Keilhauer’s decades-long emphasis on environmental sustainability while making comfortable, well-crafted, design-forward furniture is at the forefront of their strategy. Expanding the impact of their commitment, since June 2022 the manufacturer has encouraged and supported IIDA members’ pursuit of sustainability in their own practices, through reimbursing members who have passed the LEED Green Associate or LEED AP exam.

As the most widely used benchmark for rating green buildings, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accreditation shows that designers have a deep understanding of sustainable design and building principles and adopt strategies that protect and enhance human health, reduce contribution to climate change, harness sustainable materials, safeguard water resources and biodiversity, and otherwise improve communities’ quality of life. In short, LEED is the gold-standard of sustainability, and this initiative has provided a path towards sustainable design education and implementation for IIDA members at any — and all — stages of their careers.

Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 awardees include:

• Ella Amos, Assoc. IIDA, LEED Green Associate | North Florida Chapter; Visualization Coordinator, Toll Brothers
• Cassandra Hankins, Student IIDA, LEED Green Associate | Texas Oklahoma Chapter; Student at University of the Incarnate Word
• Julia Hower, Assoc. IIDA, LEED Green Associate | Pennsylvania/New Jersey/Delaware Chapter
• Alexia Kallaur, Student IIDA, LEED Green Associate | Carolinas Chapter; Designer and Project Manager at Interior Elements
• Tina Le, Student IIDA, LEED Green Associate, LEED BD+C | Southern California Chapter; Designer, O Arch, Inc.
• Jess Nguyen, LEED Green Associate | New York Chapter; Interior Designer, Rockwell Group
• Thi Vuong, Student IIDA | Southern California Chapter
• Samantha Wilkerson, Assoc. IIDA, LEED Green Associate | Delta Regional Chapter; Interior Design Professional, HOK
• Rosalie Rong Zhang, Assoc. IIDA, LEED Green Associate | Northern Pacific Chapter