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

Meet Kari Lemon, Ind. IIDA, architectural sales representative at USG Ceilings.

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

After practicing 13 years as a commercial interior designer, the opportunity opened at USG Ceilings for an Architectural Rep. At the time I had two young daughters, and better balance was something I was striving for. I loved design and wasn’t sure I wanted to take the leap. After a couple interviews with USG, I was impressed by the people. The genuinely warm and supportive culture was something I didn’t know existed in such a large company. I decided to give USG a “try” for a year, to see if this was something I enjoyed doing. 11 years later, I have grown professionally and personally with the trust that USG put in me. My opinions matter, and I value how they strive to do right for the customer. I take pride in the connections and growth I have made at USG.I went from loving design to living vicariously through interior designers to enjoying being a subject matter expert and a resource to my customers. Architectural sales challenges and nurtures me, as there’s always something new to learn and every day is different.

What is the legacy you hope to leave?

I hope my legacy is defined by my ability to deeply understand the challenges our industry faces and my willingness to collaborate in ways that drive success for everyone involved. I intentionally put on my “designer hat” when working with interior designers, architects, and end users— anticipating needs, asking the right questions, and identifying solutions that are both thoughtful and tailored for their specific project.  When I recognize gaps or emerging trends, I take initiative to advocate for improvements that better support our customers and elevate our product offering.  Ultimately, I want my legacy to be one of partnership — where people know they can rely on me not just as a resource, but as someone who listens, anticipates, and stands by them to turn complex challenges into clear, thoughtful solutions.

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

Over my 11-year span at USG, this is the most exciting time to be part of the USG Ceilings business. We have launched several initiatives on acoustics and sustainability and broadened our offerings in wood, metal, faux wood, and integrated lighting. We strive to make the best products and tools with the specifier, interior designer, architect, contractor, and, ultimately, the owner and end user in mind. Making sure they also meet sustainability and safety standards is paramount.

What’s one big inspiration — or passion — that you think everyone should know about?

With USG’s support, I just completed my first year as VP of Advocacy for the IIDA Southwest Chapter (Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, and Albuquerque). While Nevada and New Mexico have had legislation for practicing interior designers for decades, Arizona — our most populous member group — does not. Having ties in Arizona for four generations, this is personal for me. I hope to change that with the support of the Arizona design and industry community in a grassroots effort. I didn’t realize until starting this position that it is a multi-year process engaging with lobbyists, legislators and requires a large amount of fundraising. Many western states achieved legislative wins in their states this year, and it’s been so inspiring to see the progress, so the time is right for Arizona to be part of the movement for the interior design profession.

Kari Lemon, Ind. IIDA graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Interior Design. She practiced commercial interior design for 13 years, specializing in corporate commercial and higher education with top firms. 11 years ago, she transferred that design experience over to the manufacturing side with USG Ceilings as an Architectural Representative where she's a resource for interior designers and architects throughout Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. She considers herself incredibly lucky that my everyday work keeps me connected with a community of talented design professionals. She has served on several IIDA Southwest Chapter event committees, joining the board in 2025