Design Leaders: Stacy Craig of USG Ceilings

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

Meet Stacy Craig, Industry IIDA, Affiliate AIA Chicago, senior manager, national A&D and global specification development at USG Ceilings.

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

Integrity is most important to me as an employee, peer, and leader. In my career, I’ve observed the best leaders demonstrating great integrity each and every day through the relationships they have and decisions they make. When I decided to transition from consulting to “client side” with USG, it was a major decision for me. I knew USG was the right choice, all those years ago, because of its culture. We have so many full-career, long-time, and even boomerang employees. I work hard for the people around me and our customers. That’s the most important thing and motivates what I do each day.

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

Transitioning from one role to another, or even from one discipline to another, can be stressful and intimidating. The voices in our heads can be our worst enemy. “You don’t have all the qualifications—there are better people for the role with a better fit.” I’ve certainly heard those voices myself at several pivotal moments in my journey, but here’s the thing: There will never be a perfect time to make a change; take the leap or pursue a new stretch opportunity. You just need to go for it with intention, confidence, and rigor. What’s the worst that can happen? You don’t get the role, but that’s not always terrible. At least you stuck your neck out and tried. When I decided to go for a role in our architectural sales organization, I was terrified, but knew I had the passion, foundational love for architecture and design, a second-to-none work ethic, and an iron-clad EQ. USG took a risk on me and the rest is history. I love what I do and hope the architects, designers and specification writers with whom I work can feel my authentic love for what they do and my sincere desire to help. The bottom line – go for it!

What is the legacy you hope to leave?

One of my mantras has always been “leave a situation better than you found it.” I view my legacy in a similar fashion, in that, I want to continue contributing at a high level and help USG and our Ceilings Business, specifically, grow and flourish. But the only way that can happen is doing what’s right for our customers. If I can support an architect, designer, and/or specification writer in achieving their goals and intentions and help them shine at their firm and with their clients, then I’ve done my job.

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

USG is a long-standing, proudly Midwestern-based company with over 120 years of history. We’re now one of the world’s largest building construction materials manufacturers. We have a diverse product/system portfolio spanning drywall/gypsum, ceilings, backerboards and underlayments, poured flooring, structural panels, and exterior sheathing. During the last several years, we have been doubling down on our ceilings portfolio, and I’ve proudly been on that journey with my peers. We aim to continue this trajectory and increase our specification share and business, at large, within the next 3-5 years and beyond.

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)?

I wear nearly all pre-loved or vintage clothing. It’s a passion of mine and a creative outlet, no doubt, but the more meaningful reason is focused on sustainability. Fast fashion is responsible for approximately 10 percent of global carbon emissions. The fashion industry, at large, is the second biggest consumer of water, using 93 billion cubic meters annually. If current trends continue, the fashion industry's greenhouse gas emissions are projected to increase by more than 50 percent by 2030. If you’re interested in trying some pre-loved fashion, check out these retailers (they’re some of my favorites): The RealReal, 2nd Street, Crossroads Trading, Buffalo Exchange, and even some thrift stores, like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Unique Thrift (known as Savers in some parts of the U.S.)!

Senior Manager, National A&D and Global Specification Development at USG Ceilings, Stacy Craig, Industry IIDA, Affiliate AIA Chicago, has a career spanning nearly 30 years, beginning as a marketing consultant and highlighted by significant roles in architectural sales and leadership positions since graduating from Michigan State University in the mid-1990s. After working with many large clients, encompassing both regional and global brands, she moved “client side,” joining USG more than 11 years ago managing the strategic marketing efforts for the Ceilings and Substrates businesses from 2013-2017 before migrating into architectural sales for several years, covering the Chicagoland market initially and then the entire U.S.

Craig aligns closely with the in-market USG Ceilings architectural sales team and loves working with architects, interior designers, and specification writers across the nation, fostering collaboration to achieve their design intent and performance requirements. Aside from overseeing USG Ceilings’ A&D-focused efforts throughout the country, Stacy achieved her CSI CDT (Construction Documentation Technologist) designation in 2023 and enjoys volunteering for the IIDA City Centers Committee in Chicagoland.

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