The IIDA Oregon Chapter is thankful for our wonderful members who make up this vibrant and creative interior design community. We asked a few to share why they are members – take a peek at the great things they have to say, and consider becoming a member in 2020!

Name: Christina Tello
Instagram: @tellointeriors

Why are you a member of the IIDA Oregon Chapter? To help progress the profession of Interior Design. Its also a great way to stay connected with past co-workers and product reps. Makes you realize you are part of a strong talented community.

What was your favorite IIDA Oregon Chapter event you attended this year? And why? The Design Excellence Awards- It is wonderful to see all the amazing design work your peers are doing. Having critiques from designers who don’t live here also gives you an interesting perspective on what is collectively happening now in local design.

Name: Elizabeth Lockwood
Instagram: @Lockreed; @Mayerreed
Podcast (launching Jan 2020!): @Milelongtrace_podcast

Why are you a member of the IIDA Oregon Chapter? Being apart of IIDA Oregon brings the design community together to network, advocate and discuss relevant and pertinent issues facing commercial interior design.

What was your favorite IIDA Oregon Chapter event you attended this year? And why? The The design crawl is my favorite event because we get to see and hear first hand from our peers the design intent and process that went into their work.

Name: Ellen Cusick
Instagram: @emcid

Why are you a member of the IIDA Oregon Chapter?
I am a sole proprietor so I value the continuing education that IIDA Oregon provides in the form of CEUs and other non-accredited forums and events.

What was your favorite IIDA Oregon Chapter event you attended this year? And why? The It’s always the Advocacy Golf Tournament. I’m a terrible golfer, but it is so nice to be out in the fresh air, meeting other industry professionals and supporting advocacy efforts in Oregon.

Name: Joel Chown
Instagram: @chownhardware

Why are you a member of the IIDA Oregon Chapter?
I am a member of IIDA for a couple reasons. First, because it’s a great way to meet industry members in the Portland area which can put a spark to the fire of collaboration on projects in the future. Secondly, because at Chown Hardware, the A&D community is one of our top partners and we value that relationship wholeheartedly. We also want the Portland building community to flourish and succeed from local partnerships.

What was your favorite IIDA Oregon Chapter event you attended this year? And why? The My favorite IIDA event has always been the Advocacy Golf Tournament because first and foremost I love golf. I also just love events that get us all out of our offices and into the world. Apart from the group golfing experience, It’s also a great way to learn about the laws & policies of the design practice on a local and national level.

Name: Kathy Rothert
Instagram: @willisdesignsolutions
@krothert

Why are you a member of the IIDA Oregon Chapter?
Being a member of IIDA is Willis’ way of communicating our commitment to the design profession, and to Oregon designers specifically. Personally, it allows me opportunities to support and connect with designers and industry peers. It also gives me opportunities to keep educated and in touch with what is happening in my community.

What was your favorite IIDA Oregon Chapter event you attended this year? And why? The Next breakfast series is my favorite event. The caliber and diversity of the speakers always provide insight and new ways of thinking on a variety of topics. I always walk away challenged to see my world a little differently.

Name: Natalie Roe
Instagram: @nataliec_roe

Why are you a member of the IIDA Oregon Chapter?
I am a member because I love staying connected with other students and professionals in the field. Through IIDA, I am constantly learning and meeting new people. From webinars to symposiums, there is always a way to stay involved in the chapter and interior design industry as a whole.

What was your favorite IIDA Oregon Chapter event you attended this year? And why? My favorite event this year was the IIDA Student Design Charette. Being provided a design brief, given only a few hours, and working with a diverse team of other students to create a cohesive and effective design was such a great experience. Having to take into account the company’s brand and how the space was going to be used gave us a taste of “real world” design solutions. The time limit and prize money made it very competitive and fun!

Name: Sarah Hill
Instagram: @sarahdoesdesign

Why are you a member of the IIDA Oregon Chapter?
As a freshman and sophomore in college, I went back and forth between studying architecture or interior architecture. I joined IIDA in order to learn more about the interior architecture field, outside of what we’re being taught in class, to see if it was the right path for me. IIDA helped me better understand the field of interior architecture and what one can do with an interior architecture degree. I have stuck with interior architecture ever since and I now look forward to the professional development and networking opportunities that IIDA offers.

What was your favorite IIDA Oregon Chapter event you attended this year? And why? My favorite IIDA Oregon Chapter event this year was the annual Student Design Charette. It was so much fun to meet students studying interior design or interior architecture from other schools and being challenged to come up with an entire design scheme in just five hours. I love to travel and meet new people, so advancing to the regional competition and traveling to Denver was very exciting. The friends, connections, and memories that I gained from this experience are truly invaluable.

Name: Molli Dobbin
Instagram: @miss_molli

Why are you a member of the IIDA Oregon Chapter?
I have been a member of IIDA Oregon since I was a student at The Art Institute. I am a member of IIDA because it’s a great way to connect others in the industry. The events are always fun and educational. I love getting to know others within the Portland design community.

What was your favorite IIDA Oregon Chapter event you attended this year? And why? My favorite event this year was the Annual Celebration. It was a nice summer night and a fun time celebrating together. My most favorite event is the Design Awards. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend this year but I am excited for 2020!