This week, the International Interior Design Association New York Chapter (IIDA NY) announced the appointment of Rebecca Dorris Steiger, CID, IIDA, LEED™ AP BD+C as Chapter President. Steiger’s presidential appointment comes at an exciting time for the IIDA NY Chapter and the entire organization, as both are celebrating 20 years of facilitating networking, education, and innovation amongst talented design professionals.
Steiger is succeeding Steven South, IIDA, LEED™ AP, a senior interior designer and associate at Perkins+Will here in New York.
“We look for someone who is a strong leader, someone who can represent the organization well, and who is able to move the organization forward,” says South. “With years of experience on the board, she comes to this role with a great depth of experience and knowledge of IIDA. Rebecca will be a great spokesperson for the Chapter.”
As an IIDA member for over 14 years, Steiger’s qualifications and understanding of the organization will help continue the growth of the Chapter’s membership, programming, and professional development opportunities. A native New Yorker and graduate of Cornell University, Steiger is a New York State Certified Interior Designer and LEED™ accredited professional with more than 20 years of experience in corporate interiors and space planning experience.
While living in San Francisco, Steiger joined the IIDA in 2001, then went on to serve as vice president of membership and vice president of communications for the Northern California Chapter. Her work on the board of directors helped the Chapter win the honor of IIDA Large Chapter of the Year in 2005. After moving back home to New York that same year, Steiger joined Gensler as an interior designer and immediately got involved with the IIDA New York Chapter where she has served as the vice president of communications since 2006.
“Being involved in the growth and development of this organization is something that keeps me energized and engaged in the industry,” says Steiger. “I volunteer because I want to give back to the community that has made an impact on my professional development and on elevating the perception and value of the interior design profession as a whole.”
Each year, the newly inaugurated president of the IIDA New York Chapter is tasked with creating a theme—this year, the focus is “mentorship at all levels.” Over the years, the New York Chapter, has been recognized as the IIDA Large Chapter of the Year for its exceptional effort to serve and deliver benefits and professional growth for its members, both emerging professionals and students. Steiger’s goal is to expand these opportunities even further.
“I would like to develop programs for ‘established designers’ with 8 to 15 years experience, to help them continue to grow as professionals, and as leaders within their own firms and community,” says Steiger. “A holistic focus on professional development will help strengthen the value that our Chapter brings to the New York design community, not only in New York City, but also in our Buffalo and Rochester City Centers, and our new RIT Campus Center.”
As the IIDA New York Chapter prepares to enter this exciting anniversary year, Steiger looks forward to empowering all members to have the creativity, drive, and autonomy to bring the Chapter to the next level.
