IIDA Announces Recipients of the 2026 Educator of the Year, Member of the Year and Student of the Year Awards

CHICAGO — IIDA is pleased to announce the recipients of its annual Of the Year Awards, which recognize members demonstrating outstanding commitment, passion, professionalism, and dedication to IIDA and the design community. This year’s Educator of the Year is University of Florida Assistant Professor of Interior Design Lisa Sundahl Platt, IIDA, RID. The 2026 Member of the Year is Integrus Architecture Interior Designer, Senior Associate Megan Onley, IIDA. The 2026 Student of the Year, sponsored by OFS, is San José State University Interior Design Graduate, Leta Pham, Student IIDA.

“An IIDA Of the Year recipient exemplifies how leadership in design can shape not only the future of the profession, but also the communities it serves,” said IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO, Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA. “This year’s all-woman group of honorees are advancing interior design through innovation, advocacy, and mentorship, helping foster new ideas, strengthening professional connections, and inspiring the next generation of industry leaders.”

The IIDA Educator of the Year Award recognizes and celebrates a full-time design educator for outstanding accomplishments and commitment to interior design education. This award includes a $7,500 cash prize and complimentary one-year IIDA membership.

Lisa Sundahl Platt, Ph.D., IIDA, RID (North Florida Chapter) is an Assistant Professor of Interior Design and Research Faculty with the Florida Institute for Built Environment Resilience (FIBER) at the University of Florida, where she leads the Design Dynamics Lab and advances human-centered, resilience-focused design education and research.

With more than 25 years of experience as a licensed interior designer and consultant, Platt develops data-informed tools that support safer, more sustainable decision-making. She created the Sustainable Adaptive Material Performance Level (SAMPL) framework, an AI-enhanced platform that helps students and practitioners evaluate material performance, resilience, and end-of-life pathways. Platt is an NCIDQ-certified, multi-state licensed interior designer and member of IIDA, ASID, and EDRA; an NCIDQ Ambassador; and a TEDxUF speaker on resilient design.

The IIDA Member of the Year Award recognizes and honors an IIDA Associate or Professional member of five or more years who has demonstrated volunteer service and dedication to assisting IIDA as it advances the commercial interior design profession and advocates for interior design excellence. The award includes a $8,500 cash prize and a complimentary one-year IIDA membership.

Megan Onley, IIDA (Northern Pacific Chapter) is a Washington native and proud resident of Spokane. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from Washington State University. With 14 years of industry experience — nine of those as an NCIDQ-certified professional — she is a dedicated advocate for the interior design field, actively supporting legislative efforts across Washington, Idaho, and Alaska.

As a Senior Associate and Interior Designer at Integrus Architecture, Onley brings a wealth of expertise to a diverse portfolio that spans K-12 and higher education, government facilities, public libraries, and hospitality. She is particularly passionate about sustainable, user-centered design and finds great fulfillment in mentoring the next generation of designers.

The IIDA Student of the Year Award recognizes an IIDA Student Member who has significantly impacted their school’s interior design program through outstanding leadership, insight, and involvement. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize, sponsored by OFS, and a complimentary one-year IIDA membership.

Leta Pham, Student IIDA (Northern California Chapter) recently graduated from San José State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design. Growing up, she worked a variety of jobs; as she transitioned into her design career, one thing remained true — Pham is passionate about providing for others.

Pham is active in her design community, serving on her IIDA campus center’s board, and as the Director of Student Affairs on the IIDA Northern California Chapter board. Through these roles, she has served as a student voice for her region, speaking on panels and informing fellow students about professional development opportunities. Her accomplishments include a yearlong Gensler internship, winning first prize in the Behr Student Design Competition, and earning a first-place award in her chapter’s Honor Awards.

Each IIDA Of the Year honorees will be honored during IIDA’s 2026 Annual Meeting on June 7 at the WorkLife Meetings at The Mart, also available to view via live-stream on IIDA’s YouTube channel (@IIDA_HQ).

For further details about these member awards, please contact IIDA membership team at memberservices@IIDA.org.