This article is part of an ongoing profile series spotlighting IIDA industry members.
Meet Oxana Dallas, Principal Designer for Commercial Products at AHF Products
What core values are most important to you as a leader, and how do you ensure they are embedded in the company culture?
Creativity, collaboration, and authenticity are the values I hold most dear. At AHF Products, I see these values reflected in our daily work—from the way we brainstorm new collections to how we support each other across departments. I make it a priority to lead with openness and curiosity, encouraging my team to explore new ideas and challenge conventions. Whether it’s developing a new product story or solving an unexpected design challenge, I believe in fostering a culture where people feel empowered to bring their full creative selves to the table.
Can you share a pivotal moment for you in your career?
One of the most pivotal moments was when my rug design was selected for mass production while I was still an intern at Perennial Fabrics. That moment gave me a powerful sense of confidence and deepened my passion for the career path I had chosen. The recognition of my woven artwork, "INFERNO" as a first prize winner of the Ruth Lantz Award for Excellence in Fiber competition reinforced my commitment to exploring the intersection of art, craft, and design innovation.
What is the legacy you and AHF Products hope to leave?
We hope to leave a legacy of human-centered design — products that are not only durable and sustainable but also emotionally resonant. At AHF, we believe that flooring can do more than serve a functional purpose; it can elevate a space, support well-being, and reflect the values of the people who inhabit it. My goal is to create collections that inspire connection, healing, and creativity — whether in a school hallway, a hospital corridor, or a hospitality setting.
What big goal have you and AHF Products set for the next 3–5 years?
Our goal is to push the boundaries of resilient flooring through sustainable innovation and deeper integration of biophilic design. One concept I’m especially proud of is the launch of Armstrong Flooring Kaleido™ Color Lab — a digital-first customization platform that transforms designers from specifiers into co-creators. Kaleido offers over 500 remixable combinations of base patterns, accent colors, and formats, empowering designers to shape spatial identity with precision and play. It’s not just about choosing a product — it’s about authorship. And because it’s made to order in Lancaster, PA, it supports sustainability by reducing waste and overproduction. Kaleido represents the future of agile, expressive, and responsible design.
What’s one big inspiration — or passion — that you think everyone should know about?
Biophilia is my greatest inspiration. The innate human connection to nature influences everything I design. Whether it’s the dappled light through a window, the texture of limestone in VCT, or the sound of wind in trees, these elements bring comfort and joy. I believe every space benefits from a touch of nature — visually, sensorially, and emotionally. It’s not just a design philosophy; it’s a way of living that fosters creativity, wellness, and connection.
Oxana Dallas is the Principal Designer for Commercial Products at AHF Products, where she leads resilient flooring innovation through biophilic design, material storytelling, and modern craft. Originally from Moscow, she holds degrees in civil engineering, interior design, and a Master of Art in Textiles from Kent State University. Her award-winning woven artworks and grant recognition launched a career defined by elegance, precision, and nature-infused creativity. At AHF, Dallas designs collections for brands including Armstrong Flooring® and AHF Contract®, creating high-performing surfaces that inspire and elevate commercial spaces. A HiP Award honoree, she brings her love of photography, vintage fashion, and bold color into every project.