Arelis Ferro, IIDA
President of the IIDA South Florida Chapter
Director of Design, Compass Office Solutions

What are three things you can’t live without?

Besides my man and my pup? Music, access to a variety of food, and my hairstylist (big ups to Josephine!).

One thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

In my community, everyone knows I’m a metalhead, a D&D nerd, and a huge Star Wars fan, but it’s usually surprising to other folks. Also, even though I’ve been with my husband for over 18 years, we only got married this past April (on our 18th anniversary).

One skill you think every designer needs today?

Humility. One of the best things I’ve ever read on LinkedIn said that an expert is someone who knows that they are always learning. 

How has IIDA membership supported or advanced your design career?

By expanding my network as well as my credibility within the community.

What makes a good leader?

Someone who is willing to listen and learn, and someone who recognizes that every person and every situation is unique. There is no cookie-cutter solution or approach.

One design detail you always notice?

Alignment (I’m an eternal Virgo) and color choices.

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

White rice and black beans (moros y cristianos).

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

DELEGATE! Just because you CAN do it all doesn’t mean you SHOULD.

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

Man ... probably my pup. He is so loved!

Best gift you’ve ever received?

I can’t point to anything material. The gift of those last special moments with both of my grandfathers, the gift of a shared life with my husband, those are the most meaningful to me.

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

Video games with the hubby, pup napping on my lap, and mug of vanilla peppermint tea plus vanilla chamomile. 

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

Honestly, a lot of the young designers in our community: Bridget O’Brien (HOK), Chelsea Abella (Gensler) … their fresh perspectives and approaches fascinate me and make me excited for what is to come.

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

Baldur’s Gate 3 — a video game. Besides being fun, it is very well-written and explores themes of trauma and agency. Also, it taught me about the struggles and misconceptions around the actors and other artists that provide the voices and motion capture, as well as the threat of AI to their industry. It also introduced me to a loving and inclusive community.

Kristin Roberts, IIDA
President of the IIDA North Florida Chapter
Senior Interior Designer, Perdue Office Interiors

What are three things you can’t live without?

My two boiled eggs, cup of caramel coconut crunch coffee with caramel creamer, and two mini Jimmy Dean sausage patties in the morning.

One thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I was a musician before I was a designer. I started playing clarinet when I was in sixth grade and began college with a music scholarship. Ultimately, I switched my major to interior design because I was drawn to the visual arts. I still enjoy music very much but am more of an audience member than a participant these days. 

One skill you think every designer needs today?

Tenacity. This industry can be really fun, but it can also be extremely challenging and stressful. Successful interior designers don’t give up very easily. 

One design detail you always notice?

I am a furniture dealer designer, so naturally I tend to hyperfixate on furniture layouts and selection. 

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

Tacos. I could eat tacos every day and never get tired of them. 

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

When you are feeling overwhelmed, walk away and circle back after you’ve rested and had time to process. Often, you will have a completely different perspective. 

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

It would be Dean Ween from the band Ween. They are such an amazing band. It looks like so much fun to be up onstage performing and stirring up so much energy from the audience. 

Best gift you’ve ever received?

The gift of music … my AirPods. I use them every day!

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

I have been thinking about the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat lately. I am fascinated by the art and music culture in Manhattan’s Lower East Side during the late ’70s and early ’80s. His work is colorful but also very dark, and I think that reflects what he was trying to say with his art. It’s deep. 

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

I look forward to getting home when I get off work and spending an hour alone on my porch. I am very social, but I need some time away from everyone to catch my breath. 

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

I am obsessed the album “Rats Brains and Microchips” by a band called Lost Sounds. They are an old-school, garage rock band formed in the late ’90s and they use cheesy synthesizers. Their style has also been called “darkwave.” This particular album feels so thought out, like they are taking you on a journey. It starts soft and builds into chaos then tapers back down and leaves you feeling satisfied. 

How has IIDA membership supported or advanced your design career?

By connecting me with more professional development resources and networking connections than I would have had if I had not become a member. Being on the chapter board has helped my career in a lot of ways. It has shown my employer that I have leadership skills, and taught me more about interior design advocacy, which I had little knowledge of before becoming a board member. 

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

In my chapter, I would recommend our bimonthly Mix & Mingle events. These are casual get-togethers we have every other month; sometimes they’re at a brewery, other times we do an activity together. These events are a great way for new members to get to know fellow designers and connect with chapter leaders. 

Lindsay Grab, IIDA
President of the IIDA Michigan Chapter
Senior Interior Designer at Fishbeck

What are three things you can’t live without?

Iced coffee, a good book, and family (which includes pets).

One thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I hate bacon.

One skill you think every designer needs today?

Curiosity.

One design detail you always notice?

Material transitions. The goal is to not notice them, so I try to pay attention to what works well.

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

Tacos.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Stay true to yourself, because we all have a unique point of view and experience to contribute.

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

Beyoncé.

Best gift you’ve ever received?

My dog.

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

Isolate and read a book or garden.

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

Beyoncé, always. I love how she reinvents genres and doesn’t do the expected.

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

Connecting with my coworkers — it’s important to me to have a strong community at the office.

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

“An Immense World,” a book by Ed Yong about animal senses, and how some animals are perceived as unintelligent, but they actually have senses that we can’t even comprehend.

How has IIDA membership supported or advanced your design career?

I’ve gotten great experience developing strategic planning and leadership skills.

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

I love our Michigan Design Awards — it’s a fun event that allows us to connect and celebrate our community’s amazing work. 

Ikaria Chorley, IIDA
President of the IIDA Northland Chapter
Business Development Manager, Atmosphere Commercial Interiors

What are three things you can’t live without?

Cats, coffee, and Sour Skittles! 

One thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I was adopted from Russia.

One skill you think every designer needs today?

Adaptability.

What makes a good leader?

A good leader leads with integrity. They do what they say they’ll do, make decisions with honesty and accountability, and earn trust through their actions.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t burn bridges! 

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

Starting my morning with a walk and a good cup of coffee gives me time to clear my head, organize my thoughts, and start the day with energy.

How has IIDA membership supported or advanced your design career?

IIDA has helped me build genuine relationships within the design community and given me opportunities to learn from some incredibly talented people. The connections I’ve made and experiences I’ve gained have played a big role in my career growth.