Member Spotlight

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

Nanmei Jiang Rich

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 made you want to join IIDA NY? 

I’ve been an IIDA NY member since I was a student, to be part of a community of like-minded designers who share the same passion and curiosity 

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. 

How has IIDA NY shaped your professional career?

For me, IIDA NY was the bridge between being a student and becoming a design professional. The network I built early on exposed me to mentors, opportunities, and conversations that shaped how I see the profession. That sense of community and friendship has played a huge role in my career and the way I show up in the design world. 

How has your role in IIDA NY evolved during your time as a member?

Over the years, I’ve gone from participating as a member to taking on much more initiative and ownership. I’ve become more involved in supporting committees, shaping communications, and actively contributing to the work that makes our chapter more engaged and vibrant.

What goals do you hope to achieve in your current position?
My goal is to highlight the incredible work our committees are doing and ensure their events connect with the right audiences. I aim to make our communications seamless, clear, and truly reflective of the energy and creativity within our design community.

Do you have any favorite events or memories so far from your time in IIDA NY? 

I have many favorite events and lots of good memories. One of them is Color Invasion, the chapter’s annual themed networking celebration. It’s more than just a party – it brings together hundreds of designers and creatives to connect, celebrate, and immerse themselves in a fun, creative, whimsical (sometimes) theme each year. It’s always one of the most memorable and dynamic moments of the year because of the energy, creativity, and the sense of community it fosters.

What would you say is the biggest benefit of joining IIDA NY?

The biggest benefit is the feeling of belonging; the connection I build with others and the supportive network we all gain. 

What would you tell someone who was considering becoming a member of IIDA NY?

It’s a fantastic way to connect, learn, and grow—a community that gives as much as you put into it.

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