The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) has named Peter Conant, IIDA, managing principal at Conant Architects, New York, NY, as the Association’s president for the 2011-2012 term. Conant, who will succeed Viveca Bissonnette, FIIDA, was elected by the IIDA Membership.
Conant, IIDA, AIA, LEED AP, has designed a variety of projects, including corporate headquarters, not-for-profit organizations and numerous industry showrooms. He is a past president of the IIDA New York chapter, where he recruited senior industry leadership to the chapter board, and improved the financial strength of the chapter. In addition, he helped the chapter establish a design awards program and expanded the New York chapter leaders breakfast.
“My overall goal as president is to elevate and promote the knowledge, professionalism and value of interior design,” said Conant. “Designers are leaders in the formation of our built environment, and I see this as a high calling. The collective knowledge and voice of IIDA should provide the leadership and support for this vital industry. I feel that IIDA should be the go-to organization for students and practitioners who are looking to build their careers and practice.”
In addition, the IIDA Board voted on recommendations for two other leadership positions: the Chair of the College of Fellows and the Chair of the Foundation, both two-year terms, which will be served from 2011-2013. Peggy Noakes, FIIDA, AAHID, LEED AP, EDAC, has been appointed Chair of the IIDA College of Fellows. Noakes currently works for WHR Architects in Houston and is a past member of the International Board of Directors. Felice Silverman, IIDA, Silverman Trykowski Associations, has been appointed the Chair of the IIDA Foundation Board of Trustees.
The 2011-2012 Foundation Board of Trustees are Silverman, IIDA, Silverman Trykowski Assoc.; Dawn Fischer, IIDA, NBBJ; Anne-Marie Gianoudis, IIDA, Gresham Smith & Partners; Jim Klawiter, IIDA, Klawiter & Associates Inc.; Allen Parker, Industry IIDA, Kimball Office, and Elizabeth Williams, IIDA, Marmon Mok.
