Author Archives: Amanda Hansen

Membership Spotlight: Dawn Viar

Name: Dawn Viar
Company/Position: Nora by Interface/Account Executive/2 months
IIDA member since: 2006
Why are you a member of IIDA?
To network with my favorite people, support our profession and stay in touch with our interior design community.
Favorite IIDA event: Annual Celebration

What are you currently working on? Having fun learning the ropes of my role at nora.

Why do you support interior design licensing?
I believe it is essential that we make our buildings safe and that the built environment is not only aesthetically pleasing but also addresses all human needs whether it be accessibility, overall human health, sustainability, etc. A Licensed Interior Designer is able to do this and more.

Favorite space designed in Portland?
There are so many! I’ll go old school and say it has to be one of my fave spots that is unfortunately closing, Doug Fir Lounge by Skylab.

What project have you worked on that you are most proud of? Why?
My last project as a designer, Antioch University in Seattle (Gensler). I managed the project from schematic design through construction and I love how much I learned, as well as how it turned out.

On a typical Saturday where can we find you?
On a hiking a trail, riding my bike to a patio drink or making dinner for friends.

Interesting fact?
I was featured in an article in Runners World.

IMI: Tile, Marble, & Terrazzo Event

Portland-area design community: Are you interested in learning more about designing with tile, marble, and terrazzo? Would you like 3.0 HSW LUs and valuable networking with your fellow professionals at a convenient Pearl District location?

If so, join your colleagues in the northwest design community and other industry organizations and material suppliers on November 14, 2023 for this valuable educational session. Registration, breakfast, and lunch are free for qualified design and construction professionals.

After successful events in NY, Chicago, and San Francisco, IMI’s Tile Marble Terrazzo Day is coming to Portland.  With three expert industry speakers, space is limited, so register soon and we look forward to seeing you on November 14th.  Click here for more info and to get your name on the list!

2023 Design Excellence Awards | Meet the Jurors

Julio Braga, FIIDA, LEED AP
New York, New York

Julio Braga is a Principal at FCA in New York where he leads the Interiors Practice. He holds a Diploma in Architecture from the University of Buenos Aires and has been living and practicing in NYC for over 25 years. Previously, he was Managing Director of the NY office of IA Interior Architects and founder of Braga Oris Associates.  Julio has worked on a wide range of domestic and international projects for clients that include tech companies and financial and professional service firms. He is a Fellow of IIDA, where he served as a Board Member for seven years and as President for one year.

Ronnie Belizaire, FIIDA
Atlanta, Georgia

Ronnie Belizaire is an experienced project manager/ designer with over 5 million square feet and 500+ acres of architectural, interior and industrial projects delivered during her 17-year career. Professionally, Ronnie has completed projects for numerous clients including some Fortune 500 companies – helping them transform their organizations through the built environment.  Ronnie uses her unique skill set that blends business acumen, strategic real estate knowledge and design expertise to advise and guide clients’ development projects to meet their organizational goals. In addition to volunteering with various local, national and global non/ not-for-profits, Ronnie is a dedicated IIDA volunteer whose previous IIDA service includes Georgia Chapter President from 2013-2014 and IIDA Foundation Chair from 2017-2019. She is now serving as IIDA’s International Board President.

Sarah McGarry, IIDA, LEED AP
Denver, Colorado

Sarah McGarry is co-founder and principal of Clic Design Studio, a commercial interior architecture and design studio based in Denver, Colorado.  As an NCIDQ certified and award-winning designer with nearly 20 years of experience, Sarah provides expertise in all aspects of design, strategy, and project management. Passionate about giving back to the design community, Sarah served on the IIDA RMC Board for 9 years including a term as president. Hoping to shape the next generation of designers, Sarah is also Director of the Interior Design program at the University of Colorado Denver. Prior to founding Clic Design Studio, Sarah was the Workplace Sector Lead and Principal with Stantec leading design for a wide range of commercial projects.

Membership Spotlight: MaKayla Page

Name: Makayla Page
Company/Position: Carlson Veit Junge Architects PC, Interior Designer
IIDA member since: 2018

Why are you a member of IIDA?
I’m a member of IIDA because it offers an amazing opportunity to meet other professionals who are just as excited and passionate about interiors as I am. The ability to learn and grow through others in this field is so important and IIDA offers an outlet to do so. It’s a community that is built around the idea of helping each other succeed and that feeling of support is comforting. It gives members the leg room to focus on learning and to reach further in their work and accomplishments.

Favorite IIDA event:
As I am a new professional in the field, many of the events I have attended were student events. I still love the opportunity that the student design charrette offers to up and coming designers, I will always hold onto the memories I made in the ones I participated in. I am most excited to attend the next Design Crawl. I love walking through spaces and seeing the inner workings of talented designers’ minds.

Why do you support interior design licensing?
There are so many facets when designing our built environments. Ask any designer and they will give you a long list full of different categories and subcategories, about code, renderings, design principles, sustainability, everything down to relationships with GC’s and engineers. The list goes on and on. The more you know the better space you will create. Licensing is important because it informs all these aspects of being a designer. It is continued education and it helps prevent the professional from becoming stagnant. I view it as making our designers better, and therefore our world better.

What does being a designer mean to your life?
I believe being a designer of any kind is incredibly important as we shape the world and society. I am incredibly proud to be an interior designer. I am a first-generation college student who grew up in a working-class family. In lower socioeconomic communities the quality of our built worlds and the way it looks are viewed as less important. It’s a roof over our heads and that’s what matters. As a designer we know it is not that simple. Our built world is so important and one of the quickest ways to improve quality of life. I get to help build spaces with inclusivity, and wellness in mind, to make EVERYONE feel special and comfortable.

On a typical Saturday where can we find you?
A typical Saturday always includes me at home on a couch or in a theater watching at least one episode of a show, or a movie that I am or a loved one is excited about. I love being sucked into another world and seeing how it was created. An adolescent dream of mine was creating sets and doing set design. I will make mental notes and comments about the color theory used in creating the sets or even the characters. Make guesses at the materials being used. Who they are trying to emulate in the furniture. How color and environment set the tone for a scene and how it makes the characters feel. Listening characters describe their dream home or vacation and how the buildings and interiors are perfect for them. It offers a great amount of inspiration to me and expands my worldview as I get to see and meet people I haven’t met before. Understand them, their cultures, and of course their spaces.

Sponsor Spotlight: Haworth

Company Name: Haworth
Your Name: Jessica Simpson (Becker)
IIDA member since: 2016
Involved on the IIDA Oregon Chapter Board? I am new to the IIDA Oregon chapter but was part of the Southern California Board as VP of Communications. I am excited to learn how I can become more involved in the Oregon Chapter!

Haworth is a privately held, family-owned furniture manufacturer headquartered in Holland, Michigan. We design and manufacture seating, tables, movable walls, panels, storage, and wood casegoods. Haworth has been a global company for over 35 years with offices in more than 150 countries and customers all over the world. We have 8,000+ members and 400 dealers worldwide. We work with over 55% of the Fortune 500 companies and have 700+ registered patents. This year we celebrate our 75th anniversary in the business! 

What is your favorite IIDA event and why?
 Since I recently moved to the PNW, I am still learning about all the events that are put on by this chapter. I look forward to attending the Design Excellence Awards in October! 

What is your favorite product/service offered by your company and why?
Call me a nerd, but I get excited about our workplace research. I love uncovering the science behind well designed spaces and creating solutions that support well-being and enhance the workplace experience. 

What aspect of your company are you most proud of and why?
Haworth has been zero waste to landfill in globally since 2012. When you see that in person—a huge manufacturing facility with ZERO WASTE…it’s extraordinary. We are on the path to achieve net zero by 2050 and have a mid-term goal to reduce actual emissions 42% by 2030, including scope 3 supply chain emissions. 

What value do you see in being an IIDA Oregon Chapter Annual Sponsor?
As a new member to this chapter, I feel that annual sponsorship is essential to becoming involved in the community, meeting new people, and promoting Haworth’s brand. 

What impact do you see the IIDA Oregon Chapter having on the A&D community in Oregon?
IIDA brings our design community together. The chapter unites individuals with common interests to collaborate and create long lasting relationships.

What gets you excited about design?
 I love that good design has the power to connect people with space. As designers we can transform mundane spaces into environments that foster productivity, collaboration, and well-being—that’s magical!  

Interesting fact?
I recently got married in July and am perfecting my best autograph signature as “the other” Jessica Simpson.

Sponsor Spotlight: Absolute Resource

Company Name: Absolute Resource
Your Name: Jayson Gates
Local Rep’s Position/Years?: Owner / Principle 14 years
IIDA member since: 2005

At Absolute Resource, our mission is to build enduring relationships with design professionals and the most creative, innovative brands in the world. Based in the Pacific Northwest and celebrating over 10-years in operation, we are an internationally recognized firm collaborating and servicing clients in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska. Our team is dedicated to your success. As an independent agent/representative Absolute Resource offers a full range of support, including detailed product presentations, brand expertise & advocacy, product sustainability, and sampling on behalf of our trusted partners.
Additionally, we provide resources on durability and budget, along with specialized design scope and material sourcing for sophisticated specifications. We are here to support and assist as you build your professional legacy through partnerships with prestige, innovative brands including: RBW lighting, Naughtone, Turf, Spacestor, Leland, Montisa, Miran Spaces and TextileMania. Our passion lies in working with creative, fun and interesting people who are changing the world through the transformative power of interior design. Thank you IIDA Oregon.

What is your favorite IIDA event and why?
The annual celebration as it’s a great event celebrating the creativity and commitment of our design community and IIDA members. What is your favorite product/service offered by your company and why?: Brand advocacy that includes domestic and international travel. We love exploring our brands and introducing the unique culture of our partners to the community in the PNW. We love to travel!

What aspect of your company are you most proud of and why?
We are proud that the design community in the Pacific Northwest has allowed us to thrive and work as partners on such memorable and creative projects through the years. 

What value do you see in being an IIDA Oregon Chapter Annual Sponsor?
IIDA has been part of our journey in the design community since the start of our career. We are proud to support an organization that supports the professionalism of interior Design and our community. 

What impact do you see the IIDA Oregon Chapter having on the A&D community in Oregon?
We see IIDA Oregon continuing to provide community and support to emerging and seasoned designers and firms. To provide a place for designers to thrive, grow, and to be inspired to create projects that are Innovative, healthy, safe, and transformative. 

What is your personal mantra?
What you seek is what you find. 

What gets you excited about design?
The intersection of digital and real life in the creative process. More human, less commodity. 

Favorite design magazine/blog?
Alcova.xyz (check it out and thank me later) 

Interesting fact?
I recently traveled to Sumba Indonesia and visited a Marapu village. I was gifted and accepted an offering of betal nut to prevent a “war” between our families. Disaster averted; you can call me “Indiana Jayson” now!