my career: Ask all the questions. That was the advice I was given, and I embraced it fully. Curiosity was expected, so I asked everything because learning was the job. 

Later in my career: Don’t speak up in a construction meeting unless you know you’re right. That guidance reshaped how I prepared and how I showed up. It pushed me to understand the contract, the RFIs that altered it, and exactly where the project stood at any moment. That level of preparation didn’t just make me informed; it made me confident, decisive, and ready to lead the conversation when it mattered.

If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be?

My dog.

What makes a good leader?

I’ve always believed in doing the work and showing up for others. Early in my career, I got stuck working late on a deadline, and a firm principal stayed behind to help me finish. I’ve never forgotten that moment. It shaped how I lead today, and I hope I can support future designers with that same level of care and commitment.

Your favorite way to rest and recharge after a packed week?

A nap!

Name one designer, artist, or creative thinker you’re paying attention to right now. Why do they intrigue you?

Not one person in particular, but I'm always intrigued by those who are willing to take chances. I always want things to be as good as possible, but sometimes there’s beauty in just getting started, even if it’s not perfect.

What’s one small habit, ritual, or routine that makes you better at your work, or simply brightens your day?
I like to make sure I can get a walk in the morning. It can give me the space to think about nothing, but it oftentimes gives me the ability to gather my thoughts or come up with new ideas.

What’s a favorite IIDA program or experience that you’d recommend to new members?

I would encourage new members to attend their local city center events. These smaller gatherings create the best environment for building real connections. You get the chance to meet other members, have meaningful conversations, and start forming the relationships that make our design community so strong.

How has IIDA membership supported or advanced your design career?

IIDA has played a meaningful role in advancing my design career at multiple stages. Early on, I worked primarily in an interior design capacity but later transitioned into construction management and relocated to a new state. In that transition, IIDA reconnected me to the design community at a time when I didn’t yet have established relationships or a creative network. I was craving the sense of community, creativity, and shared purpose that had shaped my early career, and IIDA gave that back to me. 

Beyond community, IIDA has been a catalyst for professional growth. Serving in leadership roles has challenged me, expanded my skill set, and provided invaluable opportunities to contribute to the profession in a deeper way. Through both connection and leadership, IIDA has continued to support and elevate my career.

Learn more about becoming an IIDA member