Member Spotlight

Co-Chair Study Group | IIDA NY Chapter 

Sharon Sauli

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 position do you hold within IIDA NY, if any? Study Group Committee Co-Chair.

What is the most rewarding aspect of this role? Hearing from past study group participants that they passed their exams and received their certifications.

How has IIDA NY shaped your professional career? Joining IIDA NY has had a profoundly positive impact on my career, providing me with the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with fellow members. While attending the study group sessions, I have learned so much from our amazing instructor, Casey Cullenwoods, about LEED and WELL, which I would not have otherwise. I am grateful for this opportunity.

How has your role in IIDA NY evolved during your time as a member? Since I immediately joined the Study Group committee, my role has not changed. However, every study group has been a learning experience, and we are constantly striving to improve and add value to our sessions.

What goals do you hope to achieve in your current position? My immediate goal is to find a new instructor for our LEED v5 GA/AP Study Group coming up in the spring. We would love to have more participants join, especially in person.

Do you have any favorite events or memories so far from your time in IIDA NY? I loved the Career Night event last April. It was a great evening and exceptionally well organized. Duravit’s mocktail bar added a unique and enjoyable element to the experience. Beyond the engaging atmosphere, the event served a meaningful purpose—supporting and empowering the next generation of designers. The impressive turnout and sense of community truly reflected IIDA NY’s commitment to fostering growth and mentorship.

What would you say is the biggest benefit of joining IIDA NY? Being part of a like-minded community.

What would you tell someone who was considering becoming a member of IIDA NY? Do it!Whether you are a designer or on the vendor side, it is a must. There are so many opportunities for networking, career resources, advocacy, professional & leadership development, and simply meeting new people.

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.