Member Spotlight

Robin Reigi

Principal at Robin Reigi Inc.
IIDA NY President 

A fun fact about yourself? I was born and raised on Staten Island — the most famously forgotten borough, and home to the Wu-Tang Clan. Despite that pedigree, I'm a huge country music fan. The twangier, the better.

What made you want to join IIDA NY? Annie Lee recruited me when she was chapter president during her term in 2020. I didn't know yet what the chapter would do for me. It turned into one of the best decisions I've made, expanding my network and giving my brand greater visibility in the industry.

What position do you hold within IIDA NY, if any? What is the most rewarding aspect of this role? I'm President — and the first manufacturer's representative to ever serve in the role. I've only been in it a short time, but the most rewarding part so far has been the trust that came with that "first." It's a chance to represent a side of this industry that hasn't had this seat at the table before, and to bring a new voice into our community.

How has IIDA NY shaped your professional career? Enormously, both personally and professionally. Owning a small business, I've had limited opportunity to lead large teams or manage a wide-ranging agenda. IIDA NY gave me that experience, plus a network far bigger than I could have built on my own.

How has your role in IIDA NY evolved during your time as a member? I started as co-chair of Design Camp, then became VP of Student Development in 2020 — a tough start since we were all remote. But standing on the shoulders of the presidents before me, I was able to make the role my own and launch three new initiatives during my time in the role. We won IIDA National awards for The Hazel Siegel Scholarship and 'SUP, and the Career Fair is growing every year. That collaboration, especially with Past President Elisabeth Mejia, still means the world to me.

What goals do you hope to achieve in your current position? I get to build on a strategic plan that we set in motion last year, so the agenda ahead is already clear: growing our Communications team, deepening our relationships with our four City Centers, and finding new ways to engage members through fresh programming — including my signature initiative, The Loupe, which is an IIDA NY road show hosted by our top Design Firm Advocates. It's all part of what I'm calling an "All In" year for our chapter, and my hope is that between expanded communications and new programming, it becomes a truly transformative one.

Do you have any favorite events or memories so far from your time in IIDA NY? Career Night. It's become the crown jewel of Student Development and is fast becoming a contender for a chapter-wide signature event. Last year, we hosted over 200 students and design professionals for a night of portfolio reviews, discussion groups, product activities, and a headshot studio. It's the culmination of everything we do with students, sponsors, and professional designers all year. It genuinely feels like the sky's the limit for where we can take it next.

What would you say is the biggest benefit of joining IIDA NY? Without question, it's the opportunity to expand one's network and build meaningful relationships through collaborative work that advances our profession and the people within it.

What would you tell someone who was considering becoming a member of IIDA NY? If you're a designer, simply showing up is the most important thing you can do. Be present, engage, and start building connections. For reps and industry professionals, consider starting with event sponsorship. It's a meaningful way to directly support the chapter while also showcasing your brand. Just as importantly, introduce yourself and be willing to pitch in—we'll help you find your way. Take a moment to think about your "why," and let that guide how you choose to get involved. Like most things, IIDA NY is what you make of it. Whether that means volunteering your time, attending events, or creating something new, the chapter will welcome you into the community.

My theme for the year is All In. Whether you're a Doer, a Seeker, or a Visionary, there's a place for you at IIDA NY.

PAST MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

  • Lydia Mudd

    Project Specialist | Corgan
    IIDA NY Hazel Siegel Scholarship Committee

    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'..

    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.

  • 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.