Member Spotlight

Lydia Mudd

Project Specialist at Corgan
IDA NY Hazel Siegel Scholarship Committee Member 

A fun fact about yourself? My sourdough starter's name is Edgar Allan Dough, after the author himself! Most of the time, you'll find me on my commute with a horror book in hand.

What made you want to join IIDA NY? Connecting with the design community! I joined as a sophomore in college and went to as many events as possible, trying to get a sense of the profession I was stepping into. The insights I gained through IIDA in those formative years shaped how I approached both my schoolwork and my professional development. 

What position do you hold within IIDA NY, if any? What is the most rewarding aspect of this role? I'm a member of the Hazel Siegel Scholarship Committee. As a past recipient myself, I wanted to explore what makes the scholarship most impactful and find ways to expand on that. Students gain so much by attending the SHIFT conference, but how we cultivate their connection to the IIDA NY community afterward is really where the impact lives.

How has IIDA NY shaped your professional career? It made me realize how attainable my goals actually are. If you know me, you know I won’t shut up about the importance of cognitive health in the workplace and researching more about how inclusive spaces can reach farther than previously thought. Through IIDA, I’m able to connect with others who are as passionate as I am and are actively implementing these ideas. Many of the mentors I’ve met are deeply engaged in workplace strategy and share real-world approaches. These conversations have deepened my understanding of the workplace as a dynamic environment and helped me begin carving out a niche in designing spaces that prioritize neurodiversity and well-being.

How has your role in IIDA NY evolved during your time as a member? It’s been a bit surreal to see myself become the post-graduate designer that I would have loved to connect with and learn from as a student. I remember how much comfort and guidance peers in that position gave me during such a stressful and transitional time in school. I hope to offer that same sense of guidance and support to students navigating those moments. 

What goals do you hope to achieve in your current position? Scholarship wins are often treated as a one-time connection to an organization, and I’ve seen that pattern here, too. In my current position, I hope to get students more involved in the chapter post-conference, setting them up with mentorship and a lasting design support system.

Do you have any favorite events or memories so far from your time in IIDA NY? I have such great memories of showroom-hopping with my college friend group to different IIDA events happening in the city at the same time.  That’s one thing you never have to worry about with IIDA—there’s always something to do and see.

What would you say is the biggest benefit of joining IIDA NY? I have met so many individuals dedicated to making our profession a better place—in such a multitude of ways— while also reaching far outside what we'd consider our industry. It makes me so hopeful to see all of these people in one room, talking about their shared passion for societal 'betterness'.

What would you tell someone who was considering becoming a member of IIDA NY? Going to your first event can be daunting! I’d say start small, bring a couple of friends to an event that matches your interests. From there, you’ll organically meet people, build confidence,  and eventually feel comfortable going on your own and keeping those relationships going. 

PAST MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

  • Elisabeth Mejia

    Office Design Leader | HKS
    President | IIDA NY Chapter 

    As President of IIDA NY, my goals center on cultivating intentional and impactful connections across all facets of the Chapter, bringing together designers, students, design firm advocates, and industry partners in ways that deepen engagements and foster a greater sense of belonging.

    A fun fact about yourself? Before interior design, I dreamed of becoming a professional ballet dancer. I trained and performed at a pre-professional level and even started college as a dance major. That passion is what first drew me to New York City—and it’s a big reason why I knew this would be home.

  • Ethan Lu - May 2025

    Ethan Lu

    Assistant Chair Interior Design | FIT/SUNY
    Co-Chair College Ambassadors Committee | IIDA NY Chapter 

    I joined IIDA NY at Hazel Siegel’s invitation back in 2015 when I was the director of an undergraduate program. Hazel was a big part of IIDA NY, and she invited the deans, chairs, and directors of schools to annual IIDA NY dinner gatherings. Since my first attendance at the annual gatherings, I got to know more and more IIDA NY members and continued my relationship and committee work through IIDA NY colleagues.  

    A fun fact about yourself? I’m an Amazon Vine Reviewer. In addition to critiquing student work, I also critique products on Amazon. My home and my parent’s home are filled with free Amazon products.

  • ALEXANDRIA DAVIS

    Interior Design & Strategy | Corgan
    Executive Board for the IIDA NY Chapter

    As the 2024 president of the IIDA New York Chapter, Davis works to advocate for and advancement of the interior design profession. Through her work with IIDA she has found a community rooted in pushing the industry to new heights and creating more diverse spaces. Bringing design back to people is important to the evolving design practices within the industry. Being a part of the IIDA community is extremely important for the future of design.

    A fun fact about Alexandra? The first career that I wanted with a creative focus was to work for the Art Theft Bureau of the FBI.

  • Laura Sviridoff

    Senior Interior Designer

    Volunteer Coordination Commitee Co-Chair | IIDA NY Chapter

    A fun fact about yourself? I love exploring creativity in all its forms. This year, I have taken both floral arranging and sewing classes to work with my hands and spark new inspiration.

    What would you tell someone who was considering becoming a member of IIDA NY? Don’t hesitate to get involved! Everyone I have met through the organization has been welcoming and friendly. Whether professionally or personally, you’re sure to gain something meaningful from the experience.

  • Taryn Potenza

    Interface, Account Executive
    LMNOP Committee CO-Chair | IIDA NY Chapter

    A fun fact about yourself? I am a trained cultural anthropologist. 

    What made you want to join IIDA NY? IIDA is a great way to deeply immerse yourself in our amazing industry and expand connections within our community.

  • Jason Lockspeirser

    Mannington, District Manager
    Healthcare Forum Committee Co-Chair | IIDA NY Chapter 

    What is the most rewarding aspect of this role? Raising awareness and providing education on healthcare design topics.

    How has IIDA NY shaped your professional career? IIDA NY has enriched my understanding of the industry, strengthening my appreciation for the NYC design world

  • Nanmei Jiang Rich

    HDR, Designer
    Co-Vice President of Communications | IIDA NY Chapter


    A fun fact about yourself?     I love off-Broadway shows and intimate theaters, where I can sit close to the stage and truly see the actors’ expressions and feel the energy of the performance.

    What position do you hold within IIDA NY, if any? What is the most rewarding aspect of this role? I am Co-Vice President of Communications. I love that this role has let me connect with so many people across IIDA NY and help showcase the amazing events our committees create. Supporting their work and sharing it with the broader community is truly rewarding. 

  • Sharon Sauli

    Co-Chair Study Group | IIDA NY Chapter 

    A fun fact about yourself? I have travelled to 37 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.   

    What made you want to join IIDA NY? I have my friend Brooke Altidor, and co-chair, to thank for joining IIDA NY and the Study Group committee.

    What is the most rewarding aspect of this role? Hearing from past study group participants that they passed their exams and received their certifications.scription goes here

  • Triana Carter

    Workplace Designer | IIDA NY Chapter 

    A fun fact about yourself? I still play The Sims regularly. I wouldn’t be an interior designer today if it were not for that game.

    What made you want to join IIDA NY? Shout out to my friend and fellow member, Alexa Boyd. She knew I was looking for a way to grow my network and encouraged me to join! Plus, I knew about IIDA NY’s tremendous professional development programs and wanted to take advantage of them.

  • Courtney White

    Sales Representative | sur4ces
    Co-Chair Website Committee | IIDA NY Chapter

    What position do you hold within IIDA NY, if any? What is the most rewarding aspect of this role? I am the Co-Chair of the Website Committee. The most rewarding part is connecting with members across the chapter while highlighting our events and celebrating the chapter’s successes.

    A fun fact about yourself?  I went skydiving in Dan Diego and it was one of the most exciting and memorable experiences of my life. 

  • Lilliana Alvarado

    Founder and Design Principal | UPHEALING
    Co-Chair Healthcare Forum | IIDA NY Chapter 

    What would you say is the biggest benefit of joining IIDA NY? The sense of belonging. IIDA NY offers access to education, leadership opportunities, and a powerful network. But beyond that, it provides a community that genuinely wants to see its members succeed.

    A fun fact about yourself? I moved to Costa Rica for high school and college, where I attended an art school and had a very hands-on creative experience. I was even accepted into a Master’s program in Fine Arts, but ultimately decided to move back to the U.S., bringing with me a unique perspective that continues to influence my design work today.

  • Lauren Titsworth

    Interior Designer III at Corgan
    Co-Chair of IIDA NY’s Hazel Siegel Scholarship Committee

    I’ve met so many people that I find so much joy in being around through IIDA. I can be quite introverted if given the chance, so having the community of IIDA NY to integrate into and find my people within has really helped me find my footing in the industry. Our industry is so interconnected, so I cannot overstate how valuable I find it to be comfortable with the people I interact with regularly.

    A fun fact about yourself? I am passionate about our natural world and how we as humans have a role in protecting it. During my summer break in high school and college, I worked at the zoo in my hometown of Fort Worth, Texas, teaching 1st-4th graders about habitat conservation, human-wildlife interaction, and animals in general. Ask me about Alaskan bears, I love them.