FSU Department of Interior Architecture & Design are delighted to announce five new members to its Advisory Council – Chad Byerly of Baker Barrios, Jeanette Carter of Stantec, Lauren Czarniecki of Czar Interiors, David Denman of D&D Design, and Brandi Markiewicz of CI Group.

The Department’s Advisory Council is made up of leaders in the field from design firms, industry and allied areas. Its mission is to support the students and faculty of the Department of Interior Architecture & Design and help promote excellence in interior design education. Through their insights and professional connections, they provide a vital link between design practice and education through gateways to impactful guest speakers, funding support for student activities and other initiatives. For a full list of council members, visit https://interiordesign.fsu.edu/people/advisory-board/.

Interested in volunteer leadership opportunities in the Department of Interior Architecture & Design? Let us know HERE and we will contact you soon to discuss all the ways we can align your talent, experience, and interests with advancement of the Department.

Chad Byerly
Principal + Corporate Services, Baker Barrios
Orlando, FL

Chad Byerly has been with Baker Barrios since its inception in 1993 and serves as a Principal within the firm in charge of the interiors studio. Always putting the best interests of his clients first, Byerly has a reputation for identifying and addressing potential challenges head-on, streamlining the design process to maximize efficiency, functionality, and cost-effectiveness. Byerly has designed interior spaces for Fortune 500 clients including Universal Studios, The Walt Disney Company, Marriott Worldwide, and Golf Channel, just to name a few. His eye for interior design has also given him a knack for photography, a passion that he enjoys in his spare time. Byerly’s business partner is an FSU alum, and they have hired many alumni from the program over the years. “The quality of education these students receive is evident when we take on interns from the FSU program. I am excited to work with such amazing colleagues on this Advisory Council to advance the program.”

Jeanette Carter (BS 2008)
Principal, Stantec Architecture Inc.
Orlando, FL

Jeanette Carter (BS 2008) has been serving as a Principal in the Orlando office for Stantec, a global design firm, and has recently been named the Practice Leader for the Florida Buildings practice. She leads the Interior Design Studio, and has been a key lead for their Themed Entertainment, Hospitality and Federal projects and pursuits. Her project experience ranges from resorts, spas, offices, attractions, restaurants, retail and themed venues since joining the Stantec Interiors team. She is an FSU alumni and is an active member of the Themed Entertainment Association, NEWH and IIDA.

Lauren Czarniecki (BA 2009)
Founder and Principal Designer, Czar Interiors
Delray Beach, FL

Lauren Czarniecki (BA 2009), founder and principal designer of Czar Interiors, first earned bachelor’s degrees in interior design and art history at Florida State University and then cut her teeth in the industry in Los Angeles, where she interned at Kelly Wearstler and began her love affair with residential and hospitality design. Today, she’s an NCIDQ-certified and Florida licensed interior designer serving clients across the country and abroad—fitting, as she still thinks back to her four study-abroad summers in Florence to fuel her creativity. Lauren has been awarded with a Stars of Design “Stars on the Rise” award from the Design Center of the Americas, and her work has been featured in Florida Design, Palm Beach Illustrated, Modern Luxury Interiors and Art&Culture magazine, among other notable publications. A Boca Raton native, she has returned to her roots, setting up a studio in Palm Beach where she handles her clients’ needs with care by listening to and achieving their design goals while expanding their imaginations and taking those goals to new levels.

Czarniecki received the 2023 Emerging Alumni Award from the Department of Interior Architecture & Design.

David Denman
Owner, D&D Design Group
West Palm Beach, FL

With over 35 years of design experience, David Denman (BS 1988) and his team create innovative, sophisticated and elegant designs for residential, commercial and yacht interiors. D&D Design Group, Inc. is a full service interior design firm, offering guidance to clients, from conception of each project, to completion.

After two decades of working at residential design firms in the Palm Beach area of Florida, Denman opened his own firm in 2008. Another fifteen years later we are still on PGA Boulevard in Palm Beach Gardens going strong. Denman is excited to join the ranks of volunteer leadership, noting that “Every day I use the knowledge I received as a student at Florida State University. I am very pleased to fondly remember the phenomenal faculty and mentors, and to give back financially and of my time.”

Brandi Markiewicz (BS 2002)
Managing Partner, CI Group Inc.
Orlando, FL

Brandi Markiewicz is Managing Partner for CI Group, Orlando, a leading provider of commercial office furniture in the Southeast. With a passion for her community, she served as a volunteer leader for many local charities and in the business community as former President of the Downtown Orlando Partnership, Leadership Orlando Class 96 and 2.0 and was named to Orlando Business Journal’s 2019 40 Under 40 list.

Her dedication to the design industry extends far beyond her job, most notably to the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) – Central Florida Chapter. Markiewicz was named FSU Interior Architecture & Design’s 2023 Distinguished Service Award Winner.

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The College of Fine Arts Dean’s Advisory Council met in Tallahassee over Homecoming weekend.

Over Family Weekend, the College of Fine Arts hosted the Fall meeting of its Dean’s Advisory Council in Tallahassee. Members are made up of alumni and friends who represent and support the academic programs in the College.  

During the meeting, members learned about the Colleges latest achievements and exciting news, discussed ways to engage alumni and donors, and enjoyed some first-hand experiences with the arts. Members attended a performance of Adele Myers & Dancers T.W.I.S.T., 9-to-5 the Musical, and learned about the College’s Art Therapy program.  

Seeing students in action is important, but there is more to volunteer leadership than entertainment.  

“As a council, we give back financially and act as advocates for the arts at FSU in our communities. But we also offer up our time – while on campus and throughout the year – as one-on-one mentors, class speakers, and just make ourselves available to the faculty. Student engagement really is the most rewarding part of volunteer leadership.”   

-Brett Player, Council Chair 

“Learning directly from and connecting with professionals is critical for our students. We were delighted that four Council members hosted in-person experiences for more than 50 students over the weekend in Dance, Theatre and Interior Architecture & Design.” 

-James Frazier, Dean 

Theatre

Students participate in a lighting class.

Doug Hildeman (MFA Technical Direction 2008) spent time with first-year students in the MFA Technical Direction program to learn about their recent achievements and provide insights on transitioning from a graduate degree to the professional world. “Seeing the work that students are doing, in person, made me proud to be an alum of the program.” 

In the afternoon, Hildeman hosted a Master Class to introduce students to architectural lighting. “My colleagues at Pixelumen Lab consider our work to be at the intersection of architecture and entertainment…architainment if you will. It was rewarding to show these students different applications for the skills they are learning in technical theatre…the job opportunities are just endless.” 

Whittley (center) with Theatre MFA students.

Tirrell Whittley connected with graduate students in the MFA Theatre Management program on Friday afternoon to provide insight on Producing a New Musical. Whittley has several film production credits to his name and added theatrical producing to the roster last year with the premiere of Trading Places at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre.  

“Having seen Trading Places during its Atlanta debut, it was fascinating to learn about Mr. Whittley’s contribution to the production. I appreciate his insights surrounding investment in commercial theatre and the lifecycle of those productions.”

–Lizzie Powers, MFA Theatre Management Candidate  

Interior Architecture & Design

Barbara Heard speaks to FSU students in North Carolina

Barbara Heard (BS Interior Design 1981) worked with Associate Professor Stephanie Sickler to bring 22 students from FSU to High Point Market in North Carolina. High Point Market is the largest residential furniture market in the United States. With more than 2,000 exhibitors, the market offers more educational opportunities than several conferences combined and endless networking opportunities. 

“Thanks to dedicated faculty and a giving design community, these students get an incredible learning experience packed into just 3 days! It is an honor to work with Stephanie Sickler for the second year in a row to add opportunities for the students with furniture industry partners, like Global Views and Surya.”

–Barbara Muse Heard  

Dance

Students participate in an master class with Adele Myers

Adele Myers (MFA Dance 2000), along with members of her company Adele Myers & Dancers, provided a Master Class for more than twenty dance students on Thursday, October 18 before the company performed its newest work T.W.I.S.T. (These Women in Space & Time) as part of FSU’s Opening Nights.  

Dean James Frazier and Adele Myers

In a post-performance discussion, led by Dean James Frazier, Myers reminisced about her time at FSU.  

“To return to the same theater where I launched AMD 23 years ago was grounding in an otherwise topsy turvy time for the live arts these days. Ending our tour of TWIST at FSU offered us a joyful, healing bountiful closure. My heart felt full.  

[The company] felt equally as energized and nourished in our engagement with the students. They were so open and available to our offerings with such positive spirits. It was a genuine pleasure to engage with them both virtually and in person. I look forward to building upon this ongoing engagement with the students as part of the Dean’s Advisory Council.” 

This meeting comes as the College of Fine Arts is celebrating its Year of Anniversaries, honoring several important milestone events for the arts at FSU. The Dean’s Advisory Council plays an important role in championing and promoting the programs and accomplishments of the arts community at FSU.  

For updates about Year of Anniversaries events, visit cfa.fsu.edu or follow the College of Fine Arts on Instagram at @fsucfa.  

Interested in volunteer leadership with the arts at FSU? Let us know at Secure Forms | Volunteer Leadership Interest Form (fsu.edu) 

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Seminole 100 recognizes the 100 fastest-growing FSU alumni-owned or alumni-led businesses at a celebration on FSU’s campus each year, during which each company learns their numerical ranking and receives their award. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

Three businesses founded by Florida State University College of Fine Arts alumni have been honored as part of the 2024 Seminole 100, which recognizes the 100 fastest-growing FSU alumni-owned or alumni-led businesses with a special celebration on campus. The annual awards ceremony honors FSU’s entrepreneurs and allows them to share valuable business insights with each other.

The College is excited to celebrate its alumni who were honored this year:

Sara Dimmick, Physical Equilibrium

Sara Dimmick (BFA Dance 2000) is the founder of Physical Equilibrium, a New York City-based fitness center offering personal training, Pilates, run coaching, nutrition and more. Dimmick, an avid triathlon competitor herself, is a nationally recognized leader in the fitness community and is dedicated to designing safe and effective programs for her clients.

Brandi Markiewicz, CI Group Orlando

Brandi Markiewicz (BS 2002) is Managing Partner of Corporate Interiors of Orlando, LLC. The firm specializes in business interiors, with a mission of “creating environments that cultivate success, inspire work, invite play and encourage all to stay.”

“As a proud alumni of Florida State University and a graduate of the Department of Interior Architecture and Design, it is so exciting to represent our design profession amongst a stage of so many successful alums,” said Markiewicz in an Instagram post celebrating the announcement. My notorious team has worked so hard these past five years creating an inclusive group of creative individuals that work hard and play harder. I’m so very proud of all the success we have accomplished together.”

Brett Player, Play, LLC

Brett Player (BS 1993) is the founder of Atlanta-based communications agency, Play, LLC. The firm, recently recognized with an Award of Excellence at the Annual Communicator Awards, serves a wide variety of clients nationwide, including household names like Coca-Cola, the Home Depot and Spanx. Play is dedicated to creating breakthrough content that makes a difference for their clients.

All three honorees also serve the College as members of advisory boards, Markiewicz on the Interior Architecture & Design Advisory Council and Player and Dimmick on the Dean’s Advisory Council. Learn more about how you can get involved at cfa.fsu.edu/connect.

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Studio 4 students recently completed their Future Casting Projects!

Senior students had the option to select from three exciting project categories: “The Future of Student Wellness,” “Envisioning Your Senior Living in 2082,” and “Pioneering the Healthcare Future at FutureVista Clinic.” After a day to select their project category, the students crafted innovative designs in just two weeks, collaborating in small teams of 3 or 4. Congratulations on your hard work! View the winning designs in the gallery below.

Thank you to our jurors for their time and expertise evaluating these projects:

• Jorge Gonzalez, President & Chief Executive Officer, The St. Joe Company & FSU Trustee
• Joe Frascella, Chief Clinical Research Officer, FSU
• Carolyn Fleetwood Blake, Technical Practice Leader/Senior Interior Designer/Partner at Gresham Smith
• Lakiesha Stanley, Interior Designer at Gresham Smith
• Jaime Weber Le, Interior Designer at Gresham Smith
• Alexis Moore Gaskins, Interior Designer, Associate at Gresham Smith
• Sarah Boyne, Interior Designer at Gresham Smith

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BY: ANNA PRENTISS , RORY DONOHUE, JASMINE HUR

FSU Department of Interior Architecture and Design student Zuleydi Gonzalez discusses health care project with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare physician Dr. Matthew Standridge. (Amy Huber)

Researchers from Florida State University are examining how a doctor’s office waiting room design can impact health outcomes for women.

The study, recently published in the journal Health Environments Research & Design, reveals significant differences in how the environment influences medical trust among African American women compared to Hispanic, Latina and Caucasian women.

“There’s lots of history and legacies that can make people feel uncomfortable,” said Amy Huber, associate professor and associate chair of the Department of Interior Architecture and Design and one of the study’s authors. “Recognizing those different comfort levels and how the built environment can mediate some of those issues is important not only in health care, but also in other spaces where people may not prefer to spend their time.”

Amy Huber, associate professor and associate chair of the Department of Interior Architecture and Design and one of the study’s authors.

While teaching in the health care design studio at FSU’s Department of Interior Architecture and Design, Studio IV, she observed that female students from underserved backgrounds experienced heightened anxiety during health care visits.

Through her research, Huber wanted to learn how environments could better serve women.

To ensure that patient perspectives are acknowledged, Huber has been involved with groups like Florida’s Healthy Start Coalition, a nonprofit organization that aims to improve the lives of families through services developed to meet the needs of pregnant and postpartum women and their families.

In meeting health care providers over the past several years, Huber realized how little attention is paid to the issue of design.

“They’re so busy with what they do in their work that they don’t have time to think about how their spaces could be better,” she said.

Through interviews and surveys, Huber discovered that simple changes, like adding pictures of the community or showcasing local art in a clinic, can have a big impact on how women feel about going to the doctor and trusting new health care providers.

“Even having small windows next to doors to see the next step in the process can be the difference between fear and comfort,” Huber said. “Some of the interviewees mentioned getting a sense of who the provider is, be it their dogs or their volunteer activities, that they could then come to trust the provider a bit more on that first visit.”

Huber, who worked with Associate Professor of Communication Rachel Bailey on the project, said she has a personal connection to the subject.

Associate Professor of Communication Rachel Bailey

“I’m the daughter of two nurses,” she said. “I grew up around health care environments, so I already had an inherent level of trust for health care providers. What I came to learn from working with students is that not everyone has that comfort level.”

Huber hopes her research will find its audience and optimize health budget allocations to accommodate designing more trustworthy, comfortable facilities. Through research, outreach and dedicated scholarship, Huber empowers designers to advocate on behalf of patients and their providers.

“Design research that leads to practical and meaningful implementation of health care solutions is at the core of the FSU Health ecosystem,” said Jim Dawkins, chair of the Department Interior Architecture and Design. “Professor Huber’s research with disadvantaged and underserved populations strategically aligns with the university’s goal of providing better care options for Florida’s often overlooked residents.”

For more information, visit interiordesign.fsu.edu.

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Lisa Waxman

Lisa Waxman, emeritus professor and former department chair of Florida State University’s Department of Interior Architecture and Design, has been honored with the 2023 Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the Council for Interior Design Accreditation and interior design education.

“We’re very proud that Dr. Waxman has been recognized with this prestigious national award,” said Jim Dawkins, Chair of the Department. “Throughout her career, she has expended a great amount of time, energy, and expertise in advancing our profession and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of such an honor.”

Dr. Waxman began her service with CIDA in 2015 on the Board of Directors and served as Secretary Treasurer in 2015 and Chair-Elect/Board Chair in 2016-2017.  During her service on the Board, Dr. Waxman also contributed extensively to CIDA standards development as Board liaison to the Standards Committee. Her affinity for this work was so strong that Dr. Waxman accepted a position on the CIDA Standards Committee after her Board service was complete, and she presently serves as Chair during her second and final term on the Standards Committee.

In addition to the above CIDA leadership roles, Dr. Waxman has been a regular presenter about CIDA Professional Standards at international conferences and events. She often serves as a panelist at CIDA’s Accreditation Workshops, offering other educators a wealth of knowledge from her perspective as an interior design faculty member (emerita) and a CIDA standards development expert. Dr. Waxman has received many honors across the professional community as an educator, scholar, advocate, and mentor, and CIDA is only one among a plethora of organizations and causes to which Dr. Waxman has leant her volunteer time and professional expertise.

CIDA established the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award as a legacy to former Director Keith Hooks whose 20+ years of volunteer leadership immeasurably impacted thousands of students in CIDA-accredited programs.

“The CIDA Board gives a standing ovation to the many accomplishments of Dr. Lisa Waxman,” states Felice Silverman, FIIDA, CIDA Board Chair. “Her exceptional leadership both at CIDA and in the profession at large has culminated in a truly outstanding legacy of achievement and positive impact. The Board is honored to join the profession in recognizing Dr. Waxman with the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award. We congratulate her on CIDA’s highest honor.”

Over 100 interior design educators and practitioners currently volunteer for CIDA. Only one Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award is presented annually. The Council for Interior Design Accreditation is an independent, non-profit, accrediting organization responsible for setting standards and evaluating degree granting interior design programs. Learn more at www.accredit-id.org.

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Adjunct Instructor

Department of Interior Architecture and Design

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Contact

samccoy@fsu.edu

https://www.sammccoyart.com/

Sam McCoy is a contemporary artist and designer focused on the boundaries of natural and hyperreal landscapes in Florida. Pulling inspiration from spectacles and roadside Americana, both contemporary and nostalgic, she finds most of her references from constructed gardens and eco-tourism destinations. While in Orlando, McCoy interned with Flying Horse Press in the print studio and Universal Studios Orlando in theme park design. She has worked as a third-party contractor with Walt Disney World, specializing in live painting, and collaborating with businesses on International Drive as a contractor for concept and design projects. McCoy received her MFA, she has been an adjunct instructor with the College of Fine Arts at her alma mater, Florida State University.

Currently, she is the Senior Artist Programs Manager at Thomasville Center for the Arts where she collaborates with designers and artists to curate exhibitions for the public. In addition to her role at the Center, she curates Wall Space, a small gallery in Thomasville, GA where she focuses on building confidence and strong professional practices in emerging artists at all ages and stages. You can find her work showing nationally, outside of FSU’s Visual Arts Building, or represented by Venvi Art Gallery in Tallahassee, FL.

Education

BFA in Drawing + Painting, University of Central Florida

MFA in Studio Arts, Florida State University

Teaching Areas

Design Fundamentals II

Painting Foundations

2D Design Foundations

Drawing Foundations

Research Areas

Enchantment and Disenchantment of the contemporary Florida landscape

Select Fine Art Awards

Plein Air Winner – St. Mark’s Wildlife Refuge (2023)

Honorable Mention, Gadsden Art Center (2021)

FSU Excellence in the Visual Arts – Painting and Drawing Award (2021)

FSU Excellence in the Visual Arts – Visual Arts Award (2021)

FLAUNT 19 : Best in Show (2019)

Professional Certifications and Associations

National Association for Interpretation (NAI), Professional Member

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Guest Judge and Chair of the Interior Architecture & Design Advisory Council Michael Fornaro reviews some of the posters for this year’s Charrette Competition.

The Florida State University Department of Interior Architecture recently hosted its eleventh annual Charrette, a competition in which teams of students compete to solve unique design problems. In past years, students have tackled such creative challenges as building a zombie apocalypse bunker or developing a “life size” version of a favorite childhood game.  

This year’s theme, “Decades of Inspiration” challenged the teams to envision a black-tie event to honor the Department’s own 50th anniversary. Each of the teams were assigned a decade, from the 1970s through the 2010s to base their designs around, leading to a diverse set of styles.  

Assistant Professor Terry Londy presents the awards.

“Our students work incredibly hard on their Charrette projects each year and I am always impressed with them,” said Terry Londy, assistant professor and director of the Charrette. “It was so interesting to see how each of the teams interpreted the time periods they were assigned. We’re so proud of what they accomplished.” 

Emeritus Professor Lisa Waxman presented a History of Interior Design Education to the entire student body at the event’s Kickoff, to provide context behind the anniversary. Students were given a tour of the FSU Alumni Center Ballroom, where the event will be held.  Students from FSU’s Dedman College of Hospitality also served as special advisors to each group, helping them consider special needs associated with an event. 

Three expert guest judges volunteered to judge this year’s competition:  

Marie Roberts (BS 1985) 

Roberts has decades of experience in design and marketing and serves as a Senior Designer at Bright Red Agency, a marketing and advertising firm located in Tallahassee.  

Emory Johnson (BS 1972) 

One of the first alumni of the FSU Interior Design program, Johnson has more than 40 years of experience in the field. He has long been an advocate for the professionalization of the industry, and currently serves as a member of State Regulatory Board of Architecture and Interior Design. Johnson is also a founding member of FSU’s Interior Architecture and Design Advisory Council. 

Michael Fornaro, PhD 

Fornaro, the founder and principal of Luxe Design Associates is a published author, designer and educator with more than 20 years of experience in the design field. He is the current chair of the Interior Architecture & Design Advisory Council.  

Peyton Kimble and Alisson Angarita

Announcing our 2024 Charrette Winners:   

First Place: Team 383 “1970s” 

Abigail Walrath 

Reegan North 

Alisson Angarita 

Peyton Kimble 

Consultant: Pamela Cabrera  

Second Place: Team 395 “1990s” 

Kayla Reiff 

Ciara Lee 

Alejandro Beltran 

Isabella Escruceria 

Ciara Lee, Alejandro Beltran and Isabella Escruceria

Consultant: Sydney Hilgert 

Third Place: Team 387 “1980s” 

James Dzwil 

Victoria Perree 

Isabella Montilla Liscano 

Kate Wankelman 

Consultant: Nydia Clement 

The winning posters will be on display at the department’s 50th Anniversary Celebration on March 2. The first-place team will attend the celebration as special guests, and elements of their designs have been incorporated into the online promotion of the event.  

Register for the 50th Anniversary Celebration and Alumni Weekend  

Can’t attend? Honor your time at FSU by making a gift to advance the Department at https://give.fsu.edu/interiordesign.  

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By: Rory Donohue

The Interior Design Student Organization recently took a tour of the Old Willis Dairy Farm in Tallahassee.

For more than 30 years, the Interior Design Student Organization (IDSO) at Florida State University has been helping Interior Architecture and Design students develop their skills, build their portfolios and connect with other professionals in the industry through organizations such as the American Society of Interior Designers and the International Interior Design Association.  

Under the leadership of co-presidents Jaymie Kennedy and Ciara Iglesias, both undergraduate seniors majoring in Interior Architecture and Design, the organization promotes students’ work and fosters growth within the Department of Interior Architecture & Design at FSU.  

 In the Fall 2023 semester alone, the group hosted various social, networking, and workshopping events, took a tour of the Old Willis Dairy Farm in Tallahassee and took a group trip to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Spring House.  

The Interior Design Student Organization organizes outings for students in the department, like this recent one to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Spring House.

“They do all this while envisioning fun and creative activities that support their peers,” said faculty advisor Kelley Robinson. “I am so proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing how their leadership experience in this role will unfold in their futures as interior design professionals.”  

“Making connections with local landowners and being able to learn their personal history is really special and something we hope to continue,” said Kennedy. 

IDSO Hosts community-building events for Interior Architecture & Design students at FSU.

The site visits and events planned by IDSO have a real impact for the students. By visiting one of the iconic architects works in person and through conversations with President of Spring House Institute Byrd Lewis Mashburn, students were able to better understand Wright’s design process. 

IDSO’s leadership prides itself on helping students build their professional portfolios and offering mentorship and creating a strong community among the department’s students. To Kennedy and Iglesias, building that community is the most important part of IDSO’s mission. They offer “student spotlights” on the organization’s Instagram account (@fsu_idso) to highlight their work to a larger platform and expose them to potential clients and employers. They also host headshot photography events, portfolio workshops, and more. 

“IDSO has provided an environment where I am surrounded by hard-working peers and knowledgeable faculty who are genuinely invested in my success,” said Iglesias, who recently acquired an internship with Atlanta-based Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry. “It has been an indispensable resource in facilitating my professional growth.”  

“IDSO expands my confidence and leadership skills not only in the classroom, but in the workforce,” said Kennedy, who credits the organization with helping her succeed in her recent internship. 

This semester, IDSO plans to get a first-hand look at the development of a local design firm’s project. They are also hosting their annual prep events with FSU’s Career Center to help get students prepared for the career fair this March.  

Updates about membership and events can be found on the organization’s Instagram at  @fsu_idso.  

IDSO Executive Board

FSU IDSO Board: 

ASID VP: Hanna Watson (Junior) 

IIDA VP: Sarah Tavares (Junior) 

Secretary: Grayson Avriett (Senior) 

Treasurer: Caroline Serrahn (Senior) 

Social Media Chair: Morgan Kolb (Senior) 

Historian: Gabriela De Vasconcellos (Junior) 

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West-Albert receives her award from Council Chair Michael Fornaro

The Florida State University Department of Interior Architecture & Design celebrated its 5th annual alumni awards in style, during its 50th Anniversary Celebration on March 2.   

Department Advisory Council Chair Michael Fornaro, Ph. D., and Vice Chair Seka Collins (BS 2004) presented the 2024 Emerging Alumni Award to Taneshia West-Albert (MFA 2010), associate professor at Auburn University in Alabama, and the 2024 Distinguished Service Award to Lisa League (MS 2005), founder of QPractice. 

Since launching in 2020, the Department’s Alumni Awards have recognized 15 graduates for their contributions to the design industry and design education at FSU.

Nominate a worthy graduate today. 

“The Department recognizes that the success of our alumni helps build and enhance the reputation of this amazing program. Those recognized serve as shining examples for our students.” 

– Jim Dawkins, Chair 

West-Albert, League and Jefferson served as career panelists.

League receives Alumni Award from Council Vice Chair Seka Collins

League and West-Albert joined 2023 Distinguished Alumni Winner Dionne Jefferson (BS 1998) at the beginning of this special Alumni Reunion Weekend for a student-focused Professional Panel, moderated by Assistant Professor Kelley Robinson. The panel prepped students for the afternoon’s Career & Internship Fair, at which 25 firms were present. 

In addition to sharing their FSU stories, the alumni shared advice on interviewing, branding, and how to approach challenges and opportunities in the workplace. 

“Meeting these accomplished professionals helped our students envision different paths for themselves. They walked out of the panel more confident and ready to interview. I couldn’t be more appreciative of their time and insights.” – Kelley Robinson, Assistant Professor 

Lisa League and QPractice also hosted a live NCIDQ workshop from FSU’s William Johnston Building, focused on the IDFX Interior Design Fundamentals Exam.  

About the 2024 Alumni Award Winners 

2024 Emerging Alumni Award Winner 

Taneshia West-Albert (MFA 2010) 

Taneshia West Albert

West-Albert earned her MFA in interior design at FSU in 2010, after which she focused on design for healthcare environments, corporate interiors, and higher education spaces with a unique background in medical equipment planning and facilities design and construction. In 2016, she transitioned to academia, first at Illinois State University and then to her current home at Auburn University where she was just promoted to associate professor. 

West Albert serves on the board of Interior Design Educators Council Foundation and was recognized by IDEC in 2021 for service and with a Presidential Award. In 2023, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) recognized her as Educator of the Year.  

2024 Distinguished Service Award 

Lisa League (MS 2005) 

Lisa League

Lisa League obtained her master’s degree from FSU in 2005 and moved to Orlando where her work focused on luxury hotel design. In 2010, she took the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Exam (NCIDQ) and dreamed of a program to help break the mountain of study material into easy-to-learn chunks that could fit into busy schedules of designers like her.  

League founded QPractice in 2012 to help designers pass the test…the first time. Through QPractice, she offers practice tests, daily lessons, study groups and more.  Since its founding, the company has helped thousands of designers.  

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