This article is part of an ongoing profile series spotlighting IIDA industry members.

Meet Joey Giovannetti, IIDA, Chicago A&D Sales Specialist for KI 

Can you share a pivotal moment for you in your career?

Honestly, this question could not have come at a more perfect time because I am currently living that pivotal moment. Recently, I made the decision to step away from a career in design and pursue a path that felt more authentic to who I am. Making that leap was scary. Not because I thought it was the wrong decision, but because major life changes always come with uncertainty. Then I found KI, and it felt so natural that it almost seemed obvious. Sometimes an opportunity comes along that aligns so well with who you are that the only thing left to do is trust yourself and go for it. What I realized is that the part of design I loved most was never just the spaces themselves. It was the people. While I may no longer be designing hospitals or offices, I still get to support designers, build relationships, and have an impact through the work they create. It feels less like leaving design and more like finding the role I was always working toward.

What is the legacy you hope to leave?

Legacy is an interesting thing to think about at 25 because hopefully I still have a lot of life ahead of me. But I think we're all building our legacy every day through the way we show up for ourselves and others. If one day people look back and say, "He lived the life he wanted to live, and it inspired me to do the same," I would consider that a success. Life can be challenging, confusing, and sometimes overwhelming, but I believe that when you take the time to understand who you are, surround yourself with people who truly support you, and have the courage to choose the life that is right for you, incredible things can happen. More than anything, I hope my legacy is encouraging others to live authentically, pursue what matters to them, and enjoy the journey along the way.

What big goal have you set for the next 3-5 years?

With this new chapter of my career, I want to focus on reestablishing myself in our industry while continue being someone the design community trusts and enjoys working with. My priority right now is learning everything I can, figuring out how I can best support designers, and having fun along the way. I also want to help elevate how KI shows up in our community. The best relationships in this industry are built on genuine connection, and I am excited to bring fresh ideas, create meaningful partnerships, and find ways to make designers' lives a little easier. Honestly, my goal is pretty simple. I want to be great at what I do, make a positive impact on the people around me, and have a lot of fun doing it. If I can accomplish those three things, I'll be happy with where I end up.

What’s one big inspiration — or passion — that you think everyone should know about (this can be another designer, book, podcast, artist, hobby, ritual etc.)?

This may not be the answer you were expecting, but one of my biggest passions is complimenting people. Not giving compliments just to be nice but actually telling people the positive things you genuinely notice about them. If I see someone with a great outfit, an infectious laugh, or a talent I admire, I try to tell them. Especially strangers. Those small moments can completely change someone's day, and they often end up improving yours too. I think we underestimate the impact that uplifting others can have. When people feel seen and appreciated, they carry that energy with them. In an industry built on creativity, relationships, and human connection, that's incredibly powerful. Plus, it costs nothing, takes only a few seconds, and makes life a lot more fun.

Joey Giovannetti, IIDA is the Chicago A&D Sales Specialist for KI and a licensed interior designer whose career has spanned healthcare, commercial, aviation, education, community, and mission critical projects. After several years in design, he transitioned to the manufacturer side of the industry to focus on what he enjoys most: building relationships, supporting people, and helping bring great spaces to life. Known for his authentic and people-first approach, Giovannetti is passionate about fostering connections within the design community, advocating for thoughtful design solutions, and making the industry a little more collaborative and fun along the way.