Leta Pham, Student IIDA, didn’t wait for the future of design to arrive — she started building it. Named IIDA’s 2026 Student of the Year, this San Jose State University (SJSU) student exemplifies what it means to be an innovator and leader. She has spent her time at SJSU cultivating her design curiosity, building her resume, and developing professional relationships. Sharpening her skills inside the classroom and far beyond it, she dove into every opportunity presented to her. From joining the IIDA Northern California Board to creating student events and programs on campus, Pham didn’t just prepare for a career in design, she shaped the future she wants.

Her Journey

Pham is very enthusiastic about design and throughout her collegiate career has learned the importance of staying creative, being open to new ideas, and honing in on your own design power. In the summer of 2025, she started working as an interior design intern at Gensler’s San Jose office. During her internship, she participated in local projects, gained new knowledge on design tools like Revit, learned about mood boards, material palettes, and more. Pham also worked with Gensler offices internationally supporting team projects and managing client relationships.

This past March she won an IIDA Northern California Honors Award for her outstanding academic achievements and leadership roles. Pham’s work as an active member spans over three years serving as student liaison, graphics creator, and public relations chair. Each of these positions built her professional development skills in ways she could not have imagined. As a student liaison she was a point of connection for her peers and encouraged them to be engaged and informed on the industry through campus events; As a graphic creator she designed engaging and polished communications; And as public relations chair she helped strengthen the bridge between students and industry professionals. Pham brought a level of dedication, clarity, and creativity to each of these positions, elevating her community.

Her Impact

Pham’s work on and off campus has made her a trusted voice within her chapter, campus center and design community. Her peers look to her for leadership and her superiors rely on her thoughtful feedback.

“I have had the privilege of watching Leta grow into an important advocate for student voices,” said Johnny Bywater, IIDA, Vice President of Student Affairs for IIDA Northern California. ”When we created the Director of Student Affairs role on the IIDA Northern California Board she was the standout candidate. She has excelled in this position, gathering input from students across multiple schools and synthesizing their ideas into clear, actionable initiatives and events that foster learning, exposure to the range of careers within our industry, and an emphasis on the soft skills that are often not taught in college courses,” he explained. “Through her efforts, more students now have direct access to the events, mentorship, and opportunities that will help them transition from the classroom to the working world.”

From the moment she met Pham, Virginia San Fratello, professor and chair of the Department of Design at San José State University was impressed by her talent, motivation and community-minded spirit.

“Leta is hardworking, dedicated, talented, and deeply thoughtful. She approaches every task — from studio projects to leadership responsibilities — with maturity, creativity, and a genuine desire to uplift the student community. She has grown into an exceptional ambassador for both IIDA and the interior design program at SJSU, consistently modeling professionalism and advancing opportunities for her peers,” said Fratello.

Now a college graduate, Pham has proven that leadership isn’t just a title but a mindset. Her journey from interior design student to IIDA’s 2026 Student of the Year is just the beginning.

Watch IIDA Annual Meeting to hear from our of the year award honorees