Author Archives: Amanda Hansen

Sponsor Spotlight: J+J Flooring

Company Name: J+J Flooring
Number of years in business: Over 60 years
Your Name: LaDonna Hale
Involved on the IIDA Oregon Chapter Board? Director of Membership

J+J Flooring, a division of Engineered Floors, is a leading manufacturer of high-performance commercial flooring solutions. Headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, J+J operates with a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer-focused design. The company offers a comprehensive range of carpet tile, broadloom, and luxury vinyl tile (LVT), serving diverse industries such as corporate, healthcare, education, hospitality, and retail. With a focus on durability, aesthetics, and environmentally responsible manufacturing, J+J Flooring provides cutting-edge solutions that enhance both form and function in commercial spaces. Backed by a legacy of excellence and forward-thinking design, J+J Flooring continues to set industry standards in quality and performance.

What is your favorite IIDA event and why?
The Design Crawl Seeing the projects from the designers point of view and the fun that surrounds this event.

What aspect of your company are you most proud of and why?
Environmental initiatives and the fun we have as a team from design, to manufacturing, and into the field.

What value do you see in being an IIDA Oregon Chapter Annual Sponsor?
Supporting a great community – connection and collaboration.

What are your company’s core values?
Innovation, Sustainability, Customer Centric Approach, Integrity, Quality and Performance, Community and Responsibility.

What gets you excited about design?
Seeing projects come to fruition that have a strong positive impact on the community. 

Favorite design magazine/blog?
Design Milk

INTERIOR DESIGN STUDENT INTERN | SRG + CannonDesign

Interior Design Student Intern
SRG + CannonDesign, Portland OR

APPLY HERE: https://www.cannondesign.com/careers/interior-design-student-intern-1809

ABOUT THE ROLE
This internship will provide students with an opportunity to be a member of our multi-disciplinary team under the supervision of designated project leadership.

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL DO

  • Under direct supervision of the Interior Design leader, assist the design team in all project phases including Programming, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, and Construction Administration.
  • Under direct supervision, assist with furniture, fixtures and equipment (FFE) selections, layouts and documentation throughout all phases of interior design work, as required.
  • May assist in the design development and documentation of interior spaces, including drawings of floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, pattern plans, elevations, details, room finishes, etc.
  • May conduct research as directed for product and finish selections; assist in the development of finish plans and specifications.
  • Assist in preparing computerized renderings and other presentation materials.
  • Assist in producing drawings and perform support functions as directed in conformance with project time, cost and quality constraints.
  • Follow CannonDesign drawing standards.
  • In some offices, may maintain the Interior Design library by organizing and continually updating new and discontinued materials as determined by office.
  • May order samples and materials from vendors.
  • May visit job site to verify existing conditions and observe construction progress. Site visits frequently require a physical walk-through of site.
  • May perform other duties as required.

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED

  • Must be enrolled in and working toward a Bachelor or Master’s in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or Architecture. Enrolled in and working toward a Bachelor or Master’s degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or Architecture from an accredited program preferred.
  • Strong creative design portfolio as well as strong communication, teamwork, presentation, graphics, organizational skills and multi-tasking skills a must.
  • Proficiency with Revit, Enscape, Bluebeam, and Adobe Creative Suite preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office required.

For a general overview of our benefits, please visit our careers page at: https://www.cannondesign.com/careers/benefits. 

ABOUT OUR FIRM
CannonDesign is a design practice where strategy, experience, architecture, engineering, and social impact converge. We don’t just dream up solutions — we create and bring them to life in ways to solve some of the biggest challenges facing our clients and the society. At the heart of everything we do is Living-Centered Design, a bold commitment to using our talents to not just improve the world but to truly reshape it for the better. It’s more than a philosophy — it’s who we are, and it drives us to make a meaningful, lasting difference every day.

ABOUT WORKING HERE

  • We are relentless in our pursuit of client adoration (not simply satisfaction). Consistent delivery of the best service is what we are about.
  • We are committed to ensuring our practice is equitable for all employees, representative of the communities around us – and focused on the future of design. We advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts through the leadership of our DEI Council, Employee Resource Groups and other community advocacy initiatives.
  • We’re about communication and transparency here. If you want to talk to someone about an idea you have, or a challenge that needs addressing, we’re ready for you.

Please note that candidates can only apply to our positions on our company Careers site. It’s not uncommon for scammers to create positions that look legitimate on other sites; never enter your information or apply for CannonDesign positions on any platform. Should an issue arise that you feel we should be aware of, please contact us. Please provide your resume and portfolio when applying.

As a condition of employment, all employees are expected to complete mandatory training, including compliance training, within required timeframes and adhere to our internal policies and our Code of Conduct.

CannonDesign is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CannonDesign is committed to maintaining a work environment that is free from any and all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. It is therefore the firm’s policy to prohibit discrimination and harassment against any applicant, CannonDesign employee, vendor, contractor, or client on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other basis prohibited by law. It is also CannonDesign’s policy to prohibit any and all forms of retaliation against any individual who has complained of harassing or discriminatory conduct, or participated in a firm or agency investigation into such complaints.

NEXT Breakfast: Meet the Speakers

Inspiration, Innovation, and Impact at IIDA Oregon NEXT Breakfast!

Excited to attend the IIDA Oregon NEXT Breakfast at the University of Oregon Portland Campus! This Annual Keynote Speaker Series brings together industry leaders who are shaping the future of design, business, and workplace strategy.

Amina Moreau

Amina Moreau is a chronic entrepreneur, having co-founded five companies, exited two of them, and led one of her teams to win five Emmy Awards.

Radious is her next big thing, a rent-by-the-day platform that turns residential properties into flexible workspaces, for team retreats and collaborative workdays.

When she’s not busy building Radious, you’ll find her grunting on the tennis court. Ranked #1 in the Pacific Northwest just recently, she finds her sense of peace crushing it at 100 MPH.

Rebecca Greier Horton, PG – Senior Insights Strategist, MillerKnoll

Rebecca is a multidisciplinary strategist who has supported our clients for the past nine years by tending to their organizations’ physical, social, and cognitive needs.

She is a licensed professional environmental geoscientist who formerly led Fortune 50 corporate Environmental, Health, Safety, & Sustainability organizations at AT+T, UTC, and Bombardier Aerospace.

She is an International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) Associate Professional (AP), an IWBI Faculty, a nationally recognized environmental professional (NREP REM), an internationally certified psychological safety-executive leadership coach (ACC), an ergonomic specialist, and a member of the Global Office Ergonomics Research Committee (OERC). She also represents MillerKnoll on the IWBI Materials Concept Advisory Board as a subject matter expert.

Rebecca is honored to lead MillerKnoll’s global ENABLED team that advocates for accessibility so individuals with visible and hidden disabilities can realize their talents and thrive.
In her free time, Rebecca teaches Pilates reformer in Frisco, Texas where she lives with her husband and two daughters.

Winnie Callough – Global Senior Design Director + Co-Lead of Women of Ascend

Winnie is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience designing, leading creative direction, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative products in the sporting goods industry.

Winnie is also a strategic lead and co-chair for the Women of Ascend network, a Nike-sponsored initiative supporting women of color with roots in Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific Islands. She is passionate about amplifying the authentic voice of this community and fostering meaningful connections.

A mentor and advocate for underrepresented groups, Winnie was nominated by the Nike Design community to manage the Serena Williams Design Crew, guiding the next generation of designers. As an egoless creator and senior design leader, she is known for her confident and collaborative approach in all steps of the creative process, her problem-solving abilities, and her focus on pushing teams to exceed expectations.

Outside of work, Winnie serves on the board of directors for the Ida B. Wells Winter Sports Team. She is a proud mother of 2, and also enjoys travel, fitness, yoga, snowboarding, reading, exploring local food and art scenes, and walks with her mini Aussiedoodle, Ramen. Winnie’s achievements are bolstered by the unwavering support of her husband of 21 years.

SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER | Opsis Architecture

Senior Interior Designer 

Opsis Architecture, LLP 
Portland, OR       *Full Time   *Hybrid Work Schedule 

About Opsis

Opsis is a Portland-based firm of 50+, serving clients across the Pacific Northwest. Our core markets span primary and secondary educational environments, arts facilities, community recreation and sports facilities, and a wide array of projects that support civic institutions and communities.

Our work seeks to place people first – creating spaces where individuals and communities find joy, accomplishment, confidence, contemplation or comfort – in environments that celebrate the people and places they serve.

We think Opsis is a great place to design a better future and grow your career – and a great community to explore your passions! We do great work and have fun while exploring the possibilities of beautiful design.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Interior Designer with 15+ years of experience to lead design excellence, mentor interior design staff, and support business development initiatives. This role is ideal for a design-focused professional who thrives at the intersection of creative vision, client engagement, and strategic growth.

Key Responsibilities 

  • Design Leadership – Lead the development of innovative, human-centered interiors across education, cultural, recreation, sports and civic projects.
  • Client & Business Development – Cultivate and maintain strong client relationships, contribute to strategic pursuits, and enhance Opsis’ presence in the design community.
  • Project Management – Oversee interior design projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with budget, schedule, and sustainability goals.
  • Collaboration & Mentorship – Foster a culture of creativity and mentorship within the firm, guiding junior designers and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Strategic Vision – Contribute to firmwide growth strategies by identifying opportunities for interior design expansion, business development and thought leadership.

Requirements include

  • 15-20 years of professional interior design experience, with a portfolio demonstrating high-level design leadership.
  • Accredited professional degree in Interior Design or related field
  • Sustainable design accreditation preferred
  • NCIDQ certification or equivalent credentials preferred (IIDA, AIA, or other relevant certifications).
  • Proven ability to develop and secure new business opportunities.
  • Expertise in space planning, material selection, detailing, and FF&E specifications.
  • Advanced knowledge of sustainability and integrated design guidelines
  • Strong knowledge of architectural building systems, and accessibility guidelines
  • Strong knowledge of FF&E to carry out design intent
  • Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD and Bluebeam Revu required
  • Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign MS Office and Smartsheet preferred
  • Strong communication, presentation, and team leadership skills.

Opsis Benefits

Opsis is proud to offer a location in Portland’s central east side, which boasts a perfect ride score of 100, a walkability rating of 94, and access to a vibrant mix of amenities and businesses that reflect our commitment to local craft, arts, and emerging local enterprises.

The flexibility and convenience of hybrid work are also important to us. We strive to create an ideal mix of in-person and remote work for our teams, with a target of working in the office from Tuesday through Thursday.

All staff at Opsis receive a living wage, complemented by an excellent package of benefits, including paid time off, paid holidays, and comprehensive insurance covering healthcare, vision, dental, life, and disability. For more information, please review the careers section of www.opsisarch.com.

Opsis Design Culture

We aspire to realize buildings that work, inspire and express beauty through construction, composition and form, materiality and craftsmanship with attention to detail. We learn by doing, using all the tools and technologies available to us in this search for the ideas. We share, analyze, discuss, challenge and debate all ideas within the safe, respectful and open environment of the Opsis studio. As a studio we grow and learn from each other through project critique sessions, firm-wide meetings, continuing education sessions, webinars, lunch presentations, and conferences.

Opsis is a signatory to the AIA 2030 Commitment, demonstrating our commitment to tracking the progress of our work towards carbon neutral design by the year 2030. Opsis brings some of the country’s most extensive experience in the design of low-carbon and Net Zero Energy buildings (NZEB), including the first two buildings in Oregon certified as NZEB through the Living Building Challenge and two projects recognized by the AIA COTE Top Ten award.

Our practice embraces social justice in our day-to-day operations and in the built environment, creating a diverse, multicultural and inclusive atmosphere in both our practice and our design work, providing and nurturing a healthy culture of trust within our firm, and fostering a working environment where all employees are joyful, motivated, and connected to our purpose and values. We are a JUST™ Organization and welcome review of our label.

Please visit www.opsisarch.com to learn more about our team, projects, industry recognition, community involvement and generous benefits program.

Opsis Architecture LLP is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Instructions

Please submit a cover letter, resume and portfolio to: Employment@opsisarch.com

We kindly ask that you do not include a photo of yourself or include personal details such as nationality, age, marital status, etc. when applying.

Interior Design Legislation | Advocacy in Action!

It’s been a very IIDA week. IIDA National hosted all the Vice Presidents of Advocacy in Chicago for the annual Advocacy Symposium. The room was energizing and Marci Merola, IIDA’s Director of Advocacy, did not disappoint. We talked where we’ve been, where we are today, and the future of legislation for our regions. My heart got a giant hug from Stacey Crumbaker’s (IIDA’s International Board President Elect and NW neighbor in the Northern Pacific Chapter) sage advice: the focus of legislation are the 3 E’s (education, experience, and examination) and HSW (health, safety, and well-being not the success of a business practice. Business practice is another animal.

This week the IIDA Advocacy Team kept the ball rolling to refine the language of House Bill 2141, aka HB 2141. This amendment language will push our title act out of ORS 671: Architects; Landscape Professions and Business. For reference, pop over here for the complete low down of how the architecture statute stands today.

You can reference the current iteration of HB2141 here: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Analysis/HB2141

You may have seen some rhetoric from our partners at AIA Oregon on their Instagram account, specifically their opposition to how the bill stands today. While disappointing to see this language, understand we, as in IIDA Oregon and AIA Oregon, are working together to create revised language for HB 2141 and how we as a collective can best serve our community. Stay tuned!

As always, your support and conversations within your network of people helps to spread the knowledge of who we are, what we do, and the qualifications to get there. Keep up the good work, you!

You have Q’s; we have A’s.
Contact our VP of Advocacy

Roberta Pennington
IIDA Oregon VP Advocacy

INTERIOR DESIGNER | FFA Architecture & Interiors

Since 1956, our practice has focused on designing timeless, beautiful, sustainable architecture. We seek a talented full-time interior designer to support our evolving practice and advance with the next generation of leaders, striving to provide thoughtful and contextual designs.

A career at FFA means joining a collaborative team that strives for creative solutions and design excellence. We believe in cultivating relationships with our clients by consistently providing outstanding service and working with multiple client types across our market sectors. You will excel at FFA if you are interested in developing interior environments in partnership with the architecture team as well as leading interiors-only projects. This position requires clear communication with clients, consultants, and colleagues, thinking critically about design opportunities, and presenting conceptual and detailed design ideas to consultants, clients, and colleagues.

Our Community Agreements outline our firm culture and our commitments to one another.

At FFA, we are deeply committed to responsible resource use and understand the crucial role of the built industry in combating climate change. Our practice is dedicated to providing clients with practical, resilient building strategies and striving for loftier sustainability goals. We are looking for candidates who share our mission, and the ideal candidate will have experience in working on highly sustainable buildings.

Applicant Requirements
– A bachelor’s degree in interior design or interior architecture or an equivalent architectural-based design degree and work experience
– The ability to travel to local and regional client sites (a personal vehicle is not required)
– Commitment to our company’s hybrid work schedule, working in-office four days/week. FFA reserves the right to change this policy.

Candidates should demonstrate the following
– Five constructed projects at least 15,000 SF in size; explain your role on the projects and the impact of your contribution to the team
– Experience in programming, conceptual design, design development, construction documents, and construction administration for new construction and renovation projects
– REVIT modeling experience on projects and experience developing REVIT construction documents
– Knowledge and experience in tenant improvement design, space planning, programming, concept development, color and material selection, specifications development, as-built document development, vendor/supplier coordination, construction administration, and furniture procurement, including specifications, documentation, and installation
– The ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects of various scales with overlapping deadlines
– Experience with project site observation and documentation for accurate base drawing development
– An understanding of how interior components are constructed and how materials come together in a design
– The preferred candidate has experience working in multiple building types, including higher education facilities, affordable housing, or civic buildings

Additional Qualifications
The preferred candidate is proficient in Sketchup modeling, Enscape or Twinmotion rendering, and the Adobe Creative Suite; has their NCIDQ Certification, LEED Accreditation, and/or WELL Accreditation, or is actively pursuing one or more certifications; and is experienced in working with BOMA Standards

Applicant Instructions
Applicants should email their cover letter, resume, and portfolio to resumes@ffadesign.com.

Benefits at FFA include
– Fully covered individual medical, dental, and vision insurance
– Disability insurance
– Pre-tax Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
– 401K Savings Plan
– Pre-tax transportation and phone stipends
– Experience-based paid time off program
– Paid volunteer time
– Paid holidays and one flex holiday
– Company-sponsored continuing education
– Professional licensure and certification assistance

Compensation
At FFA, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This allows your compensation to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $70,000 and $100,000 and will depend on your skills, qualifications, and years of experience. This is a salaried position.

Notification to Applicants
FFA Architecture and Interiors is an equal-opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, mental or physical disability, age, genetic information, veteran or active military status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, domestic partnership, family status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

FFA will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation or that of other applicants. Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision (dol.gov)

FFA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. If you need accommodation during the hiring process, please contact erunning@ffadesign.com.