Company Name: ZGF Architects
Your Name: Janel Fausti
Position/Years: Principal, Interior Designer / 25 years
IIDA member since: 1999
IIDA Oregon Chapter Board? IIDA Oregon Past President, IIDA Oregon VP Government Affairs, IIDA Oregon Awards Committee Chair, and IIDA Oregon Annual Fundraiser Committee Chair.

ZGF Architects is a design firm with a focus on architecture, interior design, and urban design. Rooted in the Pacific Northwest, our practice connects communities and is committed to the stewardship of place, people, and the environment.

Favorite IIDA event and why?
The Annual Celebration. It showcases our chapter’s breadth and ability to bring everyone together. I enjoy seeing what’s been accomplished and meeting the next leadership class.

What is your favorite product/service offered by your company and why?
The incorporation of environmental graphics into our projects. It enhances the story and identity of a space, giving users a really immersive experience. 

What aspect of your company are you most proud of and why?
Our integration of interiors and architecture practices. This holistic approach creates an environment to work as one team—and the quality of our design, experience of our team, and results for our clients are all better for it.

 What value do you see in being an IIDA Oregon Chapter Annual Sponsor?
It’s really about supporting all interior designers in the state of Oregon and nurturing the future of our profession. IIDA has great momentum in expanding their reach across the state and ZGF is proud to support those efforts.

What impact do you see the IIDA Oregon Chapter having on the A&D community in Oregon?
What I really love about our chapter is that there’s an amazing community invested in supporting each other. I’ve experienced so much personal and career growth as an IIDA member. From the contacts and long-term relationships I’ve made to the business strategy I learned during my time as a chapter President. I truly believe the opportunities offered by our chapter are exponential.  

On a typical Saturday where can we find you?
Deep in the woods on an obscure trail or behind my sewing machine creating another contemporary quilt.

What does interior design legislation mean to you and/or your company?
The recently published AIA revised position on the licensure of Interior Design is encouraging for interior designers in Oregon and across the nation.  While Oregon licensure would provide the recognition that we as Interior Designers deserve and that acknowledgement of our professional skills would be gratifying, licensure is ultimately about ensuring the health, safety and welfare for users and providing accountability and best practices for clients. Advancement of the interior design profession on any level is satisfying to me, but licensure in Oregon would be monumental for the profession at large.