Member Spotlight

Workplace Designer IIDA NY Chapter 

Triana Carter

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. 

What position do you hold within IIDA NY, if any? What is the most rewarding aspect of this role? I’ve been a member of the Color Invasion® Design Committee for the past three years. It’s been such a joy to collaborate with some of the most creative minds in our industry. Producing an event like Color Invasion® requires a tremendous amount of time and effort, but seeing everything come together is incredibly rewarding — the result always exceeds my expectations. I’m so proud to be part of a committee that not only creates something so inspiring but also helps raise meaningful funds.

How has IIDA NY shaped your professional career? IIDA NY has played a significant role in some truly pivotal moments in my career. I actually moved to New York City after landing a job I learned about through my IIDA NY network. I’m also not sure I would have become NCIDQ certified without the support of the IIDA NY study group. I’m incredibly grateful to the volunteers who made that experience possible 😊

How has your role in IIDA NY evolved during your time as a member? My role in IIDA NY has evolved from being a passive audience member to becoming an active participant. Getting more involved has opened the door to incredible opportunities — from meaningful connections to valuable learning experiences. I’ve met so many inspiring people along the way and have grown both personally and professionally because of it.

WhAt goals do you hope to achieve in your current position? I hope we continue to grow the reach and impact of Color Invasion® by creating an unforgettable event that keeps people coming back year after year. I also hope to encourage my peers to get involved.

Do you have any favorite events or memories so far from your time in IIDA NY? One of my favorite memories is my first year on the Color Invasion® Committee. I was so nervous about the areas I was responsible for designing, but with the support of my fellow committee members, everything came together beautifully. The spaces ended up being surprisingly popular, which made the experience even more rewarding!

Another fun memory is that I somehow always end up coordinating Color Invasion® outfits with my fellow committee member, Richard Odom. We never plan it or even talk about it beforehand — it just happens!

What would you say is the biggest benefit of joining IIDA NY? I think the biggest benefit of joining IIDA NY is the opportunities it creates. You never know which connection, conversation, or event might shape your career — or even your life. From portfolio reviews and Leaders Breakfast® to study groups and Color Invasion®, there’s meaningful support available at every stage of your professional journey.

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

  • 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