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.

Meet The 2025 Ones To Watch Scholars

Bri Dazio, ASID, WELL AP, LEED AP BD+C, EDAC, Fitwel Ambassador

Interior Designer III

Perkins&Will

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Bri Dazio, ASID, WELL AP, LEED AP BD+C, EDAC, Fitwel Ambassador

Bri is an Interior Designer III at Perkins&Will's Boston studio. She has experience in corporate, education, and industrial projects across the United States. As a member of the Human Experience research team, Bri focuses on social and environmental equity and the impact on human health.

For her projects, Bri concentrates on the specific population to understand what key factors impact their experience. Recently, Bri completed an assessment of Plymouth State University's residence halls and authored the report. As an interior designer with a research focus, Bri not only analyzed the raw data, but also analyzed the floorplans. This led to more robust findings and targeted strategies for the university. Bri is also active in the IIDA New England Chapter, where she will serve as the incoming Student Engagement Vice President. In every aspect of her career, Bri champions inclusive, research-driven design that enhances human experience and well-being.

Bryana Duley, ASID Allied, LEED Green Associate

Interior Designer II

EwingCole

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Bryana Duley, ASID Allied, LEED Green Associate

Bryana Duley is a passionate interior designer at EwingCole in Philadelphia, with a strong foundation in creative design and professional leadership. With a Master’s in Interior Architecture and Design from Drexel University and dual undergraduate degrees from West Virginia University, Bryana brings a well-rounded, thoughtful approach to each project she tackles. Her work spans a range of sectors, including hospitality, commercial, healthcare, government, and education, always with the goal of enhancing how people experience space.

Beyond her professional role, Bryana is deeply committed to the design community through her volunteer leadership with ASID Pennsylvania East. Currently serving as the chapter’s Professional Development Director, she champions emerging professionals, organizes continuing education opportunities, and mentors the next generation of designers.

Her design philosophy is rooted in empathy, innovation, and collaboration. Bryana is currently pursuing her NCIDQ certification and remains dedicated to shaping both impactful interiors and a stronger, more connected design community.

Kenya Jones-Lowell, ASID Associate

Interior Designer

Rice Fergus Miller

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Kenya Jones-Lowell, ASID Associate

Kenya Jones – Lowell is an interior designer working with an acquired neurological disability in the Pacific Northwest. She is an Alumni of Converse College for Women and Savannah College of Art and Design. After completing her thesis on Resilient and Sustainable Communities she began her professional career by returning to her hometown and joining BNIM’s workplan to “Rebuild Springfield '', revitalizing the community after the 2011 tornado. She currently designs environments for hospitality, aircraft travel, and tribal enterprises.  Her work has been featured in over 150 publications, and she has been awarded top honors for her creativity, innovation and advocacy work. Kenya believes that the heart of hospitality is about honoring space and crafting environments that allow people to feel seen, heard, and celebrated in their communities.
 

Whitney Luerding, ASID, NCIDQ, WELL AP, LEED Green Associate

Interior Designer, Associate

Lamar Johnson Collaborative

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Whitney Luerding, ASID, NCIDQ, WELL AP, LEED Green Associate

Whitney Luerding is an interior designer based in Saint Louis, Missouri, whose career is centered on empathy, creativity, and impact. Raised in a family dedicated to service, she has always been driven to make a difference. Whitney believes great spaces do more than look good—they improve functionality, reflect personality, and support the well-being of those who use them. With experience leading projects, mentoring students, and guiding design communities in Saint Louis, she approaches every role with intention and a belief in the power of collaboration. Whether she’s shaping a space or uplifting a team, she lives by the idea of always leaving something better than she found it. That mindset fuels her work as both a designer and a leader.

Mona Nahm, ASID, IIDA, Associate AIA, LFA, LEED BD+C, WELL AP, NCIDQ, RID Nevada, CID California

Senior Designer

Y.A. Studio

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Mona Nahm, ASID, IIDA, Associate AIA, LFA, LEED BD+C, WELL AP, NCIDQ, RID Nevada, CID California

Mona Nahm is a Senior Designer at Y.A. Studio in San Francisco, specializing in multi-family affordable housing. She holds a BFA in Film Production from Loyola Marymount University, an MFA in Screenwriting from UCLA, and an MFA in Interior Design from New York School of Interior Design, bringing a unique interdisciplinary perspective to her projects.

Passionate about advancing the interior design profession, Mona actively volunteers with design organizations locally and nationally. As Chair of ASID’s Continuing Education Committee, she advocates for integrating sustainability principles into design education. Mona engages community stakeholders and collaborates across disciplines to develop innovative solutions addressing today's environmental and economic challenges. She believes every space tells a unique story and strives to uncover and amplify these narratives through thoughtful, purposeful design.

Charlotte Noyes, ASID, NCIDQ, LEED GA

Interior Designer

Elkus Manfredi Architects

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Charlotte Noyes, ASID, NCIDQ, LEED GA

Charlotte joined EMA in 2015 and has worked on workplace, higher education, life science, hospitality, and retail design, acquiring skills in space planning, design development, construction documents, and furniture specification with the goal of becoming a well-rounded leader. For Rutgers University and developer DEVCO, Charlotte is currently providing design development, CDs, and furniture specs for The Hub, a mixed-use workplace, lab, retail, hospitality, and higher-education project at Rutgers. She is also managing an $11 million budget providing furniture specs for FM Global’s 325,000-sf workplace/lab space in Norwood, MA.

Charlotte was named an IIDA Emerging Leader in 2019, Interior Design Magazine’s Boston 30 Under 30 in 2023, as well as National 30 Under 30 winner in 2024. She was one of 11 designers nationally to receive a NEXT Award from Interior Design Magazine in 2024 and is presently one of 12 designers nationally to join the ThinkLab’s GenZ Cohort.

Johnson Pun, ASID Allied

Senior Associate

Woods Bagot

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Johnson Pun, ASID Allied

Johnson began his career in Construction Management, contributing to the World Trade Center Master Plan with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey - an experience that deeply shaped his understanding of how the built environment impacts human experience. Eager to create spaces with a more personal impact, he joined Krista Ninivaggi at her eponymous firm, K&CO, in 2014 specializing in multi-family residential and hospitality. Over the past decade, Johnson has worked alongside Ninivaggi, helping to grow the practice as it joined the globally recognized architecture firm Woods Bagot in 2021. Today, he leads the Interior Design for major projects across the country, including The Brooklyn Tower, The Knox in Dallas, and Mercedes-Benz Places in Miami. An engaged member of the design community, Johnson actively volunteers with ASID's Engagement Council, advancing the Society's mission to foster connection and growth across the profession.
 

Shawn Shin, ASID Allied

Design Director

Gensler

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Shawn Shin, ASID Allied

Shawn Shin is a visionary Design Director at Gensler’s Los Angeles office, known for transforming bold concepts into impactful, real-world spaces. His portfolio spans from 1,000-square-foot interiors to a 7.9-million-square-foot international airport, including workplace, cultural, and community-driven projects around the world. His award-winning work balances elegance and function, creating environments that foster connection, inspire meaning, and reflect a purpose-driven design approach. Notable projects include the Debbie Allen Dance Academy.

Beyond design execution, Shawn is deeply committed to leadership, mentorship, and service. He coaches emerging talent through Gensler’s Talent Development Program and serves as a guest critic at local design schools. Since 2002, he has participated in global mission work, where he taught art and supported communities. These experiences continue to shape his purpose-driven approach to design and reinforce his belief that the most powerful design begins with empathy and leads to lasting human impact.

Meet The 2025 Ones To Watch Winners

Adrian Galvan, ASID Allied

Owner & Creative Director

Designology, The Lifestyle Design Company

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Adrian Galvan, ASID Allied

Owner & Creative Director | Designology, The Lifestyle Design Company
Adrian Galvan, a passionate interior designer with a strong background in construction and building materials, started his own design firm in February 2010, Designology, The Lifestyle Design Company, is a multi-award-winning firm, offering real world design solutions and designs for the lifestyle of the client.

With a natural gift of creativity, he is passionate about inclusive communication, creating connections and promotes collaboration, to not only produce award winning design projects, but to leave his mark in the industry. His background of communication and public relations, paired with 20 years of industry experience has brought him recognition as a trailblazer within the A&D industry.

Peter Harrison, ASID Allied, Associate IIDA, LEED AP ID+C, Fitwel Ambassador, Living Future Accredited

Interior Designer & Senior Strategist

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Peter Harrison, ASID Allied, Associate IIDA, LEED AP ID+C, Fitwel Ambassador, Living Future Accredited

Peter Harrison is a Next Generation Leader driving change at the intersection of people, place, and purpose. As an interior designer, sustainability specialist, and workplace culture advocate, he creates spaces—both physical and cultural—where people thrive.

Peter’s experience at Gensler and ZGF includes inclusive, future-forward projects for Apple, Intel, and Brooks Sports, as well as community-driven work like the Marie Equi Center for LGBTQ+ Health. His portfolio spans over 15 projects, including the award-winning Portland International Airport terminal. His thought leadership on workplace wellness has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, and his sustainability work has helped shape global standards.

As President of IIDA Oregon, he provides executive leadership to 250+ members and a 30-person board. An international GreenBiz 30 Under 30 honoree, Peter brings systems thinking and a bold vision grounded in Radical Belonging—his belief that empathy, joy, and innovation drive great design and a more sustainable future.

Marissa Hibel, ASID, LEED Green Associate, NCIDQ

Interior Design

Gensler

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Marissa Hibel, ASID, LEED Green Associate, NCIDQ

Marissa Hibel is a meticulous interior designer known for her philosophy of every moment mattering. Her innovative solutions and exceptional attention to detail plays a crucial role in curating every moment. By seamlessly integrating functionality with aesthetics, she creates a unique story in every environment.

A proud graduate of Florida State University, Marissa combines technical knowledge with creative insight to excel in the field. She consistently delivers results that reflect the client's vision while enhancing the overall experience of the space.

Clients appreciate Marissa's ability to listen, understand their needs, and translate their ideas into stunning realities. Her dedication to quality and client-centric approach has earned her a reputation as a trusted and talented interior designer.

Outside of work, Marissa enjoys baking, exercising and crafting, which inspire fresh and creative ideas for her projects. This personal touch, combined with professional expertise, makes Marissa a standout in the world of interior design.

Ashley James, ASID, IIDA, LEED GA, WELL AP, NCIDQ

Interior Designer

HOK

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Ashley James, ASID, IIDA, LEED GA, WELL AP, NCIDQ

Ashley has always known she was meant to do something creative—though it took a few college majors (business, fashion, graphic design…) to realize interior design was the one. Since graduating from The Art Institute of Colorado in 2017, she has worked on a wide range of projects, from large-scale corporate spaces to community-driven design. She started her career at Stantec in Denver, spending weekends skiing, hiking, and checking out the local craft breweries before moving to St. Louis in 2020. In St. Louis she has continued to grow her design career and served as the President of the IIDA Gateway Chapter. She is passionate about creating spaces that tell a story, spark connection, and improve daily life. Outside of work, you’ll find her chasing my 5-year-old son, Colton, getting her sweat on at her local boot camp gym or with family and friends exploring all the fun things St. Louis has to offer.

Nina Kwei, ASID, ARIDO, NCIDQ

Project Designer

Mason Studio

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Nina Kwei, ASID, ARIDO, NCIDQ

Passionate about simplicity, functionality, and timeless design, Nina Kwei craft spaces that elevate everyday living. Nina’s willingness to start anew, to learn and adapt different design cultures, has become the foundation of her design approach: creating thoughtful, human-centric spaces that transcend cultural boundaries while honoring their unique context. She specializes in design that balances aesthetics and practicality, project management that ensures seamless delivery, and performance optimization that advances her team’s capabilities and project outcome. Quality assurance as a core value is achieved through her meticulous attention to details and strong technical skills. Balancing design, profitability, and client satisfaction, she has led the team to successful outcomes with a 30% project hours reduction. Her goal-oriented leadership isn’t just about deadlines; it’s about designing with a disciplined organization so the process and result feels effortless. She strives to become a well-rounded designer that can deliver quality and effortlessly intentional experience for the user.

 

Emma Lawrie, ASID Allied, LEED GA

Senior Designer

HOK

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Emma Lawrie, ASID Allied, LEED GA

Emma Lawrie is a Senior Design Lead specializing in workplace design, with seven years at HOK and nine years in the industry. Emma grew up in a small town outside the city, dreaming of leaving as soon as possible. When she moved to Toronto, she knew she had found where she was meant to be—but she’ll never let go of her small-town roots and the compassion they instilled in her.

Being named one of Toronto’s Top 30 Under 30 was an incredible honor, and Emma strives to become an emerging leader in this industry, following in the footsteps of the amazing women who have paved the way. Her passion lies in creating thoughtful, high-performing spaces that evolve with the needs of today’s workforce, blending strategy and creativity to shape the future of workplace design.

Kimberlye Littleton, ASID Allied

Owner/Creative Director

Kimble Littleton Interior Designs

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Kimberlye Littleton, ASID Allied

Raised with a strong sense of community service, she has dedicated over 30 years to volunteering and supporting the underserved. Her diverse experiences in Corporate America and living abroad in Hungary and Angola shaped her commitment to humanitarian causes. Inspired by global architecture and her education in interior design, she launched her own firm to pursue her passion for design. Dedication to volunteering led her to join Designing Interiors Volunteers at Your Service (D.I.V.A.S.), where she transforms lives through complimentary home makeovers. As a founding member of Impact100 Houston, she helps grant significant funds to nonprofits. As a member of the Board of Directors for YWCA Houston, she has adopted their mission to eliminate racism and empower women. Her life mission is to “Lift As She Climbs” while enhancing the futures of the underserved.

Courtney Machamer, ASID, NCIDQ, LEED Green Associate

Interior Designer

Colliers Engineering & Design

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Courtney Machamer, ASID, NCIDQ, LEED Green Associate

Courtney Machamer is an NCIDQ-certified interior designer with a background in the arts and a passion for creating thoughtful, functional spaces. Since 2017, she has brought a human-centric approach to both residential and commercial projects, balancing bold, creative ideas with practical project guidelines. Her experience spans all aspects of design, construction documentation, construction management, and client relations, all honed over years of hands-on design practice. A painter, runner, and nature lover, her personal passions deeply influence her work, inspiring spaces that feel grounded, purposeful, and alive. Courtney is driven by a desire to blend aesthetic excellence with functional clarity and financial responsibility. As she continues to grow in the field, she is always seeking opportunities to contribute to larger-scale projects and deepen her expertise in sustainable design — currently pursuing a LEED credential to do just that.

Emily Revere, ASID Allied

Senior Interior Designer

JCJ Architecture

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Emily Revere, ASID Allied

Emily Revere is a versatile interior designer with a personal passion for developing stimulating, inclusive and engaging environments. Her involvement in projects will typically begin as part of the programming and project visioning process and includes assisting clients in articulating key experiential and functional qualities and influencing early architectural expression and option development. Emily exacting standards for quality includes rigorous adherence to core project principles and a hands-on approach to design, documentation, FF&E selection and project specifications. She seeks to design uplifting spaces and is driven to create environments that help clients, guests, end-users and institutions achieve their best. From community-oriented projects that support the preservation of culture and the education of children to spaces that entertain and connect, Emily embraces each assignment with optimism and commitment.

Nicole Sharma, ASID, NCIDQ

Interior Designer

Gensler

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Nicole Sharma, ASID, NCIDQ

Nicole is an Interior Designer at Gensler in San Francisco, she serves as design lead for workplace projects and mentors emerging design talent. As a first-generation American with Mexican and Indian heritage, her multicultural background has shaped her approach to leadership and design. Growing up balancing two cultural perspectives, she learned to see differences as strengths and embraces the complexities of her identity. Passionate about creating inclusive spaces, she designs environments that reflect her clients' identities and aspirations, helping them express who they are and who they strive to be. At Gensler, she is committed to fostering strong relationships with clients and colleagues, while contributing to community-building efforts. Outside of her design work, she is dedicated to strengthening connections within her professional community. With a focus on empathy, mentorship, and continuous learning, Nicole seeks to inspire others to embrace their unique journeys and contribute to a more inclusive design world.

Jason Snedeker, ASID, IIDA Associate

Interior Designer, Associate

Gensler

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Jason Snedeker, ASID, IIDA Associate

Jason is an interior designer who approaches each project with a quiet attention to how space can support people in their everyday lives. His work is guided by a belief that design should be intuitive, inclusive, and responsive to the people who use it. With a strong sense of empathy and a background that has shaped his sensitivity to how others move through the world, Jason focuses on creating environments that feel calm, intentional, and open. He values collaboration, clarity, and care in the design process, and aims to build spaces that not only look good but feel meaningful and lasting.

Sydney Taylor, ASID, IIDA, LEED GREEN Associate

Interior Designer

Stantec

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Sydney Taylor, ASID, IIDA, LEED GREEN Associate

Sydney Taylor is a passionate interior designer and emerging leader dedicated to creating better spaces for better communities. She brings this mission to life through a combination of civic engagement, volunteering, and professional leadership. Sydney has contributed her time and talent to organizations such as the American Red Cross, Connections for Life, and Habitat for Humanity. She deepened her community impact by completing the Leadership St. Tammany program, where she gained valuable insight into how public, private, and nonprofit sectors collaborate to meet local needs.

Professionally, Sydney served on the USGBC Louisiana Board of Directors, helping lead statewide efforts to advance sustainability and equity through the built environment. On the job, she mentors emerging designers and spearheads office-wide adoption of new technology to enhance design efficiency and quality. Sydney’s career reflects a deep commitment to using design as a tool for lasting, inclusive change.

Supported by

Benjamin Moore Loloi steelcase wilsonart

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

2025 Timeline

February 24, 2025 – Nominations and Applications Open 

March 31, 2025– Nominations Close 

April 9, 2025 – Applications Close 

April 2025 – Jury Review 

Early May 2025 – Finalists Informed 

May 7 – 16, 2025 – Mandatory Interviews for Finalists

Late May 2025– Award Winners and Scholars Informed

Eligibility 

  • Active employment in the interior design industry
  • 5 - 10 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 apply. If selected as an ASID Ones to Watch Award Winner or Scholar, you must become an ASID 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)