As a young designer, I began to seek mentorship and connection to others with whom I shared professional interests. There weren’t many of us, but those who were leaders in Birmingham / Alabama’s design community at the time took me “under their wing” and reached out to involve me in what we hoped would become a movement in our industry; sharing our passion, and recognizing Interior Design as a true profession . . . that was in the 1980’s. We chartered the Alabama Chapter of the Institute of Business Designers (IBD) which later became the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
I share this because throughout the years – (almost three decades and many chair races, galas, CEU’s, student days, tours, auctions and even storming the State Capitol!) - IIDA continues to fill that need for me: professional connection and mentorship. (Although now I am the mentor!) IIDA has been a life-line for me as a design professional. Through IIDA I have developed lasting friendships and made contacts that have resulted in both professional and personal gain. IIDA has fed my passion for design, inspired me as a professional, and given me opportunities to grow that I never could have experienced alone. For the purpose of elevating one another and our profession, the wonderful people in our design community join together through IIDA to laugh and work as a team. I look forward to IIDA events as I know that someone there will bring a smile to my face and help me remember why we do what we do. As a design professional, educator, and individual in this community, the opportunities and support that I have experienced through IIDA are immeasurable.