Member Spotlight

Lilliana Alvarado

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

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.

What made you want to join IIDA NY? 

IIDA NY felt like a natural home, a community where design excellence, professional growth, and meaningful connection all coexist. I’ve been a member of IIDA for over 20 years, and when I moved to New York, becoming part of the NY chapter felt like a natural extension of that journey. I was drawn to the chapter’s energy, its commitment to advancing the profession, and the opportunity to learn from designers who are deeply engaged in shaping the industry.

What position do you hold within IIDA NY, if any? What is the most rewarding aspect of this role? 

I serve as the Co-Chair of the IIDA NY Healthcare Forum and am currently in my fourth year in this role. The most rewarding aspect has been contributing to a community that values mentorship, collaboration, and advocacy. Through the forum, we bring in valuable speakers and programming that are highly relevant to healthcare design, helping to shape meaningful dialogue and elevate both designers and design thinking across the industry. Being able to support designers at all stages of their careers has been incredibly fulfilling.

How has IIDA NY shaped your professional career?

IIDA NY has expanded my professional network in ways that feel both meaningful and genuine. It’s helped me stay connected to industry trends, strengthened my leadership skills, and reinforced the importance of advocacy and lifelong learning in design. IIDA as a whole is amazing. I’ve been a part of both the New England Chapter and the NY Chapter, and from headquarters to local chapters, the camaraderie and support have been outstanding. I’ve benefited from CEUs, thought-provoking lectures, and conversations with peers, all of which have broadened my perspective and inspired my work. The mentorship and encouragement from fellow members have also been invaluable in helping me grow professionally.

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

My involvement has grown from attending events and learning to actively engaging, contributing, and building relationships. I started out as a committee member for the Healthcare Forum and, over time, moved on to co-chairing it. This progression has allowed me to become more invested in giving back to the organization, supporting its mission, and helping shape programming that benefits the entire design community.

What goals do you hope to achieve in your current position?

I hope to continue fostering connection, encouraging participation, and helping create opportunities that support designers at every stage of their careers. I’m especially interested in strengthening community, elevating conversations around design’s impact on people and environments, and bringing new ideas and perspectives to the healthcare design community.

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

There are so many moments that stand out, but the ones I cherish most are when conversations just flow, whether it’s during a lively panel, a networking gathering, or even a casual chat over coffee. I remember the energy of meeting members in person, then adapting to our new online events during and after the pandemic, where learning from amazing panelists and connecting with peers took on a whole new dimension. Each memory, big or small, has reminded me of the generosity, creativity, and camaraderie that make the IIDA NY community truly special.

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.

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

Join. Get involved. Say yes. The more you put into IIDA NY, the more you gain professionally, creatively, and personally. It’s an investment in both your career and your community

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.