Author Archives: Jenna Mogstad

The IIDA Oregon Chapter’s Commitment to Social Justice

April 12th, 2022
Kate Stuart, IIDA
Past President | IIDA Oregon Chapter
Interior Designer | Bora Architecture and Interiors

The IIDA Oregon Chapter has been busy working behind the scenes to advance and include a new foundation for a commitment to social justice. Now that we’ve taken real actions we are ready to share our new social justice mission, current efforts, and future goals to our members and the Oregon design community.

When I stepped into the IIDA Oregon Chapter’s president role in the summer of 2020 I called it a pivotal year. We were in the midst of a rising pandemic, continuing climate disasters, the Black Lives Matter movement, and a presidential election. I challenged our community to remain strong and optimistic. To uphold our mission to be the face of professional Interior Design in the State of Oregon by continuing our dedication to serve our members and our community through change and uncertainty, to design for humanity with dignity, equity, and justice.

When Amber Turner took over as president in 2021 she was able to build on that momentum. She further committed our chapter to implementing principles of social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion into our every day operations, so that as an organization we can contribute to a more inclusive and just society. In addition she committed the IIDA Oregon Chapter to expand our reach with more student engagement.

The IIDA Oregon Chapter board first discussed our challenges with diversity, equity, and inclusion during our Winter Board retreat in December of 2020. At that retreat, we asked, “How can we expand beyond our current majority demographic of white women to include a more diverse membership and audience?” As we shared ideas and brainstormed, it became clear that we can – and should – do more.

Our goal as a Chapter is for diversity, equity, and inclusion to be a consistent thread that runs through all the work we do. To begin this work, we determined that our community-facing engagement tools and the policies and procedures by which our Chapter is run should be analyzed to determine what needs to be added, modified or removed. To achieve this goal we applied for and received a grant from IIDA Headquarters to hire a professional consultant that specializes in diversity, equity and inclusion, Ann Su Consulting, to help guide us through this process and discover actionable steps that we can take to make the IIDA Oregon Chapter a more diverse and inclusive group – for our Board, our members, our local design community and the integrity of the Commercial Interior Design profession as a whole.

Through the formation of a Diversity Equity and Inclusion committee and the ongoing work with our consultant, the IIDA Oregon Chapter has been able to:

  • Award our first ever membership grants, removing financial barriers and prioritizing BIPOC (black, Indigenous, and people of color) professionals in our community who would otherwise not be a member of IIDA.
  • Started revisions to our Chapter policies and procedures to add more inclusive language and set policies for more equitable meetings, purchasing guidelines, nominations, and awards.
  • Create a new ‘Director of Social Justice’s position for our Chapter board of directors.
  • Implement a new social justice mission statement, defining what diversity, equity, and inclusion means for the IIDA Oregon Chapter. You can read our new mission statement on our website, here.
  • Committed to apply for another grant in 2023 to build a More Diverse Future by creating new programming for K-12 students, targeting BIPOC and underserved communities in an effort to spark more interest and bring awareness to interior design as a profession and career path.
  • Partner with other chapters to formally request IIDA Headquarters to collect and share demographic information for our membership so we may track progress.

In addition to the progress listed above, we have also taken actions to create more programming outside of Portland, expanding our reach to other parts of Oregon to create a more inclusive design community state-wide. This year’s Design Crawl Series features project tours in Eugene, Milwaukie and Portland – don’t forget to get your tickets here! We also recently hosted a happy hour event Giving Back with Friends of Trees taking place simultaneously in Eugene, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington. We are hoping to offer more philanthropy partnerships like this in the future, continuing to give back and serve our local communities.

Even though my term as Past President concludes this summer, I am confident that we have set a clear foundation that will live on and continue to grow, improve and ultimately lead to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future for the IIDA Oregon Chapter. If you’d like to get involved with the IIDA Oregon Chapter it’s the perfect time to join!

We are currently seeking passionate candidates to volunteer and serve on the IIDA Oregon Chapter Board of Directors for the 2022-2023 board year, including finding an appropriate candidate to serve as the Director of Social Justice to lead these continued initiatives! If you’d like to get involved please apply or reach out to us at (info@iida-or.org) for more information. We’re happy to do in person coffees or zoom chats!

Membership Spotlight: Brooke Strickland

Name: Brooke Strickland
Company/Position/Years: Fireclay Tile – @fireclaytile / Commercial Sales – Pacific Northwest / 1 Year and IIDA Oregon / Director of Membership / 3 months!
IIDA member since: 2016 

Why are you a member of IIDA?
I love meeting and collaborating with people who are passionate about advancing and supporting the interior design industry.  

What is your favorite IIDA event?
I just had such a blast at the March Happy Hour event! We spent a morning planting trees in the local community. It was a really fun way to give back, take action on our carbon impact, and make new friends from IIDA! I highly recommend attending a happy hour event!

What are you currently working on?
As a commercial tile rep, I work on projects in every market segment which I really enjoy! I’ve recently been working on several custom color, pattern, and mosaic developments. We have an incredible innovation lab at our factory in California and an in-house design team that nails it every time! 

What is your personal mantra?
“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why we call it ‘The Present’” – Eleanor Roosevelt

On a typical Saturday where can we find you?
I recently bought my first home and am deep in renovations so you will likely find me working on a variety of DIY projects, or outside enjoying the beautiful PNW!

Sponsor Spotlight: Armstrong Ceilings

Company Name: Armstrong Ceiling Solutions
Your Name: Dianne Knight
Local Rep’s Position/Years: Full Line Sales Manager, OR / SW Washington (1 year in this role).
IIDA member since: Pretty sure it’s been since I was first starting out as a designer in 1996.

Armstrong World Industries (AWI) headquarters is located in Lancaster, PA. We are a leader in the design and manufacture of innovative commercial and residential ceiling, wall and suspension system solutions in the Americas. With $937 million in revenue in 2020, AWI has approximately 2,800 employees and a manufacturing network of 15 facilities, plus six facilities dedicated to its WAVE joint venture.

What is your favorite IIDA event?
I love the Design Crawl because we tour award-winning projects and get to hear about them from the people that created them. It’s a great way to connect as a collective group and celebrate each other’s successes. Plus, riding in a school bus (when we used to do that) is just plain fun!

What is your favorite product/service offered by your company?
I’m still learning all our products (there are so many!). I think my favorite group of products are our Architectural Specialties products, wood, metals, felts, tectum; there is some great innovation happening here. I know this sounds weird, but I also like all the prefab solutions we have for the contractors like simple soffit, axiom shade pockets and light coves. People don’t often ask about those, but they really make a difference on large jobs especially and can help ease the burden of creating your own details.

What aspect of your company are you most proud of?
I’m proud of two main things:

1. Armstrong’s commitment to sustainability; we just released our 2030 goals related to these pillars: 

  • Healthy and Circular Products
  • Healthy Planet
  • Thriving People & Communities

2. Armstrong’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. We do have some work to do in the construction / building products industry but our new VP of Talent Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion is building a foundation that will lead the way. She’s inspiring and I’m excited to see what the future holds.

What value do you see in being an IIDA Oregon Chapter Annual Sponsor?
I am glad that we are able to support each other in Oregon and being a sponsor is a way to show that support. There are other ways, too, of course. Through the years at times I’ve been able to support at the event level only and that’s ok, every little bit counts!

What impact do you see the IIDA Oregon Chapter having on the A&D community in Oregon?
IIDA is the glue that keeps us all together working towards being the best community we can be. Events are created so we can socialize and celebrate accomplishments, advocate for our profession, find jobs, meet someone new and just know what’s happening.

 What is your personal mantra?
My personal mantra changes based on the state I’m in; right now it’s “don’t forget to look for joy.” Even small moments can have a big impact on life’s quality.

On a typical Saturday where can we find you?
On a long walk in Graham Oaks Nature Park, at a classical music concert, or pulling weeds in my small patch of a garden.

Sponsor Spotlight: Steelcase & Hyphn

Name: Janet Webb
Position: Architecture and Design Manager for Steelcase
Years: I just celebrated 25 years with Steelcase. Most of my tenure has been as the representative for Steelcase’s ancillary portfolio. My role shifted at the beginning of the pandemic, and I am now responsible for all of the Steelcase brands and partners.
IIDA member since: Approx. 1990
Involved on the IIDA Oregon Chapter Board?
1992–1994: Secretary
1995–1996: VP Fundraising
1998-1999: VP Forums
2008–2010: VP Fundraising/Sponsorship

Steelcase helps create great experiences by offering a range of architecture, furniture and technology products and services. The portfolio includes nine brands and 15 partners to help people work, learn, and heal.

 What is your favorite IIDA event?
The Next Breakfast always brings together a diverse group of leaders that see design through different lenses. Always inspiring and thought provoking, this event reminds me why I became a designer and why I have stayed in the industry. 

 What is your favorite product/service offered by your company?
My current favorite is the Grid modular lounge from our newest partner, the British brand Established & Sons. It is platform that creates a room-within-a-room to support informal meetings and presentations as well as just hanging out. The vibe draws me in with its playfulness.

Products that blur the lines between home, leisure and the workplace have always appealed to me but more than ever there is poignancy about looking forward to hanging out at work in casual spaces.

What aspect of your company are you most proud of ?
My 25 years at Steelcase has shown me that Steelcase lives by their values. They always do the right thing for people (employees and customers) and the planet. 

What value do you see in being an IIDA Oregon Chapter Annual Sponsor?
I feel a deep sense of obligation to the IIDA Oregon chapter as I have drawn great benefits as both a designer and as an industry professional. Supporting IIDA as a sponsor ensures that others will continue to benefit. 

What impact do you see the IIDA Oregon Chapter having on the A&D community in Oregon?
I know that the IIDA Oregon chapter has been a major influence on my professional life. Serving on the board and committees for instance, particularly early in my design career, advanced my skills in leadership and public speaking. I have seen so many young designers grow and mature into leaders in our industry through opportunities afforded them by IIDA.

On a typical Saturday where can we find you?
My husband and I spend many Saturdays cooking and preparing for dinner guests (lately just our pod). The planning, preparation and presentation is a creative outlet for me.

What is an interesting fact about you?
My first sales job was selling railroad rail at my family’s business. Thankfully I found that I belonged in design! 

Sponsor Spotlight – ZGF Architects

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.

Sponsor Spotlight: Mohawk Group

Company Name: The Mohawk Group
Your Name: Beth Gish
Local Rep’s Position/Years: 10 years
IIDA member since: 2012
Involved on the IIDA Oregon Chapter Board: Chapter Advisor

At face value, Mohawk Group is a global leader of flooring design & manufacturing based in Georgia, but the company is way more than that. There is the commitment to building and sustaining relationships. There’s the quality of design that takes a project to a different level than you may have thought possible. There is innovation that solves challenges before you even knew about them. There is the commitment of sustainability in every product and every choice we make. There are project solutions that help you determine and deliver precisely what you need. Mohawk strives to run every aspect of our company to help you exceed expectations on every project, every time.

 What is your favorite IIDA event and why?
The Design Excellence Awards is my favorite event because it’s a true celebration of the abundance of talent in our design community. We all get focused and busy and it’s a really nice “pause” to connect and appreciate the positive impact that design has on everyone.

What is your favorite product/service offered by your company and why?:
It’s difficult to choose just one, but right now I love the Personal Studio digital tool which enables you to select your own carpet patterns, colors and textures for very low yardage minimums.

What aspect of your company are you most proud of and why?
I’m most proud of our company’s commitment and leadership in sustainability. Mohawk Group is one of the more than 200 companies and organizations from around the world that have signed the Climate Pledge and pledged to meet the Paris Agreement’s goals 10 years early—and achieve net-zero carbon by 2040.

What value do you see in being an IIDA Oregon Chapter Annual Sponsor?
The IIDA Oregon Chapter has been an amazing way to connect to individuals throughout my career who are an inspiration and whom I learn from every day. I’ve mentioned it earlier, but the professionalism, drive and talent among the design community here is impressive and  is as elevated as any major market but with the heart and accessibility of a smaller market.

What impact do you see the IIDA Oregon Chapter having on the A&D community in Oregon?
IIDA Oregon provides a vehicle for the community to collaborate and engage one another to solve problems through design. I also see the Oregon chapter taking steps to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion and believe we will see the benefits of these efforts in coming years.

 What is your personal mantra?
Start with yes, and never stop learning.

On a typical Saturday where can we find you?
A typical Saturday involves some type of exercise – hiking, running, pickle ball, a futsal game or yoga- and watching our daughters play soccer. I also love to cook on weekends and experiment with floral arranging.

Annual Sponsor Spotlight – Absolute Resource

Company Name: Absolute Resource
Your Name: Jayson Gates
Local Rep’s Position/Years?: 22 years in the profession
IIDA member since: 2006

Absolute Resource PNW builds enduring relationships between design professionals and the most creative, innovative brands for furniture, textiles, lighting, and acoustical products.

What is your favorite IIDA event?
Design Excellence Awards. Especially since the pandemic, IIDA has been so important in establishing new relationships and cultivating existing ones. Seeing the hard work of our design partners makes me smile. I love seeing the recognition given that is so well deserved.

What is your favorite product/service offered by your company?
I love providing solutions to our design partners and stakeholders. Products always come further down the line. It’s long-term design solutions that provides exceptional value and exquisite, sharp and beautiful designed projects. We love being part of the team and helping cultivate the creative process.

What aspect of your company are you most proud of?
I’m super proud of our relationship with the local design community. Our longevity and the manufacturer partners we have had the pleasure to pioneer and grow with fill me with pride.

What value do you see in being an IIDA Oregon Chapter Annual Sponsor?
My relationship with IIDA Oregon and the national organization have been paramount to my success, both professionally and personally. The people I have engaged with through our chapter have been some of the most interesting, intelligent, and productive I have ever met. It’s this community, our community, who have helped me when I’ve stumbled, when I’ve been unsure or fearful. IIDA Oregon has provided experience, resources, and validation for me and my career when I’ve needed it most.

What impact do you see the IIDA Oregon Chapter having on the A&D community in Oregon?
IIDA embodies what we are all about: inclusivity, openness, community engagement & collaboration that enhances our profession and quality of life. It’s the future of the profession.

What is your personal mantra?
Personal: To be a catalyst for growth in myself and those around me and create an extraordinary world.

Business: We are dedicated to building relationships that endure and support our interior design colleagues’ professional growth and legacy.

What gets you excited about design?
The creative process and seeing new and innovative designs come to life.

On a typical Saturday where can we find you?
Hanging with my kids, mountain biking, hiking, playing music, driving my sports car, or if I’m lucky- travelling.

What does interior design legislation mean to you and/or your company?
It further legitimizes the skills needed to protect the health and safety of our community through design.

What is an interesting fact about you?
I have an identical twin, Jordan, who is my business partner.