Design Leaders: Libby Gillen of Momentum Textiles

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

Meet Libby Gillen, Ind. IIDA, CDF, NOMA, vice president of A&D engagement at Momentum Textiles and Wallcoverings.

What core values are most important to you as a leader, and how do you ensure they are embedded in the company culture?

As Vice President of A&D Engagement at Momentum Textiles and Wallcoverings, one of my core values is the belief in the power of connection — bringing together the A&D community, manufacturers, and dealers to achieve shared success. I lead with a human-centered approach that emphasizes design thinking, storytelling, and, most importantly, listening. This ensures that we’re not simply selling products but offering meaningful solutions that truly address our clients’ needs. With an expansive product portfolio that includes textiles, wallcoverings, wall protection, and acoustics, I’m committed to aligning our offerings with the unique needs of each sector we serve — whether it's workplace, healthcare, institutional, retail, multifamily, or hospitality.

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

A pivotal moment in my career occurred when I had the opportunity to work with Chris Stulpin during his time as Senior VP of Design at Tarkett. Having worked with Chris multiple times throughout my career, I was honored when he offered me a unique position that leveraged my knowledge of sales, marketing, and product development, which I had gained through many years in sales and interior design. This role allowed me to elevate my passion for interior design and thought leadership to a new level and expand my influence internationally.

What is the legacy you hope to leave?

My goal is to help establish Momentum as the go-to brand for interior solutions that fuse sustainability, design innovation, and human well-being. I want our name to evoke a sense of purpose-driven design — where inclusivity, equity, and wellness are not afterthoughts but foundational values. Through every project, product, and partnership, I strive to inspire others to aim higher and think deeper about the impact of design.

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

At Momentum we hope to continue fostering unexpected collaborations. We've already partnered with creative icons like textile pioneer Sina Pearson, artist Shantell Martin, multidisciplinary designer Yinka Ilori, and most recently, artist and fashion designer Rebecca Moses. Looking ahead, I imagine our collaborations branching out even further — to musicians, astronauts, and chefs. Think of the sweet wallpaper from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory — we aim to partner across disciplines to create products and initiatives that surprise, delight, and set new standards for our industry.

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)?

Music is my constant source of inspiration. I love all kinds — from the soul of Mary J. Blige to the anthems of U2, the genius of Stevie Wonder (I'm currently obsessed with his song “As”), and the emotional power of tracks like “Burn” from Hamilton. Chappell Roan is also on heavy rotation. Music fuels my creativity, sharpens my focus, and connects me to people and ideas in ways that words sometimes can’t.

Libby Gillen, Ind. IIDA is a seasoned professional in the world of design, blending her early passion for fine arts with a comprehensive understanding of interior design. After graduating from Syracuse University with a degree in Interior Design, Gillen worked at various design firms in the Boston and Chicago markets. Transitioning to the manufacturing side of the industry, she served as an account executive and eventually ascended to the role of Vice President of Architecture and Design. Currently, Gillen is the vice president of A&D engagement at Momentum Textiles and Wallcoverings, where her unwavering commitment to sustainable and people-friendly design drives organizational initiatives.

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