Next Gen Design Leaders: Meet ASID’s Ones to Watch 👀

ASID’s Annual Ones to Watch Initiative Identifies Design Leaders

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has announced the winners and scholars for their 2020 Ones to Watch, an annual program that recognizes under-represented, rising design talent who demonstrate notable leadership.

“In an effort to ensure that diversity and inclusion is reflected and valued across every facet of design, Ones to Watch was developed to shine a light on diverse, future leaders within the design profession,” remarks Randy Fiser, Hon. FASID, CEO, ASID. “We are thrilled to honor this year’s extraordinary lineup of award winners and scholars, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to push our industry forward.”

The ASID Ones to Watch program recognizes industry professionals who represent a dedication to the profession, authenticity, innovation, leadership, and inclusion. Eligible candidates must be currently employed in the interior design profession, have 5-15 years of industry experience, and be on a path to a senior and/or executive-level position. Ones to Watch prioritizes participants whose backgrounds are currently under-represented in management roles within the interior design industry, including women, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, LGBTQ, and persons with disabilities.

ASID Ones to Watch Award Winners are honored within four distinct categories: Design Excellence, Education Leadership, Manufacturing Leadership, and Volunteer Leadership. Award winners gain top networking opportunities with industry leaders, national recognition, and invitations to ASID conferences and events.

From the 20 award winners, the Society selected eight ASID Ones to Watch Scholars to participate in an invaluable leadership development training program. The two-year program teaches Scholars to lead with authenticity through experiential learning, coaching, and mentoring. In the first year, Scholars learn to leverage and embrace their unique perspectives and backgrounds to excel in their careers. During the second year, Scholars have the opportunity to serve as mentors to the next class of ASID Ones to Watch Scholars.

The 2020 ASID Ones to Watch Scholars are: Kendra Locklear Ordia, RID, LEED AP: Assistant Professor – Interior Design, University of Nebraska; Santiago Rivera: Regional Foundations, Associations & Organizations Regional Leader / Associate – Gensler; Greer May: Associate Principal – Studio 11 Design; Mike Goetz: Senior Project Designer – HOK; Heather Sutherland, Allied ASID: Interior Designer II – Perkins and Will; Kelsey Davidson, ASID: Principal Interior Designer – SALT, LLC; Taruan Mabry: Senior Interior Designer – ICRAVE; Madison Miller: Interior Designer – Gensler.

The 2020 ASID Ones to Watch Award Winners are: Moira Gannon Denson, ASID: Associate Professor, Interior Design – Marymount University; Melissa Hanley: Principal/CEO – StudioBlitz; Jennifer Auman: Senior Designer / Job Captain – HSK; Brooke Horan, ASID: Senior Interior Designer / Senior Associate – Perkins and Will; Shelby Mamizuka, ASID: Senior Associate – OPX Global; Kylie Ponton, ASID: CEO / Principal Designer – Ponton Interiors; Nestor Ramos Marchena: Architect, Interior Designer – GVA Arquitectos; Laura Hendrix: Senior Associate, Senior Interior Designer – Polk Stanley Wilcox; Brennen Birch: Junior Designer – Home Studios; Shane Jones: Designer Account Executive – Sherwin-Williams; Lindsay Jones, ASID: Interior Designer – The H. Chambers Company; Rich Kinnard: Senior Associate – ForrestPerkins.

For more information on the ASID Ones to Watch program and the 2020 Winners and Scholars, please visit asid.org/resources/awards/ones-to-watch.

About ASID

The American Society of Interior Designers believes that design transforms lives. ASID serves the full range of the interior design profession and practice through the Society’s programs, networks, and advocacy. We thrive on the strength of cross-functional and interdisciplinary relationships among designers of all specialties, including workplace, healthcare, retail and hospitality, education, institutional, and residential. We lead interior designers in shared conversations around topics that matter: from evidence-based and human-centric design to social responsibility, well-being, and sustainability. We showcase the impact of design on the human experience and the value interior designers provide.

ASID was founded over 40 years ago when two organizations became one, but its legacy dates back to the early 1930s. As we celebrate nearly 85 years of industry leadership, we are leading the future of interior design, continuing to integrate the advantages of local connections with national reach, of small firms with big, and of the places we live with the places we work, play, and heal. Learn more at asid.org.