Author Archives: Amy Selven

Annual Celebration Spotlight: Flora Bowley

Company/Business Name: Flora Bowley Designs
Name: Flora Bowley
Hometown: I’ve been living in Portland for the past 12 years, but I’m originally from Wisconsin.

Flora Bowley is a painter, permission-giver, gentle guide, and author of two books, Brave Intuitive Painting and Creative Revolution.

Blending over twenty years of professional painting experience with her background as a yoga instructor, out-of-the-box thinker, and lifelong seeker, Flora’s soulful approach to the creative process has sparked a holistic movement in the intuitive art world by encouraging thousands of people to courageously pick up a paintbrush through her books, intimate in-person workshops, and popular online classes.

Flora lives in Portland, OR. Her own vibrant collection of paintings can be found in galleries, shops, and printed on unique products around the world.

How long have you been involved as an artist? I’ve been painting since I was a kid. I studied painting in college and have been painting professionally for over twenty years since then.

What is your approach to design? I enjoy working in a very spontaneous fashion, allowing my paintings to evolve, both in color and design, as the layers build up over time. Typically, I start with a ‘more is more’ approach in my early layers, using lots of marks and vibrant colors, but as the painting evolves, I begin to let things go to create more quiet space in the piece. The whole process is a dance between letting go and adding in.

From what do you draw inspiration? My inspiration comes from the spontaneity of the intuitive painting process itself, along with my observations of the natural and urban environments I live in. I also glean a lot of inspiration from the music I listen to when I paint.

What aspect of your company are you most proud of and why? I’m really proud of how many people I’ve been able to inspire to try intuitive painting. I believe we all have infinite wells of creative capacity just waiting to be tapped and remembered, and from what I’ve observed, often people just need a little nudge, some simple guidance, and loving encouragement to get started. I’m happy to be that kind of creative cheerleader!

What other hobbies are you involved with? I enjoy traveling the world, connecting with other soul seekers, creating retreats, practicing yoga, spending time in nature, taking photos, discovering new music, dancing, and writing. And most recently, I’ve taken up the ukulele and started learning more about herbal-ism.

What impact do you see the IIDA Oregon Chapter having on the work you’re doing? I look forward to making new connections with designers. I’m a big fan of collaboration, and I’m always open to new ways of working together.

What is your personal mantra?: Make strong commitments, while staying open to change.

On a typical Saturday where can we find you?: You’ll likely find me surrounded by woods and water with my dog, Pearl.

Sponsor Spotlight: Mohawk Group

Company Name: Mohawk Group
Name: Beth Gish
Local Rep’s Position/Years: 7 years
IIDA member since: 2011, Current VP of Advocacy 2017-2018 Board Year

At Mohawk, we believe that pioneering and performance are integral to our DNA. Innovation is our commitment to listening carefully to your needs and then creating an exceptional product and service that can answer your challenges. Innovation is the heart of how we provide the better experience you deserve. We believe in meeting the world’s highest standards of sustainable design for commercial flooring. This drives our products and our business. It means supporting the ideals and goals of the most respected and ambitious sustainability organizations—because to do better, we must all work together. We believe in helping you answer every aspect of your flooring needs. We do this by bringing expertise and thought leadership to each of your specific needs, and by offering you the right products, services and custom capabilities for precise, inspiring solutions.

What is your favorite IIDA event and why?: My favorite IIDA Event is the Design Awards. It’s the culmination of a lot of work and so inspiring to see the talent we have in Portland!

What is your favorite product/service offered by your company and why?: Right now my favorite product is the Lichen Collection. This is the industry’s first flooring product to achieve the Living Building Challenge “Living Product” certification. It’s not only beautiful but also has a meaningful design and sustainability story.

What aspect of your company are you most proud of and why?: I’m most proud of the laser focus the company has placed on producing cleaner, more sustainable products and manufacturing practices. Mohawk, because of the size, can make a larger impact for the good and bears a responsibility to be better to the planet.

What value do you see in being an IIDA Oregon Chapter Annual Sponsor?: Sponsorship helps bring meaningful programs and events to the Oregon design community, which in turn strengthens the design community here by drawing and retaining top talent.

What gets you excited about design?: The effect an interior environment has on the human experience is very powerful. The thoughtful use of space, light and color inspires me.

Favorite design magazine/blog?: Interior Design, Architectural Digest

On a typical Saturday where can we find you?: on the sidelines of a soccer field, basketball court or track cheering on my daughters

What does interior design legislation mean to you and/or your company?: Legislation for Interior Design resonates on many levels. Personally and professionally, I feel it’s important to see the glass ceiling lift in this female dominated profession.

IDC-Oregon Update


IDC-Oregon has been the face of Interior Design Advocacy in the state of Oregon for the past 20+ years, serving as a coalition of the IIDA and ASID Oregon Chapters.  It has represented the Commercial Interior Design profession in Salem, and attempted to pass legislation many times.  At the end of 2017, IDC-Oregon’s Board of Directors voted to dissolve the organization.

Both chapters will be rolling out committees that will be collaborating on a future advocacy efforts. These committees will be open to all volunteers interested in advocacy, regardless of affiliations.  ASID and IIDA urge their membership who are dedicated to advocacy efforts to join these committees and can be assured that their chapters will be supporting all advocacy efforts in Oregon.

As we close the chapter of IDC-Oregon, we’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the many amazingly dedicated volunteers who poured their sweat, tears, and passion into the effort to pass legislation.  The IIDA and ASID Oregon Chapters look forward to continuing to advocate for the profession.  Stay informed on current legislative efforts, including the new interior design bill, and become a supporter today.

Student Spotlight: Britney Schreck, Student IIDA

Name: Britney Schreck
School/Year in School: The Art Institute of Portland / Senior
IIDA member since: 2015

Favorite IIDA event: I really enjoyed attending the student design charrette last spring. This event pushed the limits of what I believed possible for one day of design work. It is a great exercise in collaboration, and I met some wonderful people through it.

Why do you support interior design licensing? Interior design is a deep understanding of how people interact with spaces and everything in them. A big part of that is safety. Licensing for interior designers will help clients find a professional who will design their space up to code and accessible for everyone.

What project have you worked on that you are most proud of? Why? I have been working with my aunt and uncle to space plan their future home. This project has allowed me to show my family the extent of my knowledge, and what my degree can really do. I can’t wait to spend holidays in this space, knowing that I played a major part in making it possible.

Why are you a member of IIDA? To grow personally and professionally. IIDA provides many opportunities for students to learn new things, meet some awesome designers, and gain experience in the field. This organization has been incredibly valuable to my education and career. I am proud to be a member of IIDA.

Tell us a bit about your creative process: I always start by defining the design problem. Initially, the big picture can seem overwhelming. Breaking it down into smaller steps helps me ensure that all aspects of the design problem are solved and relate to the big picture.

2018 IIDA Western Region Student Design Charette | Juror Spotlight

The IIDA 2018 Western Region Student Design Charette will be held in Portland, OR on April 7th, 2018 and will feature students from the Association’s Northern Pacific, Oregon, Northern California, Southern California and Southwest Chapters. Charette teams will present their design solutions to a panel of renowned jurors from the Western Region and beyond, who will then select a winning team to advance to the next level of Interior Design Charette competition at Neocon 2018. We are thrilled to announce this year’s jury and are grateful for their participation and support!

Amy Todd, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C
Interior Designer
Firm: Bostwick Design Partnership

Amy Todd is an experienced interior designer and former educator. Her current work at Bostwick Design Partnership focuses on design for healthcare, higher education, and libraries. Amy is a strong believer in the power of environmental psychology, and seeks to establish design equality for all in her work by creating an intimate connection between the built environment and the people it serves.  Amy has a Master of Science in Interior Architecture from Chatham University and previously served for 5 years as a full-time Instructor of Interior Design at Mercyhurst University.

Beth Harmon-Vaughan, PhD, FIIDA, LEED-AP
Principal / Managing Studio Director
Firm: Gensler

Beth brings over 30 years of experience to her role as Managing Director of Gensler in Phoenix. She has been named one of the “People to Know in Commercial Real Estate” by AZ Big Media, the “50 Most Influential Women” by Arizona Business, and one of “The Most Influential Women in CRE” by AZ|RE Magazine. Beth serves on the Taliesin West Board of Stewards for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, is a committee member for the Phoenix Community Alliance, and an adjunct professor at ASU. Beth holds a PhD in Sustainability and Workplace Productivity from Arizona State University.

Richelle Nolan,  IIDA, ASID, CCIDC
Principal / Managing Studio Director
Firm: IA Interior Architects

Richelle Nolan, Principal and Managing Director at IA Interior Architects, has been practicing Interior Architecture for 20 years. IA is the largest global architecture firm solely dedicated to the practice of interiors. Richelle started the IA Portland studio 3+ years ago and is currently contributing to local projects, community outreach and development of interior architecture at both a local and national level.
Growing up within global Architecture firms has given her a wide variety of experience in different project types and sizes. Richelle’s enthusiasm for design in translating client vision + brand into clear design objectives is a thoughtful process . This process relies heavily on key methodologies; building confident teams, nurturing relationships and understanding the reliance we all must have on each person for success.

Member Spotlight: Shannon Ferrigno, Industry IIDA

Name: Shannon Ferrigno
Company / Position: SmithCFI / Director, Design Studio / 19 years
IIDA member since: 1997

Favorite IIDA event: I think my new favorite might be the NEXT speaker series a few weeks ago.  Amy and Kelly were such an inspiration – smart, talented, balanced and strong.  The energy in the room and the thoughtful questions asked remind me what a privilege it is to be part of our design community.

What are you currently working on?: As many of you know, SmithCFI has new leadership as of 2017.  Last year I was asked to lead our SmithCFI design group and join the executive leadership team while continuing to lead our efforts with the design community.  So in short, I’ve been working a lot on myself!  I appreciate the opportunity for personal development and professional growth as I’m learning my new role. I’m humbled daily by the amazing group of people that I get to work with – within our team, our partners, designers and clients.  And we’re just getting started…expect some exciting news coming in April!

What does being a designer mean to your life?: I’m passionate about sharing the power well-designed space can have in business, learning, and wellbeing.  I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else.  I love the variety of the work, helping to solve problems and creating beautiful spaces.

On a typical Saturday where can we find you?: You might find it hard to believe, but I kick off the high heels and spend my happiest Saturdays on the Oregon coast hiking with my husband and our rescue dog, Savannah.  There is nothing like sitting in a cozy blanket and sharing a bottle of bubbly with some sand between my toes to celebrate the end of a week.

Why are you a member of IIDA?: I am a member of IIDA because of their incredible support of our professional journey; from helping student members connect with professionals as they get ready to launch their careers, to offering educational opportunities for all of us to grow and giving us a voice on behalf of the profession when we need it, such as pursuing legislation.  I’m especially proud of how welcoming and connected our chapter is.

What is a Charette?

Simply put, a charette is an intense design exercise within a set (and often all too short) period of time. A derivative of the French word for ‘cart’, the term refers to a time when students of the école des Beaux-Arts would be so committed to their final projects that they would work feverishly on the final touches until a ‘cart’ came around to collect them. Some students would even climb up onto the cart and continue to put the finishing touches on their work as it was wheeled around the studio!

Charettes have since evolved to include sessions of ideation amongst teams. In the workplace, they are often used to kick-off and invigorate the schematic design phase. This collaborative setting allows for the free flow of thought between designers, where ideas build upon each other until a fitting concept or design solution is found. The energy exhibited during a charette highlights the power and possibility of design. It is a positive and rejuvenating experience that reinforces the value of working together as a team.

Kiana Taie, a winning team member of the IIDA Southwest Chapter Regional Finals, describes her experience at the 2017 Student Design Charette as invaluable and a great opportunity for networking with professional Interior Designers.

“I am a member of the IIDA Southwest Chapter and with the recommendation of a classmate, participated in the IIDA Student Design Charette in the Spring of 2017 while I was in my second year as a Master of Interior Architecture student at Arizona State University. My team won the local competition and proceeded onto regionals, which happened to also be in Phoenix. After the regional event, a member of the planning committee invited me to come in and interview at her office. Thanks to the exposure from the Charette, I am now a designer at the Gensler Phoenix office, and was even on the committee this past Fall! I strongly encourage students to participate because this unique event is unlike any other in our industry. The experience is exhilarating, you have the opportunity to work with talented individuals and potentially travel!”

The Western Region Chapters of IIDA (Northern Pacific, Northern California, Southern California, Oregon, Southwest, and Rocky Mountain)  are excited to offer charette competitions to IIDA Student Members as a way to highlight their exceptional talents while providing them with an experience that will better prepare them for their future as professionals. Students are encouraged to sign up for the Regional Qualifiers being held this February through their IIDA Chapters. Winners of the local events will be flown to the Western Region Student Design Charette finals, which will be held this year in Portland, Oregon on April 7th, 2018. Stay tuned for more information about what to expect for the Regional event and which winners will move on to the International Finals at NeoCon in Chicago this June!

Photos by Andy Green, IIDA Southwest Chapter. Content by Sarah Weber & Elsa Long, IIDA Oregon Chapter – Past Presidents, and Claire Smith, IIDA Oregon Chapter –  VP of Communications.