Perspective: State of Being | Emerging

Apr 12, 2022 By IIDA HQ

Nominated by their colleagues, this group of designers are emerging as leaders in their own right, and are poised to shape the future of our industry.

By IIDA HQ Apr 12, 2022

The design industry is full of innovative and creative thinkers that leave a lasting impact on clients and organizations. One designer can change the feel and experience of an entire space, connecting people and ideas, and leaving a lasting mark on the industry. Below we highlight designers emerging as leaders at their firms, nominated by industry peers.

Mike Goetz, IIDA, AIA, ASID
Principal, Senior Project Designer
HOK Chicago

Mike Goetz is a LEED AP certified designer who leads design teams at HOK in the creation and development of a project’s overall design concept. With over 14 years of experience in the workplace, hospitality and education market sectors, he approaches design with ingenuity, client-driven solutions and interdisciplinary thinking. Goetz excels at interpreting and translating data while promoting unique and efficient environments, with a range of focus from big picture to micro details.

Mike Goetz, IIDA, ASID, AIA; Principal and Senior Project Designer, HOK Chicago

Courtnei Maxwell, IIDA
Interior Design Director
CHASM Architecture, Atlanta

Transformative, forward-thinking, and elevated are just a few of the attributes that embody the drive, vision and style of Courtnei Maxwell. She brings extensive knowledge and expertise to design, programming, space planning and test-fits, project management coordination, furniture, fixture, and equipment selection and procurement. With her principal training in architecture and more than 15 years of experience, she is well versed in higher education, corporate, civic, healthcare, multi-family and aviation design.

Maxwell's work ethic demonstrates relentless commitment to strong design concepts and re-imagined innovation. She is committed to serving the community by volunteering with the IIDA Georgia Chapter. She lives by the Charles Eames quote, "The details are not the details…They make the design.”

Courtnei Maxwell, IIDA; Senior Interior Designer at Chasm Architecture, Atlanta

Caroline Riley, IIDA
Associate, Interior Designer
Gensler, Atlanta

Caroline Riley is an NCIDQ licensed and LEED GA certified designer who has spent seven years pouring her talents into designing innovative workplaces for clients including LinkedIn, Shaw Contract, and Coca-Cola. Riley’s passion lies in transforming the workplace in a way that enables users to do their best work. She believes that design “Has the power to change people’s lives—and there’s no better place to start than in the spaces where people congregate and collaborate for 40+ hours a week."

Through her attention to detail and love for furniture, fixtures, and equipment she creates award winning office spaces for her clients. Riley savors the best moments in life and find the beauty in all things; this is how she sees the world and she lets this mindset influence her design voice.

Caroline Riley, IIDA; Associate and Interior Designer at Gensler, Atlanta

Adelia Schleusz, IIDA
Director of Education Interiors
HKS, Dallas

Adelia Schleusz is Registered Interior Designer in the state of Texas, and is a thought leader, design researcher, and is an active member in the design community. She grew up in many places throughout her childhood, listening, absorbing, and learning all things around her. Her South American roots influence a deep appreciation for unique cultures, communities, and individuals.

Schleusz's ability to weave business strategies, design innovation and its impact on the people occupying spaces have made her a trusted partner to clients. She provides architectural solutions with an experimental approach from technology innovation and trends to graphics and branding, and possesses an analytical and behavioral approach to crafting spaces. Schleusz's provides innovative design solutions and leads with a passion for design excellence.

Adelia Schleusz, IIDA; Director of Education Interiors at HKS, Dallas

Diana Stanisic, IIDA
Associate, Interior Designer
HOK (Atlanta)

Diana Stanisic is an NCIDQ certified designer with over 10 years of professional experience in corporate interiors, higher education, government work, retail, and entertainment design. She has a passion for design and bringing the clients vision and brand to life through creativity in interior architectural design, space planning, and the selection of finishes and furnishings. Stanisic is influenced by her cultural background as the daughter of Italian and Croatian immigrants, finding inspiration in the landscape and nature of her parents’ hometowns. She was tapped participated in the 2021 NeoCon virtual program, “The Power of Place–The New Next Workplace,” on behalf of HOK for her passion about the future of the workplace, and how to adapt the built environment we design for the future.