IIDA Carolinas connects interior design professionals, students, and industry partners through events, education, advocacy, and community. 2027 BENEFACTOR CAMPAIGN BECOME A BENEFACTOR 700+ Active Members 65+ Total Annual Events 7 City Centers 5 Campus Centers OUR CHAPTER AT A GLANCE . About Our Chapter IIDA Carolinas understands the importance of creating an environment where Interior Designers of all backgrounds can learn, connect, and succeed. About Us Upcoming Chapter-Wide Events Join us for a series of upcoming events designed to inform, inspire, and connect. View Events BECOME A MEMBER Build connections, grow your skillset, and create an exciting future. Join our community of Interior Design students, professionals, and leaders. Join Now Advocacy Updates Follow along as we engage the public and advance the profession of Interior Design. Learn More Our Benefactors Our benefactors help make our organization possible. We couldn't do this without them. Our Benefactors UPCOMING CHAPTER EVENTS . NOV 6TH FALL FORUM GARNER, NC Focusing on personal and industry well-being, encouraging connection, balance, and support within the design community. LEARN MORE APR 23RD SPRING FORUM GREENVILLE, SC Located in the vibrant arts community of our Upstate City Center, we'll focus on creativity, wellness, and innovation. LEARN MORE WHAT WE'RE UP TO . Load more @iida_carolinas

OUR 2026 BENEFACTORS BENEFACTOR RESOURCES BECOMING A BENEFACTOR . By becoming a benefactor, you are helping the IIDA Carolinas Chapter to continue its growth, coordinate events, build community, and support the practice of Interior Design. Our chapter and its success would not be possible without the generous support of more than 50 Benefactors and A+D Partners. With over 700 active members, 65+ annual events, and 7 City Centers, and 5 Campus Centers, the support from our Benefactors does not go unnoticed. As we continue our growth, our chapter is committed to providing value and fostering an environment where Interior Designers of all backgrounds can learn, connect, and succeed. BENEFITS RUN FROM MARCH 1ST - FEBRUARY 28TH ANNUALY DOWNLOAD THE 2025 BENEFACTOR SHOWCASE 2027 BENEFACTOR CAMPAIGN BECOME A 2027 BENEFACTOR BENEFACTOR DIRECTORY DIAMOND LEVEL PLATINUM LEVEL GOLD LEVEL SILVER LEVEL COPPER LEVEL BRONZE LEVEL A+D PARTNERS C Design, Inc. CJMW Architecture Gensler GMC Network Little Diversified LS3P Associates, LTD. Moseley Viibe

Explore upcoming IIDA Carolinas events, networking opportunities, professional development programs, chapter meetings, and design industry gatherings. ATTEND OUR EVENTS SUBMIT AN EVENT

Advance your interior design career with IIDA Carolinas professional development programs, leadership opportunities, continuing education, and industry resources. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT The IIDA Carolinas Chapter is committed to representing interior designers everywhere, and advocating for them with a unified voice. Part of this mission includes supporting education and professional development for its members. Here you'll find links to resources offering CEUs, study courses for the NCIDQ, and other relevant opportunities CONTINUING EDUCATION To access a CEU through our benefactors, click the logo below of the benefactor you would like to be connected with.

BEST IN SHOW, HEALTHCARE OUTPATIENT (WINNER) BEST IN SHOW, HEALTHCARE OUTPATIENT (WINNER) GARDNER SKELTON LAW FIRM LITTLE DIVERSIFIED | CHARLOTTE, NC ADAPTIVE REUSE + HISTORIC PRESERVATION (WINNER) Gardner Skelton’s headquarters is a groundbreaking adaptive reuse of a 1960s industrial shell in Charlotte’s NoDa district. The design team transformed the former chocolate factory, nightclub, church, and movie set into a vibrant, wellness-first legal workplace. The 20,000 SF woman-owned law office boldly redefines professional space with a zero-standard approach that prioritizes health, inclusivity, and creativity. A standout design detail, “The Leash,” is a curved pink architectural motif that symbolically and physically connects the workplace. Starting at the entry, it weaves through flooring, walls, and ceilings, guiding visitors along a fluid pathway through murals, meeting zones, the indoor-outdoor café, and into the restorative garden. It represents the firm’s pet-friendly identity and serves as a narrative thread linking space and culture. Every aspect of the office reflects the firm’s commitment to people and place. Exposed original trusses, preserved concrete, and daylight-infused interiors honor the past while infusing wellness with height-adjustable desks, biophilic elements, and flexible workspace design. Art is a core storytelling tool with interior murals emerging from expressive arts workshops, while the exterior mural features real and fictional attorneys (from Elle Woods to RBG), including the founders, crowned to honor Charlotte as the Queen City. The result is a warm, creative workplace that defies legal stereotypes. It not only catalyzes development within its transit-oriented district but also raises the standard for human-centered, adaptive reuse in the commercial interiors landscape.

Connect with the Upstate City Center for local interior design events, networking opportunities, leadership initiatives, and industry resources. UPSTATE CITY CENTER ABOUT OUR CITY CENTER . Located at the heart of the booming Charlotte-Atlanta corridor, and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Upstate South Carolina is a 10-county region anchored by Greenville and Spartanburg. It provides the balance of outdoor activities with top-ranked foodies and art and cultural scenes. Some call it the most charming corner of the country—others call it the best kept secret in the South. Load more @upstateiida WHAT WE'RE UP TO . MEET YOUR CITY CENTER DIRECTORS SHANNON McKENZIE IIDA, NCIDQ, RID Senior Interior Designer | Young Office smckenzie@youngoffice.com OLIVIA KUROSAKA IIDA, NCIDQ, RID Interior Designer | GMC Network oliviakurosaka@gmcnetwork.com

Discover the mission, vision, and impact of IIDA Carolinas and how we support interior design professionals, students, and industry partners. WHAT IS IIDA? IIDA is a global network of professionals, students, clients, and educators focused on advancing the commercial interior design industry, and supporting the health and well-being of everyday lives. With education resources, leadership, and community outreach, IIDA enhances our approach to the execution and philosophy of innovative, meaningful interior design. BECOME A MEMBER CHAPTER HISTORY . In 1994, a worldwide merger between the Institute of Business Designers; the International Society of Interior Designers (ISID); and the Council of Federal Interior Designers (CFID), formed the International Association of Interior Designers. This creation of an international interior design association had one unanimous and ambitious mission: representing interior designers everywhere, and advocating for them with a unified voice. The Carolinas Chapter of IIDA was formed in 1995 and has been supporting interior designers across the region ever since. In 2019, IIDA-Carolinas was recognized internationally with a Silver award for growth in membership. We are one of the fastest-growing chapters, with an exciting 43.9% jump in new membership. WHAT WE DO . IIDA Carolinas serve established designers, growing firms, passionate students, and our communities. Our organization enhances the craft of design through leadership, advocacy, and community partnership. We provide a support network which connects members to peers, mentors, and clients. We facilitate learning, connection, and inspiration with regular professional development programs and monthly member events, with the goal of sharing knowledge and facilitating career advancement. We serve as the bridge between the Interior Design industry and the public, leading with innovative vision to address changing commercial and cultural needs such as greater sustainability and universal accessibility. We strive to implement creative, inclusive design solutions that positively impact the health and wellbeing of people’s lives and work. We promote a human-centric culture of philanthropy and community, helping members and their businesses give back in meaningful, effective ways that support important causes.

Explore the IIDA Carolinas leadership team and discover the professionals shaping the chapter's vision, programs, and member experience. MEET OUR LEADERSHIP A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE BOARD PRESIDENT Megan Hess | IIDA, NCIDQ, RID, WELL AP megan.hess@cjmw.com PRESIDENT-ELECT Alison Volckens | IIDA, NCIDQ, RID avolckens@cdesigninc.com VP OF ADVOCACY Chelsea Lawrence | IIDA, NCIDQ, RID-NC, LEED AP BD+C chelsealawrence@ls3p.com VP OF CITY CENTERS Johanna Ward | IIDA, RID, NCIDQ johanna.ward@gmcnetwork.com VP OF COMMUNICATIONS Lauren Thomasson | IIDA, NCRID, NCIDQ lthomasson@officeworksinc.com VP OF MEMBERSHIP Kristin Hollingsworth | IIDA, NCRID, NCIDQ, LEED AP iidacarolinasmembership@gmail.com VP OF SIGNATURE EVENTS Jessica Taylor | IIDA, NCIDQ, NCRID jessicataylor@ls3p.com VP OF FINANCE King Bostrom | IIDA king@kingbostrom.com VP OF STUDENT AFFAIRS Courtney Overman | IIDA coverman@officeworksinc.com PAST-PRESIDENT Steven Hawes | IIDA, NCIDQ, RID steven_hawes@gensler.com ADVISOR Susan Lewis | IIDA susan.lewis@steelcase.com FORUM DIRECTORS CO-FORUM DIRECTOR Jenna Elkins | IIDA, NCIDQ jenna@perkstudio.com CO-FORUM DIRECTOR Brittany Troska | IIDA, LEED-GA bri@designstudio36.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS DIRECTOR | ADVOCACY Kathleen Pratt | IIDA, NCIDQ, RID kpratt@dwellchs.com DIRECTOR | COMMUNICATIONS Cole Johns | IIDA, NCIDQ, RID, ASAI colejohns@ls3p.com DIRECTOR | FINANCE Beth Florence | IIDA, NCIDQ, EDAC bethflorence@ls3p.com DIRECTOR | GRAPHICS Alexandra Halibej | IIDA alex@urbanofficeny.com DIRECTOR | INDUSTRY RELATIONS Matt Elliot | IIDA, NCIDQ, NCRID matt@studio918.design DIRECTOR | PROF. DEVELOPMENT Julia Walker | IIDA, NCIDQ, NCRID jwalker@cdesigninc.com DIRECTOR | SOCIAL MEDIA Morgan Mott | IIDA, NCIDQ, NCRID mmott@cplteam.com DIRECTOR | STUDENT AFFAIRS Samantha Mack | IIDA, WELL AP smack@tiinteriors.net

BEST IN SHOW, HEALTHCARE OUTPATIENT (WINNER) BEST IN SHOW, HEALTHCARE OUTPATIENT (WINNER) GARDNER SKELTON LAWFIRM TAYLOR SMITH & KIMBERLIE WADE | CHARLOTTE, NC FURNITURE INSTALLATION (HONORABLE MENTION) The new 20,000-square-foot headquarters in Charlotte’s NoDa arts district is more than just an office—it is the tangible expression of the firm’s values, vision, and distinctive approach to practicing law. The project began with a clear mission: to create a workplace that reflects a people-first philosophy while breaking away from the conventional mold of a law office. Founded in 2008 by the company’s chief executive partner after leaving her big-firm employment law practice, the firm was built on the belief that clients deserve the same exceptional legal expertise offered by large firms, delivered in a setting rooted in genuine partnership, pragmatism, and value. Over time, the firm’s growth created the need for a new home—one that could fully embody its culture, accommodate its expanding team, and provide an environment that fosters both professional excellence and personal well-being. The leadership embraced a bold vision: to create a healthy, inclusive, and uplifting workplace that nurtures the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of its team, including their furry four-legged colleagues. The result is anything but traditional. Natural light, vibrant art, and thoughtful amenities combine to create an environment that supports focus, collaboration, and joy. The choice to adaptively reuse a former chocolate factory, nightclub, and church brought its own set of challenges and opportunities, requiring a thoughtful balance of preservation and reinvention. This transformation reflects the firm’s creative spirit and belief in the power of renewal—turning a building with a layered past into a bright, art-filled, hospitality-driven hub that fosters connection and inspiration.

BEST IN SHOW, HEALTHCARE OUTPATIENT (WINNER) BEST IN SHOW, HEALTHCARE OUTPATIENT (WINNER) DR. SHRUTI TANNAN | TANNAN PLASTIC SURGERY STUDIO 310 | RALIEGH, NC HEALTHCARE OUTPATIENT (HONORABLE MENTION) Our design team transformed a 3,580 SF second-generation space on the first floor of a 66,000 SF medical office building in Raleigh, NC. The client, a plastic surgeon taking the bold step to establish her own practice, sought a space to reflect her vision of a sophisticated environment that mirrors the artistry of her craft and embraces femininity, while prioritizing patient comfort and operational efficiency. The challenge was to reimagine an existing footprint into a space that supports transformative procedures and fosters emotional well-being, integrating MEP, fire alarm, and structural systems, plus site upgrades like a new exit door, metal platform, exit stair, and wheelchair lift to address accessibility requirements. The client aimed to create a sanctuary where patients feel empowered during their aesthetic journey.