Member Spotlight

Courtney White

Sales Representative | sur4ces
Co-Chair Website Committee | IIDA NY Chapter 

A fun fact about yourself? 

I went skydiving in Dan Diego and it was one of the most exciting and memorable experiences of my life. 


What made you want to join IIDA NY?
Being newer to the industry, I was looking for a way to meet more people in the design industry and expand my professional network.


What position do you hold within IIDA NY, if any? What is the most rewarding aspect of this role?
I am the Co-Chair of the Website Committee. The most rewarding part is connecting with members across the chapter while highlighting our events and celebrating the chapter’s successes.

How has IIDA NY shaped your professional career?
IIDA NY has helped me build meaningful relationships that have been professionally rewarding and made my career experience more engaging and enjoyable.

How has your role in IIDA NY evolved during your time as a member?
I began attending events as a member and later became involved in the Communications Committee to help increase awareness and engagement across the chapter.

What goals do you hope to achieve in your current position?
My goal is to keep members and prospective members engaged and informed about IIDA NY’s events and professional opportunities.

Do you have any favorite events or memories from your time in IIDA NY?
DEX is my favorite event—it’s fun, energetic, and a must-attend experience.

What would you say is the biggest benefit of joining IIDA NY?
Building strong relationships while being fully immersed in the design community.


What would you tell someone considering becoming a member of IIDA NY?
Join. You won’t regret it—it’s an incredible way to connect, grow professionally, and become more involved in the industry.

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. 

  • Sharon Sauli

    Co-Chair Study Group | IIDA NY Chapter 

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

  • Triana Carter

    Workplace Designer | IIDA NY Chapter 

    A fun fact about yourself? I still play The Sims regularly. I wouldn’t be an interior designer today if it were not for that game.

    What made you want to join IIDA NY? Shout out to my friend and fellow member, Alexa Boyd. She knew I was looking for a way to grow my network and encouraged me to join! Plus, I knew about IIDA NY’s tremendous professional development programs and wanted to take advantage of them.