Student Portfolio Competition Jury 2025

Benjamin Moore

Founded in 1883, Benjamin Moore is North America’s favorite paint, color and coatings brand. A leading manufacturer of premium quality residential and commercial coatings, Benjamin Moore maintains a relentless commitment to innovation and sustainable manufacturing practices. The portfolio spans the brand’s flagship paint lines including Aura®, Regal® Select, CENTURY®, Ultra Spec®, Natura® and ben®. Benjamin Moore is renowned for its expansive color portfolio, offering consumers and designer more than 3,500 colors. Benjamin Moore paints are available exclusively from its more than 5,000 locally owned and operated paint and decorating retailers.  |  facebook     linkedin     instagram  | 

Kate Desmond
Benjamin Moore Architecture & Design Rep., Benjamin Moore

Kate is the Architectural and Design Representative for Benjamin Moore, serving Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. In this role, she enjoys collaborating with architects, designers, and design students from local universities. 

Kate's career began with a BA in Technical Sales and Interior Design from Weber State University. She has a strong background in commercial furniture, having worked at the local MillerKnoll dealership and later as an independent representative for Source Four Commercial Furniture. For the past two years, Kate has been an active member of the IIDA Intermountain Chapter Board of Directors, currently serving as the Vice President of Member Events. 

Outside of work, Kate enjoys traveling, painting, reading, and spending quality time playing games with her children.

CannonDesign

CannonDesign is a practice at the nexus of strategy, experience, architecture, interior design, engineering and social impact. We dream up, create and bring to life solutions that enhance human vitality, further equity, strengthen communities and safeguard our planet all at once. We’ve been recognized multiple times by Fast Company as one of the most innovative design firms in the world.   

With nearly 1,300 teammates across 18 offices, we forge deep partnerships with clients across all industries, empowering them to reach greater heights. At the heart of our work lies our ethos, Living-Centered Design – a bold commitment to using our talents to not only enhance the world but to fundamentally reshape it for the better.  |  facebook     linkedin     instagram  | 

Margi Kaminski, RID, ASID, NCIDQ, EDAC, CLGB
Principal, Health Interiors Practice Leader, CannonDesign

As Principal & Health Interiors Practice Leader, Margi is passionate about making the connection between design and well-being, creating spaces that inspire and uplift the human spirit. Her approach considers the human experience and how design impacts the health and well-being of people that live, work and heal in the spaces she designs. She has led a wide range of notable projects for many of the healthcare industry’s leading systems and senior living providers. She is an award-winning designer with a holistic approach to design that ensures all aspects of a project embody the character of her client's brand and mission, while achieving robust human & environmental health.

In addition to her leadership role at CannonDesign, Margi’s voice is also heard on the ASID National Board of Directors as a Director-at-Large and is also on the Editorial Advisory Board of Healthcare Design.

CORGAN

Corgan is a leading architecture and design firm with a human-centered approach, deep technical expertise, and a reputation for great service to our clients, our people, and our communities. Founded in 1938, Corgan is consistently ranked as one of the top architectural design firms in the United States. We listen to our clients and transform their insights into structures and spaces that inspire, inform, and innovate. 

Corgan’s strengths in research, user experience, and design allow us to foresee emerging changes and provide solutions that minimize risk, create flexibility, and maximize longevity. We elevate the process, the space for the user, and the impact of the design on our clients’ businesses. |  facebook     linkedin     instagram  |

BRENT CAPRON, ASID, IIDA, AIA, LEED AP, ANFA  
Studio Design Director, Associate Principal – Interiors, Corgan  

Nationally recognized as an award-winning designer, Brent Capron’s inspirational designs have transformed millions of square feet of interior space in Manhattan, across the U.S., and around the world. Throughout a career spanning more than three decades, Brent has focused on designing meaningful spaces that enhance well-being, performance, and satisfaction, inspiring emotional connection through empathetic and human-centric design. “I call it ‘Choreographing Canvases for Chaos,’” he says. “A space becomes activated by its inhabitants, and while we have little control over how others behave, we can provide them a roadmap of experiences to support a narrative of prospective outcomes which meet our clients’ goals and aspirations.” 

With an innate ability for strategic thinking and comprehending client needs, Brent champions experiential design, with a focus on the workplace as well as the hospitality, healthcare, transportation, and science and technology sectors. With a deep knowledge of working with international clients, Brent brings a high level of expertise to support Corgan’s global reach. “Corgan has the track record and foresight to advance innovative and sustainable design solutions — I hope to add value to the design discourse in the industry while continuing Corgan’s momentum as a worldwide tour de force in architect and design.” 

His extraordinary portfolio of work has been featured in Interior Design, Metropolis, NY Times, CNBC, Contract Magazine, NBC, Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Work Design Magazine. Passionate about advancing the field of design and architecture through education, research, and advocacy, Brent is an accomplished author, mentor, and juror for student competitions. He also created and chairs the John P Eberhard Student Design Competition for the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA), an organization that unites the fields of neuroscience and architecture.

GARRY WALLING, AIA
Principal, Interiors Studio Design Director, Corgan

Growing up, Garry loved to draw and quickly realized that architecture and interior design would allow him to do that and build a life in the process. “It is the only career I ever seriously thought would be fulfilling,” Garry says. For 25 years, he’s been combining his passion and skills to develop groundbreaking design solutions for clients — enjoying every step of the process. “I love it all,” he says.

Garry’s work is driven by the potential to bring about positive change and the desire to start with the unknown, and through collaboration and visualization, ultimately finish a space.

His portfolio includes the State Farm Hub at CityLine, Uber’s Regional Headquarters, Keurig Dr Pepper Headquarters, and Toyota North American Headquarters. The latter is one of Garry’s proudest accomplishments for its sheer size and scope.

Gensler

Art Gensler founded our firm in 1965 and today we’ve spent half a century committed to thoughtfully informing the ways employees work and organizations operate. Our approach reflects a deep knowledge and understanding of how people use and experience space, creating places that are relevant, memorable, and distinct.

Our success and growth have afforded us extraordinary diversity and unparalleled perspective. We are interior designers, strategists, architects, and creatives. Our size has granted us the opportunity to explore divergence while remaining unified in our core, empowering us to uncover new opportunities and exhaust more options on your behalf.  |  facebook     linkedin     instagram  | 

MARIANNE STARKE, ra, asid, iida ASSOC.
Design Director | Senior Associate, Gensler

I’m a licensed Architect with BA in Architecture & Urbanism from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, with an MFA in Interior Design from Parsons The New School in NYC. I’ve worked in workplace, healthcare, repositioning, and hospitality - very much involved in architecture, interior design, and strategy. Cross-cultural education and professional experience. I've lived in 3 countries and 5 cities, speak 3 languages. Love to travel and explore new cultures, photographer, music lover, golfer, – always pushing myself so I know enough to create my own story. Passionate about creating new ways to challenge design.

Annie portner, ncidq, asid
Designer, Gensler

Annie’s dynamic career has spanned from coast to coast, each city adding depth and diversity to her design portfolio. Annie's contribution to the workplace sector expands beyond her role as interior designer. She is celebrated for forming meaningful connections with partners, clients, and project teams, fostering collaborations that result in both successful projects and enduring relationships.

Annie’s ability to integrate her expertise in workplace design with her dedication to community impact reflects her unique vision for the future. Annie’s career is a testament to her leadership and unwavering commitment to building connections—whether through innovative design solutions or impactful community initiatives.

HDR

HDR is an employee-owned design firm specializing in engineering, architecture, environmental, and construction services. HDR is ranked No. 7 among the world’s design firms and we’re the largest healthcare design firm. We’re also proud to be ranked No. 35 on Forbes magazine’s list of America’s Best Large Employers for 2019. Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other’s contributions, and collaborate to make great things possible.  HDR believes that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward. So while HDR is most well-known for delivering architecture and engineering services – for adding beauty and structure to communities through high performance buildings and infrastructure – we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include the firepower of archaeologists, economists, builders, analysts, artists, and scientists. Our 1,715 employees, working in locations around the world, push open the doors to what’s possible each and every day.  |  facebook     linkedin     instagram  | 

Elizabeth Von Lehe, Allied ASID
Interior Design Director, HDR

Elizabeth Von Lehe is an Interior Design Director at HDR leading hospitality, retail, brand, and experience-driven environments. A seasoned design leader with professional experience across multiple industries, she leads the architecture firm’s efforts to advance a holistic approach to design, embracing not only the built form, but branding, curation and the development of user experience from every angle.  Von Lehe previously worked at ICRAVE Design, where she served as director of strategy, brand and architectural design. Before that, she worked in design for both Target and Lands’ End developing a wide variety of consumer products. Her experience includes developing product collections for both fashion and furniture industries as well as guiding master plans and interior design concepts.  

Based in New York City, Von Lehe is well known throughout the design profession as a leader in the field of experience design. She is a regular keynote and workshop speaker at the national and chapter levels for the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), advocating for experience design to encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration and integration beyond what most designers usually practice. Von Lehe serves on multiple initiatives within ASID, currently serving as Chair-Elect on the National Board of Directors, and is leading an international course in brand design through the Institute Paul Bucose in Paris.

HGA

HGA is a national interdisciplinary design firm committed to making a positive, lasting impact for our clients and communities through research-based, holistic solutions. We believe that great design requires a sense of curiosity—forming deep insight into our clients, their contexts, and the human condition. We are a collective of more than 1,000 architects, engineers, interior designers, planners, researchers, and strategists. Our practice spans multiple markets, including science and technology, corporate, cultural, education, local and federal government, and healthcare. |  facebook     linkedin     instagram  | 

Mari Ansera, CID, ASID, IIDA, NOMA 
Associate Vice President and Senior Interior Design Department Leader, HGA 

Mari Ansera is an Associate Vice President and Senior Interior Design Lead based in the Minneapolis office of HGA, where she oversees interior design projects for science and technology, workplace, cultural, and healthcare markets. As the Interior Design Department Leader, Mari is dedicated to growing the Minneapolis team by focusing on talent and career development. She believes interior design is envisioning beautiful and functional spaces that bring dignity and equity to the built environment. Many of Mari’s projects have won design awards and she is a frequent presenter and jury member. She was named an ASID Ones to Watch Scholar in recognition for her contributions to the profession to cultivate a diverse design field.

Abby zaccaglini, ASID, ncidq
Interior Designer, HGA

Abby is an interior designer with experience designing for clients in a wide range of market sectors. She has worked on projects ranging from workplace tenant improvements, civic building, to higher education. This wide variety of work and interdisciplinary approach to interior architecture has allowed her to bring a unique perspective to each project. Abby believes in creating spaces for everyone, where people can experience safe and comfortable environments. In every project, she aims to blend universal design principles with color and texture to bring each space to a more human scale.

HKS

To those wanting to make an impact with design, HKS is the architect where focused people consistently deliver the extraordinary. We are passionate, knowing that people live, work, play, and inhabit the spaces and places we imagine and envision for our clients. We are responsive, understanding that we are in a service business and the vision is that of our clients – never of ours alone. We are global, creating exceptional spaces across the globe through our connected network of offices and people. We are one, with tremendous talent across a wide spectrum of expertise, believing that the value of talent, experience, and knowledge is multiplied when shared. We are thorough, balancing extraordinary design with technical expertise and construction administration backgrounds for streamlined, on-time, within-budget projects. We are HKS. We create places that enhance the human experience. Each and every day.  |  facebook     linkedin     instagram  | 

Gracie Andraos, ASID, RID
Design Director, Associate Principal, HKS

A forward-thinking design leader, Gracie transforms ideas and concepts into harmonious workplace environments and experiences. Every aspect of her designs is thoughtfully executed with passion and attention to detail using an interdisciplinary approach. Gracie’s client-driven work ethic and collaborative attitude have propelled over 20 years of success leading teams for notable projects such as Expedia, JPMorgan Chase, and Sterling Bay Developers.  

She brings a modern understanding of architecture with an appreciation for a variety of design styles that are client and user-focused, infusing research, sustainability and universal design approaches. The end results are top-performing workplaces that transform organizations and the employees inside them. 

Gracie is truly passionate about the next generation of leaders in our industry.  Her approach to the design process is one where mentorship can happen anywhere, anytime and for anyone regardless of tenure, expertise or experience level.  She fosters an environment and culture of diversity where every voice matters, with transparency and empathy as the foundation to successful team building. 

JOURNEY

At ICRAVE (part of Journey), we specialize in designing at the intersection of digital, physical, and operational touchpoints, turning complex challenges into extraordinary results. From reinventing businesses with strategic insight to pioneering food hall design, we’ve built a reputation for innovation and impact.   |  facebook     linkedin     instagram  | 

David Taglione
Managing Director, JOURNEY

Since joining ICRAVE in 2005, David Taglione has been instrumental in shaping this evolution. Now as Managing Director at Journey, he has led transformative projects across hospitality, healthcare, entertainment, and travel, including Sphere, TSX, and healthcare innovations like MSK’s Josie Robertson Surgical Center and the David H. Koch Center for Cancer Care. 

As part of Journey, a global design and innovation studio, we’re elevating ICRAVE’s legacy through multidimensional experiences (MDX) that blend interior design, media, and technology. From AI-driven healthcare environments to hospitality-inspired spaces, we’re reimagining industries and creating environments that connect on physical, emotional, and digital levels."  

At Journey, we don’t just design solutions—we craft experiences that ignite emotion, foster connection, and define the future of design.

Perkins&Will

Perkins&Will is an interdisciplinary, research-based architecture and design firm established in 1935 and founded on the belief that design has the power to transform lives and enhance communities. With an international team of more than 2,400 professionals, Perkins&Will has over 30 studios worldwide, serving clients on nearly every continent. The firm’s focus on healthy, sustainable, socially equitable architecture has made it a global leader in areas as diverse as healthcare, science and technology, education, workplace, interior design, branded environments, mixed-use developments, sports and recreation, urban design, transportation, and landscape architecture. |  facebook     linkedin     instagram  | 

 

Brittany mcnairy, asid, leed ap id+c, well ap
Sr. Technical Coordinator | Senior Associate, Perkins&Will

Brittany is a Senior Technical Coordinator and Senior Associate in Perkins&Will’s Washington, DC office.  She has experience with corporate, government, healthcare and education projects and has worked on projects ranging from small interior renovations to campus workplace planning. Brittany brings attention to detail and technical experience to project implementation and delivery.  She was named a 2022 Ones to Watch National Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and a Class of 2022 Top Young Professional by Commercial Observer. In addition, Brittany has a great interest in promoting sustainable design and social responsibility in her work.

DAVID CORdELL, FASID, LEED AP, WELL AP, FITWEL AMBASSADOR
Practice Leader | Associate Principal, Perkins&Will

David Cordell is an associate principal at Perkins&Will. With over 20 years of experience as project designer and technical coordinator on ground-breaking projects, Cordell brings a particular focus on interior environments and their interaction with occupant health and wellness and sustainability. Cordell’s experience includes a variety of corporate, nonprofit, healthcare, and science and technology projects for clients of various sizes. Cordell has worked on numerous LEED projects, several of which earned Platinum certification, including ASID’s headquarters, the first project in the world to also earn Platinum certification under the WELL Building Standard. Cordell speaks regularly on topics related to healthy interior environments, diversity and inclusion and sustainability.

Kate currie, asid, well ap, leed ap id+c
Sr. Interior Designer | Senior Associate, Perkins&Will

As one of the lead interior designers in Perkins&Will’s DC Studio, Kate interfaces with clients daily and thrives on collaboration. She focuses on commercial interiors and their interaction with occupant health and well-being, driven by her commitment to create spaces that make people happier, healthier, and more productive. This passion extends beyond her work, as she is also an elite-level CrossFit Games Masters competitor, with health and wellness as a core part of her personal life. In 2018, ASID named her a Ones to Watch National Scholar. Kate has been actively involved with both local and national ASID initiatives since 2013, serving on several national task forces, chairing committees, and serving as Chapter President of the Washington Metro Chapter.

ROTTET STUDIO

Founded in 2008 by Lauren Rottet, FAIA, FIIDA, Rottet Studio is widely regarded as one of the finest design practices in the world, celebrated for the ability to deliver stunning, functional, timeless and unique places that promote a better way of life through the built environment. The international WBE-certified architecture and interiors firm boasts more than 80 million square feet of elevated design experience and was voted one of the Top 3 Most Admired Firms in the World by a jury of Interior Design peer professionals. Consistently ranked among the Top 100 Corporate and Hospitality Design Giants, Rottet Studio is an outspoken advocate for Be Original, a national non-profit committed to informing, educating, and influencing design-industry professionals and consumers about the value of authentic design.   |  facebook     linkedin     instagram  | 

 

KYLE ROTTET
Director of Marketing, Rottet Studio

As the Director of Marketing for Rottet Studio’s 3 offices nationwide and overseas Kyle is responsible for new business development; public relations and communications; online exposure including website management and maintenance, newsletters and social media; directing project photoshoots; and preparing presentations, proposals as well as dozens of annual award submissions which help promote the firm’s overall presence and prestige within the architecture and design industry.

Over the last 10 years, Mr. Rottet helped expand Rottet Studio’s practice base from purely office design to 7 new industries including hotels, high-rise and single-family residential, restaurants, retail, ship design and real estate development. He is responsible for initiating campaigns and processes that have substantially increased Rottet Studio’s revenues by 177% from 2009 to 2020 at an average annual growth rate of 11.59% per year, expanding geographic markets and landing the firm numerous impressive international awards, such as Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies, AIA Houston’s 2018 Firm of the Year, Interior Design’s Top 3 Most Admired Design Firms, 2021 NEWH Top ID Firm for New York, Architizer’s World Best Architecture and Design Firm and a consistent ranking among the Top 100 Design Giants every year for the last 12 years by Interior Design magazine. 

While leading the marketing efforts at Rottet Studio Kyle designed and built the firm’s interactive website from scratch; created RottetTALK, the firm’s online blog; introduced the firm to social media; and was largely responsible for the publication of Authentic Design, a 336-page hardcover book published by Rizzoli featuring over a decade of the firm’s work. 

Mr. Rottet also serves as Rottet Studio’s in-house real estate broker, helping to advise the firm on transactions and acquisitions for future developments.; scheduling, managing and organizing all the due diligence efforts; and coordinating with the legal team and title company to see transactions through closing.