Member Spotlight

Lauren Titsworth

Interior Designer III | Corgan
Co-Chair Haze; Siegel’s Scholarship Committee | IIDA NY Chapter 

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.

What made you want to join IIDA NY? In short, it’s not what, it’s who. My coworker Terrence started encouraging me to join him at events shortly after moving to New York City. I was drawn to the idea of meeting people in the design industry as I started my professional career. The people at the first IIDA NY events I attended were so welcoming and engaging that I decided I wanted to join not just for professional purposes but because I truly enjoy the community aspect.

What position do you hold within IIDA NY, if any? What is the most rewarding aspect of this role? I have been a part of the Hazel Siegel Scholarship Committee for the last three years, and I am currently the co-chair of the committee. The most rewarding aspect of this role has been reading applications and meeting each new class of scholarship recipients. The students coming into the New York design industry have such incredible things to say and are so incredibly cool. I truly enjoy being one of the people that gets to help connect some of those students to the broader design community in New York and in Dallas during the SHIFT Conference. We should all be very excited about the future of our industry. 

How has IIDA NY shaped your professional career? For me, I think this question goes hand in hand with the second one. 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. 

How has your role in IIDA NY evolved during your time as a member? Three years ago, I showed up for committee signups, not knowing how I wanted to be involved but knowing I wanted to be in some way. The thought that three years later I would be a co-chair never crossed my mind. This journey has been the most exciting evolution of my time in IIDA NY. I have enjoyed working with the broader student development committee and learning more about how we all work together to support the next generation of designers. 

What goals do you hope to achieve in your current position? I want our students to feel that they have fully gotten what they wanted out of our scholarship, and as part of this, I believe we can do so much more than only sponsor the students’ trip to the SHIFT Conference in Dallas. I would like to collaborate with our broader IIDA network to set these students up with more opportunities when they return to New York to fully take advantage of the IIDA membership they receive as part of their award winnings. 

Do you have any favorite events or memories so far from your time in IIDA NY? While I think that any event where all of IIDA NY is together is mesmerizing. My first Color Invasion stands out as my favorite memory. I was brand new to New York, and it was such a surreal way to be introduced to the industry here. I remember walking in with some work friends and being floored by the transformation of the space and everyone’s costumes. It was such a celebration of our creativity and uniqueness as designers and humans, and every year it makes me so incredibly excited to be a part of this industry. Career Night is another event near to my heart. There is something about coming together both as professionals and students that is so exciting to me. I love hearing from our scholarship students each year about how beneficial they found their resume review, as well as seeing how excited the professionals get seeing the work the students present. 

What would you say is the biggest benefit of joining IIDA NY? There are so many benefits, but I believe the biggest benefit is the community you build. Ultimately, IIDA NY is what you make of it. You have to put yourself out there, but if you put your best foot forward and lead with enthusiasm, a love for design, and an open mind, you’ll find your people here. 


What would you tell someone who was considering becoming a member of IIDA NY? If you’re on the fence about joining, take a baby step and come to one event. If it feels daunting to come alone, bring a friend; the more the merrier. There’s something here for everyone, so I’d encourage anyone to take a look at what events we have going on, find what you’re interested in, and give it a go!

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.