The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) mourns the passing of award-winning designer and member of the ASID College of Fellows, Deborah Steinmetz.

A New Orleans native, Steinmetz was a devoted advocate for her profession throughout her nearly 50-year career in interior design.

Steinmetz graduated from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge with a degree in interior design. In 1984, she became the founder and a principal of Steinmetz and Associates, a space planning, interior design and architectural firm. She was certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification, and was elected to the ASID College of Fellows, the Society’s highest honor which is bestowed on less than 1% of the ASID membership. She was also a fellow of the International Interior Design Association, as well as a long-standing member of the International Facility Management Association. Steinmetz also sat on the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Interior Designers and served as chair, working on legislative and regulatory issues.

“I met Deborah nearly 30 years ago as a student member of ASID,” said John Cialone, incoming chair of ASID’s national board of directors. “She was a mentor to me, and I was inspired by her relenting advocacy for our profession. Deborah’s enthusiastic attitude, gracious demeanor and sense of purpose provide enduring inspiration and motivation for our membership and the entire interior design community.”

ASID extends thoughts and condolences to all who knew and loved Deborah Steinmetz, including her brother Donald Tossell, Jr. and wife Sherry, her nephew Colin Tossell, her cousins including Jan Davidson, and many lifelong friends.