Kendra Locklear Ordia, ASID, RID, LEED AP

Kendra Locklear Ordia is a Registered Interior Designer in Texas and Assistant Professor of Interior Design at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She has previous academic experience as an Assistant Professor at Texas State University and Kansas State University.

Kendra teaches courses in materials and design studios focused on urban and contemporary issues.She has presented at national and international conferences on biophilic design, spatial narrative/ecology and design representation. As a designer and researcher, her work is rooted in broader topics of human behavior as they are expressed in the themes of biophilic design, health and well-being, environmental quality and spatial ecologies. Her professional work at top firms like Perkins & Will, Gensler and CallisonRTKL focused primarily on workplace and large-scale healthcare interiors. Her creative biodesign work has been exhibited at several international exhibitions, including the DesignLAB Next Nest Exhibition and Curtains: The Center for American Architecture and Design Symposium.

Santiago Rivera

Santiago has been an integral member of the teams behind education, not-for-profit, workplace and hospitality projects. He co-leads New York’s Community Impact team (Gensler’s volunteer group), is a firmwide leader for ECC 2.0 (the next generation of leaders for the Education, Civic and Culture practice area) and is regional leader for the Foundations, Associations and Organizations practice area. He leads pro-bono projects, works on research initiatives and has moderated panel discussions and round tables. In 2015, Santiago served as cultural ambassador to the new Gensler Office in Mexico City where he oversaw the development of the office culture.

Working with Change for Kids, Santiago helps fundraise and provide opportunities to over 5,000 students in the NYC public school system. He is a board member in Build Out Alliance, an organization seeking to promote and advocates for LGBTQ+ people serving openly and with pride in the building design and construction industry.

Greer May, Allied ASID

Greer May is an Associate Principal at Studio 11 Design with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from CIDA accredited Baylor University. From her work with hoteliers like Sands Corporation, Kerzner International, Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, and Starwood, she has overseen project installations for anything from less than 100 to over 1,000 room hotels. In 2019, Greer established herself as an impactful mentor to her colleagues, a rising designer in the industry, and a powerful community organizer. With 14 years’ experience under her belt, this year marked a major turning point for Greer’s career growth as she began to spearhead two of the firm’s most impactful upcoming projects: the debut of Generator’s upcoming Washington D.C. property and the launch of Thompson Buckhead. Beyond the industry, Greer raised nearly $100,000 for Alzheimer’s Disease research for BvB Dallas, the largest amount to date generated by a single person.

Mike Goetz, ASID

Mike Goetz, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP, is a Senior Associate and Senior Project Designer with HOK.  With a decade’s worth of design experience in the corporate workspace, hospitality and higher education, Mike excels at creating highly functional and efficient environments that are also unique, colorful and inspirational. (emphasis on colorful).

Mike’s interiors work has been featured in several publications - most notably in Interior Design magazine with the May 2016 cover story showcasing the Pritzker Group’s Los Angeles Headquarters, the November 2018 issue with California Institute of Technology’s Ronald and Maxine Linde Hall of Mathematics and Physics, and the May 2017 issue with Alibaba Pictures. Other notable projects of Mike’s include The Trade Desk in Los Angeles and Irvine, Beachbody Technology in Santa Monica and a Confidential Coworking space in downtown Los Angeles.

As a thought leader, he has been quoted in several publications and spoken on panels to discuss workplace design and employee engagement. Mike earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Design from Arizona State University and a Master of Architecture degree from Parsons.

Heather Sutherland, Allied ASID

Heather Sutherland is an Interior Designer II at Perkins and Will where she works on a variety of projects in education and civic in their Interiors Diversified studio.  She’s been with Perkins and Will since receiving her Masters of Interior Design in 2017 from the University of Texas at Austin.  Heather is actively involved in student outreach and education through programs like ACE, ASID and RStudio.  As a Material Performance Lab member at Perkins and Will Dallas, Heather is able to spread her passion for material health and sustainability to professionals and students alike.  She is LEED AP BD+C accredited and is hard at work studying for her NCIDQ exams.  While she has lived in a variety of cities and climates, Heather has happily called Texas her home for the past ten years.

Kelsey Davidson, ASID

Kelsey is a Principal at SALT, an Interior Design firm, located in Anchorage, Alaska. She was born and raised in Sitka, Alaska, and attended the University of Nevada, Reno, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design in 2011. Kelsey worked as a residential interior designer, specializing in kitchen and bathroom design for two years before she switched gears to commercial interior design, and began working for SALT in 2013 (formerly RIM Design).

Kelsey has been a project designer on a variety of projects since joining SALT, participating in projects from programming through construction administration, becoming familiar with all aspects of the profession. Kelsey's ability to methodically and efficiently work through the various technical complexities that come with any design project, and her keen communication skills have made her an invaluable member of the team at SALT. She thrives on organization and enjoys the many intricate layers of design that make up any project. Kelsey's favorite parts about design are improving the function of space, and figuring out how it will all go together -- it's all in the details!

Taruan Mabry

As an artist, illustrator, and designer I prefer to engage personably with my clients and colleagues to develop and deliver comfortable, classic, and timeless interior spaces.  One of my strongest skill sets is having the artistic ability to communicate ideas visually by interpreting forms and proportions through illustrations and hand sketching.  Some may think with all of our digital drawing capabilities (ie. AutoCAD, 3D Max), sketching abilities are passé; but contrary to even my assumption, many clients still respond positively to design ideas in the form of a hand sketch. Illustrating design solutions that bypass verbal description provide instant clarity of understanding a design.  Extensive hospitality experience enables me to resolve perplexing project challenges with a thoughtful approach and deliver a memorable interior space.  During my time as an adjunct instructor at New York School of Interior Design (NYSID), I encouraged my students like my clients to be conscious of environmental impact while maintaining the design integrity of the project(s).I received a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design from Georgia State University in Atlanta GA in 2005, and a Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Interior Environments from NY-SID in 2012.As an inquisitive and interactive collaborator, I thrive mostly in an eclectic work environment where my colleagues of different ethnicities, backgrounds, and experiences converge to influence our design missions.  I firmly believe different viewpoints help create the best design direction for each project we have in studio.

Madison Kester, ASID

Madison Kester is an Interior Designer in Gensler's Atlanta office with over 7 years of experience. From her time living and working in Europe and the Americas, Madison brings a unique, global perspective to her work. From initial test fits to furniture and finish selections, she works with clients to create spaces that reflect their brand, culture and values. An NCIDQ certified professional and a member of IIDA, she has served the organization in many roles including the IIDA Georgia Best of the Best Awards, Dressed, Leadership Breakfast and more. Passionate about design education, Madison co-leads Gensler Atlanta’s university outreach mentorship committee and was a panelist for SCAD Atlanta’s “Navigating the In Between” discussion. Madison received her Bachelor’s in Interior Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design and a Master’s in Interior Design from Instituto Europeo di Design in Madrid, Spain.

Jennifer Auman

Born and raised in Durham, North Carolina, I knew I wanted to be in the field of Architecture and Interior Design since my uncle let me use his CAD program when I was thirteen years old.  I graduated from Appalachian State University in 2010 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Interior Design.  Upon graduation, I moved to Dallas, TX and I've worked at HOK and HKS (always in the Corporate Interiors Studio).  I passionately believe in the ability to improve life's quality through creative design solutions.  To create a successful workplace, where people can excel, focus, learn, engage and socialize.  Thoughtful design has the ability to translate the user's unique needs into tangible solutions.  I enjoy coordinating all components of a project - from lighting, finishes, furniture and even working with the consultants.  It takes a team to deliver a great project and being the point person as a Job Captain, is something I truly enjoy.

Moira Gannon Denson, ASID

Moira Gannon Denson, ASID, IDEC, LEED AP is an Associate Professor of Interior Design at Marymount University and an NCIDQ- certified Interior Designer. She has professional experience in project delivery and interdisciplinary coordination of healthcare, workplace, hospitality and residential building types at firms such as Gordon and Greenberg Architects, Design Collective Inc., and Perkins + Will. She teaches undergraduate and graduate students in health + well-being and hospitality studios, sketching and rendering for ideation, as well as advanced graduate seminars in design research. . Her research interests and writing target improving the design process and exploring the impacts of design on overall health and well-being. In recent years she’s embraced watercolor painting as a personal journey to improving health!

Melissa Hanley

Melissa Hanley, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP, is the co-founder, principal, and CEO of Blitz, an award-winning architecture and design firm known for its work with household names such as Google, Microsoft, Instacart, and Spotify. She is passionate about human-centered interior environments and has worked to make Blitz a leader in commercial and workplace interior design for the digital age. 

Melissa co-founded Blitz in 2009 at the age of 26 with Seth Hanley, AIA, the day after the partners were laid off from their previous firm at the height of the Great Recession. Since its inception, Blitz has been responsible for the design and implementation of more than 300 projects across nearly 5.5 million square feet. Her firm’s work has touched every corner of the globe, transforming whole buildings, complex technology campuses, and multiple offices and restaurants throughout the US, Europe, Australia, and Asia.

Brooke Horan, ASID, LEED AP, NCIDQ, EDAC

Brooke heads HDR’s international interior design studio out of NY, working closely with the architecture studio and HDR’s Global Design Director to create meaningful and memorable places and experiences. Known for both her creativity and her sensitivity to detail, she has worked with a variety of clients around the globe, including Asia, the Middle East and Europe, to create places that make a difference in how people live, work, learn, and heal. An ardent traveler, she incorporates her keen observations about place and culture, especially from her explorations of side streets and in-between spaces, to inform the-day-to-day touch points she designs that effortlessly engage people.

Shelby Mamizuka, ASID

Shelby is a Senior Associate at OPX that has been in the industry since 2005. Having managed both large- and small-scale projects from concept to completion, she uses her strategic planning expertise throughout the entire design process. Shelby’s grasp of the big picture is best demonstrated through her work in portfolio and brand management. She has an eye for reinforcing an organization’s mission and culture through branding. Shelby’s top priority is being her clients’ chief advocate, while designing a healthy and purpose-driven environment in which employees can work better. Shelby's multicultural perspective is an advantage that brings unique design solutions to challenging parameters.

Kylie Ponton, ASID

Kylie Ponton is the Principal Designer and owner of Ponton Interiors, based in Tampa, FL.

Kylie is an ASID licensed interior designer and earned her degree at the International Academy of Design and Technology. With over 12 years of experience in the design industry, Kylie leads Ponton Interiors to create inspired homes, curated with thoughtful attention to classical design elements.

Kylie gained her previous experience in the design field as a Senior Designer with Studio M, in Tampa, Florida. During this time she was responsible for new construction projects in the residential sector ranging between 8,000 and 18,000 SF. Her impeccable attention to detail and refined design aesthetic resulted in beautiful projects throughout Florida.

After becoming NCIDQ certified in 2016, Kylie decided to start her new venture, Ponton Interiors, a boutique interior design firm that prides itself on attention to detail, luxurious designs, and working with the best contractors in the business. The Ponton Interiors Design aesthetic reflects the individuals they serve, with roots in transitional design coupled with eclectic touches. Her focus, since launching Ponton Interiors, continues to be luxury residential new construction projects and boutique commercial projects.

Kylie and her team at Ponton Interiors are proud to lead the Florida Chapter of Savvy Giving by Design, a non-profit, national network of professional interior designers whose mission is to provide comfort, support, and healing to families with a child facing a medical crisis by transforming the interior spaces of their homes at no cost to them.

Nestor Ramos Marchena

Néstor Ramos is an architect from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Passionate about art, design, and education.

A Fulbright Alumni, Néstor Ramos holds a Master of Interior Design from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Architecture from Universidad Iberoamericana, UNIBE. He began his career in his home country, where he has worked in several architecture and design firms that range from commercial design to lighting and industrial design. He is also an Adjunct Professor at his Alma Mater, where he teaches the courses of Commercial Design and Visual Merchandising within the School of Architecture and Interior Design.

His overarching goal is to explore the role of interior design in positively influencing human behavior and development. His research has been particularly focused in the effects of design in learning environments.

Laura Hendrix

Laura’s portfolio includes corporate, education, healthcare, restaurant, civic, and religious institutions, ranging from new construction to renovation. She has extensive experience in fast-track delivery methods in multiple project types and has been responsible for the design of interiors for multimillion-dollar projects throughout her career. Laura has a passion for creating spaces that have a positive effect on its occupants, working with the client to understand their needs and create solutions that increase efficiency and productivity. She enjoys connecting with people through the design of the interior space, enhancing the built environment at a personal level, and finding solutions through design. Laura has led some of the largest furniture selection and installation projects in the firm. She believes the best project results are not from finish selections alone, but from a holistic approach through the architecture, finishes, furniture, artwork and accessories.

Brennen Birch

Brennen Birch is currently a junior designer with Home Studios in Brooklyn, specializing in bar and restaurant design for passionate chefs and operators. His work focuses on the intersection of interior spaces, strategy, and branding. He has been fortunate to work with and learn from some of the most thoughtful designers and leaders in their fields, including Petra Blaisse in Amsterdam, Olson Kundig in Seattle, curators Mathias Schwartz-Clauss and Alexander von Vegesack of the Vitra Design Museum, and the design consultancy frog in Austin.

Shane Jones

Passionate about all things colorful, sustainable and unique. Shane works as a Designer Account Executive, Sherwin-Williams Paint for six plus years serving most of North Carolina design community.

A graduate of UNC-Greensboro with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture. Shane is responsible for educating the residential market including interior designers, architects and design students about color and product resources to specify Sherwin-Williams brand. Shane’s goal is to engage and inspire designers.

Shane is a Past-President 2018/19 of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Carolinas Chapter.

Lindsay Jones, ASID

Lindsay Jones graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor’s of Science in Interior Design. With her strong visionary skills, Lindsay works with teams of interior designers and architects on all aspects of the design process—from master planning and space programming, to research and development, to concept design, color selection, preparing compelling vision boards and giving presentations.

Lindsay works as lead designer on select projects, and contributes to design development, schematic design, conceptual design, construction documents and construction administration. Lindsay completed her NCIDQ certification in spring 2019, and is also an active member of the professional organization, ASID, where she is the acting Communications Director of the Washington Metro chapter.

Rich Kinnard

Rich is an experienced hospitality design professional whose portfolio focuses on luxury hospitality interiors. He holds a Master of Science in Interior Design from Pratt University and an undergraduate business degree in Marketing and International Business from Georgetown University. Rich began his design career in New York at Rockwell Group, where he discovered his passion for hospitality design. Through his experience and education, Rich has created an international project portfolio that includes five-star hotels, award-nominated restaurants, engaging cruise ship experiences, and luxury residences.

Rich brings a holistic design process to ForrestPerkins and feels strongly that hospitality design should provide guests with an experience that is truly authentic and site-specific, while simultaneously being thoroughly functional.  Rich believes every design should be a completely unique solution to meet a client’s needs, and the best way to achieve the optimal result is through a holistic, interdisciplinary design approach and clear communication.