ASID Ones to Watch

Looking to Lead? We're Looking For You!

ASID recognizes the need to grow diversity and inclusion in the interior design profession. Through ASID Ones to Watch, the Society supports rising leaders to ensure that diversity is reflected at all levels of the industry.  

The Ones to Watch program identifies and recognizes rising leaders in the interior design industry who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and a willingness to push the boundaries of the profession. Emphasis is placed on participants whose backgrounds are currently under-represented in management roles in the interior design industry, including women, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, LGBTQ, and persons with disabilities. 

Each year the Ones to Watch honors up to 20 applicants as Award Winners representing the industry, including design practitioners, educators, volunteers, and manufacturers. From the 20 award winners, the Society selects up to eight ASID Ones to Watch Scholars to participate in an exciting leadership development training program. The program teaches Scholars to lead with authenticity through experiential learning, coaching, and mentoring.

Supported by

Benjamin Moore Loloi steelcase wilsonart

Meet The 2024 Ones To Watch Scholars

Amanda Davis, ASID Allied, IIDA

Associate, Design Lead

Meyer Davis Studio

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Amanda Davis, ASID Allied, IIDA

With over 10 years of industry experience, Amanda Davis has honed the ability to create meaningful spatial moments while bringing a contemporary and chic esthetic to every project. Her design vocabulary and attention to detail are formed by an education in Architectural Engineering, highlighted by a Master’s Degree from the New York School of Interior Design. Along with experience in Building Code and Law Consulting, Amanda is comfortable connecting all areas of Architecture and Interior Design as they relate to each other to create spaces that are not only functional, but stunning.

Amanda has collaborated on high-end residential projects, as well as award winning hospitality projects, both domestic and international. Bridging the gap between the client, the end user, and the space itself, she develops thoughtful spaces that offer the luxuries of a hospitality experience, while making ones everyday life a destination.

Amber Ferguson, ASID, NCIDQ

Interior Designer

Meshberg Group

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Amber Ferguson, ASID, NCIDQ

Amber Ferguson grew up in a military household. When she began thinking about what career she wanted, she was lost. Amber joined the military (United States Airforce), to continue the lifestyle of traveling, giving herself time to understand herself better and learn what it was she wanted to spend the rest of her life doing. After traveling Europe and some of Asia, eventually she ended up at Davis Monthan AFB in Tucson, Arizona. At this time she decided this would be her last base and began exploring her next move. Amber went to see what the local schools had to offer and ran into a design program.  Floored by the beautiful marriage of technical and artistry that is interior design, Amber signed up, and never looked back. Since graduating she started her career at Gensler and recently transitioned to Meshberg Group.  She feels honored to work in a field she loves and hopes to make a difference for all aspiring designers.

Jae Hwa Lee, Ph.D., ASID Educator, EDAC

Associate Professor Interior Architecture & Design

Florida State University

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Jae Hwa Lee, Ph.D., ASID Educator, EDAC

Jae Hwa Lee, Ph.D., EDAC, is an Associate Professor of Interior Architecture and Design at Florida State University. She received her doctoral degree at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, College of Design, Construction and Planning, with a concentration in Interior Design. Her research focuses on establishing creative learning climates through creative confidence pedagogy across disciplines. Dr. Lee also seeks innovative design solutions to spark creativity by examining human behaviors and interpreting sensory experiences in the built environment. Based on the theories of environmental psychology, she applies diverse research methods to provide healthy public spaces, such as academic libraries and hospitality. Her scholarship has been well presented in top-tier peer-reviewed journals and at academic conferences. Dr. Lee serves on the Review Board of the Journal of Interior Design and has been invited to review journal articles for publication. She is an active member of IDEC, EDRA, and APA.

Telsa Love, ASID, IIDA, NCIDQ, WELL AP

Design Directors, Interiors

CosciaMoos Architecture

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Telsa Love, ASID, IIDA, NCIDQ, WELL AP

Telsa Love leads CosciaMoos’ Interior Design team. She specializes in commercial, hospitality, and healthcare products, leads project teams through all things interior from start to finish, and has a solid foundation in FF&E selection, space planning, test-fits, branding, and wayfinding. She is also a WELL Accredited Practitioner, meaning she has expertise in the design of spaces that promote physical and mental well-being for users.

In addition to actively participating in the design community and other professional organizations, Telsa works as an adjunct professor and thesis advisor for Drexel University students. She is a dedicated member of Professional Women in Construction, Urban Land Institute, and NAIOP, and participated in the 2023 GPLEX Conference.

Kellyn Messel, ASID Allied, Assoc. IIDA

Hospitality Sector Lead, Interior Designer II

LS3P

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Kellyn Messel, ASID Allied, Assoc. IIDA

As the Hospitality Sector Leader at LS3P Greenville, Kellyn Brewer Messel is deeply immersed in multi-family housing design, collaborating closely with development clients across the Southeast. With six years of professional experience, her expertise is marked by a passion for crafting compelling narratives within each project. At the heart of her approach lies storytelling, ensuring that every design embodies a distinct and captivating narrative. Through her unique perspective, Kellyn aims to infuse each project with a sense of individuality, setting them apart from the rest and creating memorable experiences for both clients and occupants alike.

Jinoh Park, Ph.D., ASID Educator

Assistant Professor

University of Arkansas

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Jinoh Park, Ph.D., ASID Educator

Dr. Jinoh Park is an educator, practitioner, and researcher in Design. His background is in Interior Design, Business Administration, and Design Research with professional experience since 2005. He has experienced various scales of practice, including planning, architecture, interior, furniture, products, and service design, and currently runs his design studio 331C&co. In addition, he has been teaching students in undergraduate and graduate programs since 2010. He is currently teaching Interior Design at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and Design Management at the Seoul School of Integrated Sciences & Technology.

Veronica Sanders, ASID Allied

CEO/Principal Interior Designer

Design with Veronica Sanders

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Veronica Sanders, ASID Allied

Veronica is a hard worker and a true success story. She overcame many life challenges, including being a teen mom working dead-end jobs, to become a successful business owner. Her background began in luxury residential, hospitality, and set design creating spaces with Mikel Welch of Design Star and the Steve Harvey show. She was a project manager on new build and renovated homes to restaurant refreshes, commercial shoots and home makeovers for television. She’s had the honor of designing lavish VIP green rooms for prominent personalities, including Steve Harvey and Erykah Badu along with winning the Halle Berry logo design competition. Her clients and colleagues love her because she is creative, personable, and always lending a helping hand. Blazing trails with her volunteerism, dedication and willingness to go above and beyond have made her one of the most sought-after interior designers in the area.

Marianne Starke, ASID, IIDA Associate

Associate, Senior Designer

Gensler

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Marianne Starke, ASID, IIDA Associate

Marianne Starke was born & raised in Mexico City and is now living in Chicago. Eldest of 3. Cross-cultural education and professional experience. She has lived in 3 countries and 5 cities, speaks 3 languages, and is always looking to challenge herself and push boundaries which allows her to open doors and tailor her own unique journey. Marianne is an Architect and Interior Designer – a hybrid background that helps her develop a different array of skills that push her to cross over on projects and design phases. Loves to travel and explore new cultures, photographer, music lover, golfer, – always pushing herself so she knows enough to create her own story. Passionate about creating new ways to challenge design. Thankful for all the places her life and work have taken her, the people she has gotten to meet, the ways in which she has pushed color, ideas, curiosity, and creativity to create new spaces.

MEET THE 2024 ONES TO WATCH WINNERS

Emily Barry, NCIDQ, RID, WELL AP, LEED Green Associate, GGP

Senior Interior Designer, Team Lead

HH Architecture

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Emily Barry, NCIDQ, RID, WELL AP, LEED Green Associate, GGP

Emily is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of communities through data-driven, innovative design. She focuses on fulfilling clients’ objectives with technically refined designs for efficient, cost-effective builds. As a Senior Interior Designer and Team Lead at HH Architecture, her greatest professional joy is mentoring young designers. She leads with the principle that we rise by lifting others.

Amanda Burcham, M.Des, ASID, NCIDQ, WELL AP, Fitwell Ambassador

Associate + Director of Interiors

modus studio

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Amanda Burcham, M.Des, ASID, NCIDQ, WELL AP, Fitwell Ambassador

Amanda Burcham grew up in Northwest Arkansas, where she was inspired by the growth and change of the built environment while living in such a dynamic community. She knew she wanted to be involved in the design process to help create optimal interior environments for all project stakeholders. She graduated with a Bachelor of Interior Design from the University of Arkansas Fay Jones School of Architecture + Design in 2014. There’s an old saying, “Whatever you are, be a good one”. Amanda’s passion for how individuals experience the interior built environment has become a top priority in her professional development. She is a Fitwel Ambassador and a WELL Accredited Professional. She also holds a Master of Design Studies with a concentration in Health and Wellness Design from the University of Arkansas. She is committed to investigating design principles that will create healthy interior environments with curated experiences for optimal project outcomes.

Shanna Chan, AIA

Associate, Design & Project Lead

Woods Bagot

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Shanna Chan, AIA

Throughout her career, Shanna has led the interiors on multiple award-winning projects ranging from boutique retail stores to large-scale multifamily residences. Grounded in hospitality principles, her design philosophy prioritizes crafting empathetic spaces that cultivate memorable experiences tailored to each project's distinctive narrative. With a background in Architecture, she takes a holistic approach to interior design, ensuring the seamless integration of all building systems with aesthetic considerations. Shanna's commitment to fostering innovation and inclusion within the industry shines through, with a steadfast focus on placing the human experience at the forefront of her work. Recognized as one of New York City’s emerging leaders, she has been invited by both Interior Design and METROPOLIS to join their inaugural 30 Under 30 fellowships.

Jillian Dexter, RID

Associate, Interior Designer

Stantec

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Jillian Dexter, RID

Jill Dexter is a Registered Interior Designer in the State of Illinois with over 13 years of experience in corporate interior, retail, mixed-use, and civic design. She has a passion for creating experiential spaces that connect users to their environment, allowing them to engage with thoughtfully designed elements. Acting as a conduit for bringing the client's vision to life, Jill appreciates a holistic approach to a project and enjoys participating in projects from concept through construction administration to see to it that the client is happy with the final product.

Katelyn Hoffman, NCIDQ

Senior Project Interior Designer

HOK

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Katelyn Hoffman, NCIDQ

Katelyn Hoffman is an accomplished interior designer with over 11 years of experience specializing in corporate, SRE (Sports, Recreation & Entertainment), and hospitality design. While she is based in the Bay Area, her projects range across the globe. Her expertise lies in creating functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that cater to the unique needs of diverse user groups. Katelyn is particularly passionate about designing environments that are inclusive and supportive of neurodiverse individuals. Her innovative approach to design seamlessly blends creativity with practicality, resulting in spaces that not only look stunning but also enhance the well-being and productivity of their occupants. She also finds great joy in mentoring junior designers within the greater Bay Area A&D industry, and fostering a supportive, electric, and informative studio atmosphere for all. Katelyn is very involved in the Bay Area A&D community via IIDA, industry events, and portfolio reviews for local design universities.

Ali Kidwell, RID, WELL AP

Senior Interior Designer

HOK

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Ali Kidwell, RID, WELL AP

Ali Kidwell is a registered interior designer and WELL Accredited Professional based out of Georgia. Her professional repertoire spans diverse design domains, encompassing multifamily and student housing, public assembly spaces, and corporate environments. Presently occupying the role of Senior Interior Designer at HOK’s Atlanta office, she concurrently serves as a member of the Interior Design Advisory Board at Auburn University, her alma mater. Noteworthy is her profound commitment to customizing each project meticulously to address the functional, aesthetic, and budgetary imperatives of clientele. Beyond her professional engagements, she derives inspiration from her wordly pursuits and savors the cultural experiences afforded by exploring the vibrant live music scene within her communities.

Rachell Kim

Project Designer, Design Lead

Corgan

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Rachell Kim

Rachell Kim, a Bachelor of Interior Design graduate from SCAD Atlanta, showcases her design expertise at Corgan's interior design studio. With a strong background in corporate, and hospitality design, Rachell excels in innovative design. Her journey embarked at Pratt Institute, enhanced further at BTWN Exhibits, where she ascended to Senior Designer within two years, specializing in tradeshow exhibition design.

Upon joining Corgan's Atlanta Office, Rachell played a pivotal role in leading the design team and made significant contributions to various projects. She demonstrates proficiency in design conceptualization, space planning, interior architecture, and brand integration. Notably, her leadership on the Autodesk ATL headquarters project earned prestigious awards and industry recognition.

Actively involved in Corgan’s Design Advocacy program, Rachell's outstanding contributions led to her nomination by the firm’s leadership to attend The Giants 2024, an annual conference hosted by Interior Design Magazine, as an emerging designer and design leader within the firm.

Angela Laugelle

Senior Interior Designer

JCJ Architecture

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Angela Laugelle

Angela Laugelle joined Group One, a JCJ Architecture Studio in 2013. Angela helps transform clients’ design dreams into creative, fine-tuned reality. Her instinct and fearlessness allow her to use her talents and resources to find the ideal interior design solution to ensure our clients’ success. Angela shines technically with her construction drawing abilities, with proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit. She develops design renderings with proficiency in SketchUp, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Angela is well known for her expertise in brand design for specialized boutique projects. She understands how to deliver the project to excellence, meeting client budget and schedule expectations while maintaining the integrity of design. Colleagues and clients alike appreciate Angela’s ability to consider multiple perspectives while maintaining design intent.

Michelle Martin, ASID, RID, NCIDQ, WELL AP

Interior Designer

HKS Inc.

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Michelle Martin, ASID, RID, NCIDQ, WELL AP

With a dynamic career at HKS Architects, Michelle Martin has leveraged her fresh perspective to spearhead significant changes in workplace environments. Her future-thinking approach and dedication to sustainable and healthy workspaces have been instrumental in redefining commercial interiors. Her work includes participation in the HKS Research Incubator’s “The Future of Work” parts one and two, designing processes to foster innovative approaches to workplace design. Additionally, she has spoken at the ASAE national conference about implementing future work strategies in client projects.

Louise Mazauric

Architect, OAQ

Provencher_Roy

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Louise Mazauric

French by birth, born in Japan and arriving in Canada in 2014, Louise Mazauric holds a double Master degree in Architecture from Laval University in Quebec City and joined her actual company Provencher_Roy in Montreal in 2018.

Involved for the past 6 years in large-scale projects across the country focusing on accessibility and sustainability, her practice is focused on interior design for universities and institutional buildings. As head of the company's material library, Louise is recognized in the industry for keeping abreast of the latest developments in sustainable and inclusive design.

As an extension of her professional activity, Louise Mazauric is actively involved in promoting D.E.I within the commercial real estate industry with CREW M organization. Motivated by the desire to give back to the next generation, Louise is also engaged with universities in order to promote a more inclusive, equitable and diverse future in Canada and America for all.

Elisabeth Mejia, CID, NCIDQ, LSSYB, LEED Green Assoc.

Associate, Senior Interior Designer

HKS

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Elisabeth Mejia, CID, NCIDQ, LSSYB, LEED Green Assoc.

Elisabeth Mejia is an accomplished Senior Interior Designer at HKS, renowned for her interdisciplinary approach and unwavering commitment to social responsibility. With a background in design strategy and research, she crafts innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of clients across diverse industries including healthcare, hospitality, finance, and technology. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creative problem-solving, Elisabeth's designs not only fulfill clients' requirements but also authentically convey their unique stories. Beyond her role at HKS, she serves as co-Vice President of Student Development on the board of IIDA NY, where she mentors and empowers emerging designers, fostering an environment of growth and innovation. Passionate about giving back to the community, Elisabeth thrives on the opportunity to shape the next generation of design leaders and witness their transformative impact.

Samantha Sondag, NCIDQ

Senior Project Interior Designer

HOK

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Samantha Sondag, NCIDQ

Samantha is a Senior Project Interior Designer with a passion for guiding projects from concept to completion, excelling in client relationships, workplace strategy, and understanding human needs. With expertise in workplace strategy and change management, she offers valuable insights for workplace transformation, integrating data with organizational culture to create effective built environments. Samantha’s ability to create highly functional and welcoming spaces, coupled with her dedication to client success, makes her a valuable asset to any team seeking innovative and impactful interior design solutions.

The Ones to Watch program is open to both applications and nominations. 

Jury Process

  • All complete applications will be reviewed by a jury of diverse leading industry professionals.
  • After the reviewing all scores, the jury will collectively select a group of finalists for interviews.
  • Each finalist will be interviewed by at least two jury members in a call.
  • Following interviews, the jury will select all award winners and scholars.

Benefits for Award Winners

  • Establish new professional connections with peers and industry leaders
  • Gain national recognition
  • Expand participation at ASID events and conferences as invited guests
  • Access leadership opportunities with ASID and the design community

Additional Benefits for Scholars

  • Receive one on one and group executive leadership coaching 
  • Strengthen your network through curated connections and experiences 
  • Be positioned as a thought leader and subject matter expert in the industry at leading ASID national programs, virtually or in-person
  • Develop skills as coach and mentor for the next generation of leaders

2024 Timeline

February 28, 2024 – Nominations and Applications Open 

April 1, 2024– Nominations Close 

April 10, 2024 – Applications Close 

Mid-April – May 2024 – Jury Review 

Early May 2024 – Finalists Informed 

May 13 – 22, 2024 – Mandatory Interviews for Finalists

Late May 2024 – Award Winners and Scholars Informed

Eligibility 

  • Active employment in the interior design industry
  • 5 - 15 years of experience in the interior design industry
  • On a path to a senior and/or executive-level position in the interior design industry
  • Belong to an under-represented group in industry management roles including women, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, LGBTQ, and persons with disabilities
  • Current employees of program sponsors and their direct competitors are not eligible
  • ASID membership is not required to be apply. If selected as a ASID Ones to Watch Scholars, you must become a member in thirty (30 days)

 

Application Requirements 

  • Essay
    What will be your impact? Tell us how your background and perspective have shaped your goals to be a leader in the design profession and industry. (750 word max) 
  • Portfolio – All portfolios are limited to maximum of 12 pages and 10 MB.
    • Design Leadership - Submit a portfolio of select projects that showcase your design process, skills and impact of design. 
    • Education Leadership - Submit a portfolio detailing the strengths of your teaching and the scope, quantity, and quality of your educational contributions.
    • Manufacturing Leadership - Submit a portfolio detailing your unique contributions to your organization(s) or the design industry, including program management experience, new initiatives and innovations. Images are encouraged, if applicable.
    • Volunteer Leadership - Submit a portfolio detailing your volunteer efforts, including organizations, specific initiatives and leadership positions. Images are encouraged, if applicable.
  • Project Roles
    Detail your role(s) on each project included in your portfolio. (500 word max)
  • Resume/CV
    Provide a written overview of your employment and education background, as well as specific experiences and qualifications that you suited for ASID Ones to Watch. (2 MB max)
  • Letter of Recommendation
    Provide the name and email of a colleague, mentor or supervisor for a letter of recommendation. ASID will email your identified reference to upload their letter directly to your application.  
  • High Resolution Headshot 
  • Bio (150 word max)