Annual Initiative Recognizes and Awards Under-Represented Designers

May 12, 2021  – Washington, D.C.  – In aims of fostering an inclusive design community, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has announced the winners and scholars for their 2021 Ones to Watch program. The annual initiative recognizes under-represented, rising design talent that demonstrate exceptional leadership with a willingness to push the boundaries of the profession. By identifying opportunities for marginalized groups in the interior design profession, ASID furthers its goal of cultivating a diverse design field.  

“ASID is proud to support the rising leaders of the interior design profession through the Ones to Watch program. With an eye on growing inclusion, the program seeks to propel and encourage much-needed diversity in design,” stated CEO Gary Wheeler, FASID. “In the design conversation, it is important that we all have a seat at the table, as good design is for everyone--the profession is enriched by diverse and inclusive voices.”

Supported by Steelcase and Shaw Contract, the ASID Ones to Watch program recognizes industry professionals who represent authenticity, innovation, leadership, inclusion, and a dedication to the profession. The Society prioritizes participants whose backgrounds are currently under-represented in management roles within the interior design industry, including women, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, LGBTQ, and persons with disabilities. Eligible candidates must be currently employed in the interior design profession, have 5-15 years of industry experience, and be on a path to a senior and/or executive-level position. 

Award winners are honored within four distinct categories: Design Excellence, Education Leadership, Manufacturing Leadership, and Volunteer Leadership. These recipients attend ASID conferences and events and are given access to professional connections and leadership opportunities with ASID and the design community. From the 20 award winners, the Society selected eight ASID Ones to Watch Scholars to participate in an invaluable leadership development training program. The two-year program teaches Scholars to lead with authenticity through experiential learning, coaching, and mentoring. In the first year, Scholars learn to leverage and embrace their unique perspectives and backgrounds to excel in their careers. During the second year, Scholars transition to thought leaders and subject matter experts by creating learning content and serving as mentors to the next class of ASID Ones to Watch Scholars.   
                                                                 
The 2021 ASID Ones to Watch Scholars are: Taneshia Albert: Assistant Professor, Auburn University; Mari Ansera, ASID, CID: Senior Interior Designer, HGA; Raul Baeza, ASID: Senior Designer and Associate, IA Interior Architects; Fabiola Catalan, ASID: Senior Interior Designer, Gensler; Rebecca Hernandez, Associate ASID: Director of Special Projects, Meyer Davis; Jeanette Kim, ASID: Senior Associate, Senior Interior Project Designer, Perkins&Will; Jaclyn Moser, Associate ASID: Partner, Harken Interiors; Camilla Watson, ASID: Associate Principal, ZGF Architects.

The 2021 ASID Ones to Watch Award Winners are: Elyse Ayoung: Associate Designer, Gensler; Leonardo Caion-Demaestri: Senior Interior Designer, Gensler; Candace Chan: Senior Designer, Revel Architecture and Design; Natasha Edwards: Project Architect, Little Diversified Architectural Consulting; Quintel Gwinn: Principal Designer / Owner, Quin Gwinn Studio; Sherri King Parente: Senior Associate, Project Manager, HOK; Ariana Lovato, Allied ASID: Owner and Principal Designer, Honeycomb Home Design; Kaylen Parker, ASID: Design Assistant, Studio O+A; Sarah Schwuchow, ASID, NCIDQ, CID: Owner/Principal Interior Designer, Sarah Jacqueline Interiors; Marianne Starke: Associate Designer, Gensler; Sarah Urquhart: Assistant Professor, Texas State University; Nicole Zack: Senior Interior Design, Nelson. 

For more information on the ASID Ones to Watch program and the 2021 Winners and Scholars, please visit www.asid.org/resources/awards/ones-to-watch.