A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF IIDA-CAROLINAS

A Letter from the President
Steven Hawes, IIDA Carolinas Chapter President

Dear IIDA Carolinas Members, Partners, and Friends,
It is an honor to serve as your Chapter President during such a meaningful
year, our chapter’s 30th anniversary. As we reflect on three decades of
connection, creativity, and design excellence, we also look ahead with fresh
energy and a shared vision for the future of our chapter.

This year, we are focused on building deeper relationships across our
community. We want to create more ways for our members to connect with
purpose and with one another, through mentorship programs, professional
development opportunities, and City Center events that bring people
together.

While we are committed to fostering our existing relationships, we are
excited to see growing momentum in Wilmington, NC. A growing number of
members there are eager to engage with IIDA and bring design
conversations to the forefront of their local community. Their energy and
passion have been contagious, and we are thrilled to be supporting their
efforts as we explore ways to grow our presence in the area.

We are equally focused on elevating the design conversation across the
Carolinas. That includes expanding our focus, increasing visibility for
emerging professionals, and celebrating great design through project tours
and signature events like DesignWorks. With the support of our incredible
volunteers and benefactors, this year’s celebration will be one to remember.
Above all, our goal is to create meaningful experiences for our members.
That means listening, evolving, and making space for new voices and ideas.
I believe in the power of design to bring people together, and I believe in the
strength of this chapter to lead with impact, inclusivity, and heart.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. I am excited for the year ahead!

Together by Design,

Steven Hawes
President, IIDA Carolinas Chapter