Stephanie McElwaney, IIDA, RID
President of the IIDA Florida Central Chapter
Interior Designer, Gresham Smith

One thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I’ve been skydiving! 

Three things you can’t live without?

My husband, cat, and kindle. 

One skill you think every designer needs today?

Every designer needs to sketch quickly! There’s no better tool for winning over a client than to instantly translate their vision onto paper.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.

Your favorite way to rest and recharge after a packed week?

My favorite way to reset is usually reading an entire book over the weekend. It’s my favorite excuse to ignore every other responsibility.

Share a work of art or culture that you can’t stop thinking about. Why?

“Love Island.” It’s basically a live social experiment exploring what people do when survival depends on being liked. It’s trashy television doing the work of a psychology thesis, and I’m obsessed. I also just finished the novel “Yesteryear,” another provocative piece on parasocial relationships. Together, they’ve had me thinking about how much of connection today is performed, watched, or manufactured, and what that’s doing to the way we actually relate to one another.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

What’s a favorite IIDA program or experience that you’d recommend to new members?

I love our chapter’s Zero Landfill event [upcycling design samples to prevent them from being discarded]! As a clean-freak and sustainability advocate, I love clearing out the materials library and hearing from community members about how they take these pieces home to fuel their creative passions.

How has IIDA membership advanced your design career?

Serving on the IIDA board pushed me to grow into a leader faster than I ever expected, and those skills have followed me straight into my day-to-day work. Just as valuable has been the network: designers across the country who share my obsession with great design, and who push me to think bigger.

Brandi Kelley, IIDA, RID
President of the Tennessee Chapter
Interior Designer, Gresham Smith

What are three things you can’t live without?

DIET COKE. My dogs. My husband.

What makes a good leader?

A good leader is authentic, transparent, and open-minded — someone who keeps it real and fosters trust through honest communication. They listen actively and inspire their team by recognizing everyone’s unique strengths. A great leader embraces new ideas and challenges, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth. It’s this combination of genuine connection and adaptability that creates a winning team and lasting success.

One design detail you always notice?

I always notice is how lighting influences the mood and functionality of a space. It’s amazing how the right lighting can transform an environment, highlight textures, and guide people’s experience. Whether natural or artificial, lighting sets the tone and makes a big impact on the overall design.

You are stuck on an island. You can pick just one food to eat forever. What would you choose?

Does Diet Coke count???

Name one designer, artist, or creative thinker you’re paying attention to right now. Why do they intrigue you?

Right now, I’m paying close attention to Michelle Obama because of her powerful ability to inspire authenticity, resilience, and leadership. What intrigues me most about her is how she combines grace with strength, using her platform to uplift others and champion meaningful change. Her approach encourages me to lead with empathy and confidence — qualities that deeply resonate in both life and design.

What’s one small habit, ritual, or routine that makes you better at your work, or simply brightens your day?

I’m learning to be very protective of my morning routine. Waking up slowly and spending time cuddling with my dog sets a peaceful tone for the day. I also use my vibration plate to wake up my body and then make sure to get a few minutes of sunshine with my bare feet in the grass. These simple rituals help me feel grounded, energized, and ready to tackle whatever comes my way.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Remember that it’s not that deep — we’re all just floating on a rock in space. Keeping that perspective helps me stay calm and grounded when things get stressful or overwhelming. It reminds me to not take myself too seriously, to embrace the ups and downs with humor, and to focus on what truly matters — both in design and in life.

If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be?

Taylor Swift. Zero hesitation.

One skill you think every designer needs today?

Adaptability — or as I like to call it, being the “queen of the pivot.” In our fast-changing world, things can shift in a heartbeat, and the ability to quickly adjust, learn new tools, and rethink solutions is what keeps a designer ahead of the game. Embracing the unexpected and turning challenges into opportunities is where real creativity and impact happen.

How has IIDA membership supported or advanced your design career?

My IIDA membership has been instrumental in advancing my design career. Through access to cutting-edge resources, educational programs, and design events, I have been able to stay ahead of current trends and best practices. The connections I’ve developed have fostered collaborative relationships and opened doors to new projects and mentorships. Additionally, my leadership experiences within IIDA have equipped me with the skills and confidence necessary to take on leadership roles within my firm. Overall, IIDA has strengthened my design expertise and expanded my professional network, enabling me to contribute more innovatively and effectively in my field.

Nikki Mancuso, IIDA
President of IIDA’s Pennsylvania/New Jersey/Delaware Chapter
Interior Designer, Stantec

One thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I took 12 years of French in grade school. I wish I still remembered all of it.

Three things you can’t live without?

Things: coffee, Google Password Manager, and my trusty heeled sandals from Old Navy. Living things: my husband, dog, and cat.

One skill you think every designer needs today?

Every designer needs to be involved in construction administration on at least one project. It’s amazing how much you learn from seeing things in real life instead of in drawing form, how many things you hadn’t thought about but will now take with you to the next project, and just the excitement of seeing your ideas come to life.

One design detail you always notice?

From working on my own house, and from working in healthcare design, I’ve become a caulk fiend. Door frames? Caulked. Inner corner where ceiling meets wall? Caulked. Gaps that aren’t sealed make me uneasy.

You are stuck on an island. You can pick just one food to eat forever. What would you choose?  

Occasionally, I’ll make something for dinner and think, “I could definitely keep eating this thing.” But in the end, that answer is always pizza.

How has IIDA membership supported or advanced your design career?

I joined our board in 2019, and I’ve seen a huge change in myself since then. I have always been quiet, reserved, and very independent, and confidence in myself is something I’ve always struggled with. I have done more public speaking and in my various chapter roles, especially as president-elect and now president, and I feel more confident than ever. I was hesitant to pursue the role of president because I believed that someone like me wouldn’t be the “right” kind of leader, but IIDA has shown me that we all bring something to the table.

Leslie Hallquist, IIDA
President of the IIDA Rocky Mountain Chapter
Interior Designer, Gensler

One thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I moved to Colorado over a decade ago, mostly because I loved to ski and snowboard!

What are three things you can’t live without?

Coffee and my pup. Coffee with my pup!

One skill you think every designer needs today?

Public speaking and presentation skills. You can have the best ideas, but without a clear presentation, it’s a lost opportunity.

Your favorite way to rest and recharge after a packed week?

Puttering around in my yard. Ideally pulling weeds or digging holes. 

Best gift you’ve ever received?

My dog! I told my partner I wanted a puppy for Christmas and, lo and behold, we got our pup that December. 

What’s an IIDA experience that you’d recommend to new members?

If you’re able to join a chapter committee or join the board, it allows you to cultivate and grow relationship in a more organic manner than just attending events. 

How has IIDA membership supported or advanced your design career?

IIDA membership has provided valuable opportunities to expand both my professional network and personal community. Serving in a leadership role on the chapter board has also been an excellent way to develop my management and leadership skills while contributing to the growth of the design community.

Learn more about becoming an IIDA member