On The Move June 2025: Industry Movers And Shakers
Discover the most recent industry promotions, new hires, and company news in Interior Design’s June 2025 edition of On the Move.
Designers + Architects On The Move
Tarkett
Tarkett Hospitality has appointed Michelle Harpole as divisional vice president of sales, effective April 2025. With 20 years in the flooring industry, Harpole’s career began in installation before advancing into sales leadership. She joined Tarkett’s commercial division nine years ago and now brings her deep field knowledge and coaching mindset to lead hospitality sales. Her passion, leadership, and hands-on experience uniquely position her to drive growth and innovation across Tarkett’s hospitality sector.
JCJ Architecture
Hartford, CT-based JCJ Architecture has promoted multiple team members across roles and offices. Emily Czarnecki becomes principal after 27 years in education and civic design. Christine Faverio, Fawn Walton Pellegrini, and Varnell Alexander Smith are now associate principals, each bringing decades of experience in hospitality, public sector, and mixed-use design.
Ware Malcomb
Ware Malcomb has promoted Sofia Chagolla to director of resource services and Fernando Navarro to director of site supervision in its Mexico City office. Chagolla, with 15+ years in architecture, joined in 2015 and led the firm’s largest production studio. Navarro, who joined in 2018, brings 25+ years of experience in industrial and manufacturing projects.
Additionally, the firm has elevated Kim Arial and Bill Roberts to associate principals, recognizing their leadership and impact. Arial, who joined the firm in 2018, leads building measurement services and has expanded the practice nationally. Roberts, Ware Malcomb’s first general counsel, joined in 2022 and oversees legal, risk, and compliance. With decades of industry experience, both bring strategic insight—Arial in business development and Roberts in legal counsel for design and engineering organizations.
The firm has also announced the promotion of Claudio Breda to director, architecture in the firm’s Newark, NJ office. Since joining in 2021, Breda has helped expand the studio’s reach, particularly in healthcare, and brings over 23 years of experience spanning multiple sectors. A licensed architect in 11 states, Breda will lead the architecture team and support interiors. He holds a B.Arch from Pratt Institute and is NCARB-, AIA-, and LEED-certified.
RKTB Architects
RKTB Architects has announced key new hires to support its growth in housing, education, and cultural projects. Ralph Shinogle joins as senior architect, bringing experience from Nelligan White and Peace Corps. Grace Lawal and KT Weeks join as project managers, while Mita Gangopadhyay is named architectural drafter. These additions bolster RKTB’s regional expansion and nationally recognized housing leadership.
The firm has also named Adelaida Baez-Urena as project manager, bringing a decade of experience in sustainable, community-centered design with a focus on affordable housing. A graduate of CCNY’s Spitzer School of Architecture, she joins from another firm’s affordable housing studio. Baez-Urena will work on projects including the expansion of PS 116 in Queens and a landmark church redevelopment. Additionally, RKTB’s Grace Lawal was awarded a 2030 Fund grant supporting Black licensure in architecture.
IIDA
The International Interior Design Association’s New York Chapter (IIDA NY) is pleased to announce Elisabeth Mejia as chapter president for the 2025–2026 term. A longtime IIDA New York member and office design Leader at HKS, Mejia brings a deep commitment to student engagement, mentorship, and community-building. Her leadership will be officially inaugurated during the Chapter’s Annual Members Meeting on July 15 at Kimball International’s NYC showroom. Known for fostering impactful connections, Mejia’s vision centers on creating a more inclusive, connected chapter community.
LK Architecture
Craig A. Rhodes has been appointed design director at LK Architecture, effective March 24, 2025. With nearly 40 years of experience, Rhodes succeeds Roger Brown and will lead design direction, oversee national and local project execution, and drive client engagement. Formerly a division lead at Tessere, his portfolio includes major projects for zoos, aquariums, and institutions nationwide, including the Museum of Science in Boston and the Jacksonville Zoo.
Aidlin Darling Design
Aidlin Darling Design has promoted Laing Chung, Melinda Turner, and John Zacherle to associate. Chung, who joined the firm in 2018, brings 20 years of experience and recently led residential projects in Atherton and the Oakland Hills. Turner, with the firm since 2015, managed projects like the Google Store in Williamsburg. Zacherle, who joined in 2019, contributes technical expertise to large-scale, art-integrated residential work in San Francisco.
Perkins&Will
Perkins&Will has named Vandana Nayak as managing director of its Dallas studio, the firm’s largest, succeeding Tom Reisenbichler. Nayak, who joined in 2017 and led the Southwest education practice, brings 25+ years of experience. She’s managed award-winning K-12 and higher education projects across Texas. Reisenbichler, now U.S. Southwest regional director, will continue providing strategic oversight and client leadership.
NELSON
NELSON Worldwide has appointed Eric Nolin as senior workplace leader, Chicago Market, and Elizabeth MacLean as senior project manager, Workplace. Nolin brings experience in project management consulting across office, hospitality, and industrial sectors. MacLean, a licensed architect and co-founder of a develop-design-build firm, has led mixed-use and retail projects nationwide. Both hires, announced in March 2025, will strengthen NELSON’s presence and capabilities in the Chicago Workplace market.
Thinkspace
Thinkspace has appointed Leanne Johnston as vice president of sales for the Northeastern U.S. and Canada. Johnston brings decades of experience from leadership roles at Steelcase, Herman Miller, and Humanscale, where she led major sales and product initiatives. Based in Toronto, she began the role in April 2025 and will focus on expanding Thinkspace’s presence in key North American markets while blending her passion for sales with a love for design.
Gensler
Gensler has elevated Meghan Webster to co-managing director of its Chicago office and Todd Heiser to co-regional managing principal of the North Central Region. Webster, with nearly 15 years at Gensler, previously led the Cities Studio and serves as a Global Health Sector Leader. Heiser, formerly Co-Managing Director in Chicago, brings 30+ years of experience, including award-winning work for clients like NVIDIA and Uber. Both begin their new leadership roles in 2025.
Additionally, the firm has named Christopher Korsh, AIA, as healthcare practice leader in its New York office. With over 25 years of experience, Korsh has led major projects for top institutions like NewYork-Presbyterian and Memorial Sloan Kettering. Formerly with firms advising healthcare systems nationwide, he brings deep expertise in aligning design with clinical and operational goals. Korsh joins Gensler to advance its rapidly growing healthcare practice and expand its impact across the Northeast and beyond.
Spacesmith
Spacesmith has promoted Ámbar Margarida, William Wong, and Margaret O’Neill to principals and co-owners of the firm under a new Design Professional Corporation model, allowing shared ownership among architects and non-licensees. Margarida is a leader in interiors; Wong, an architect focused on civic work; and O’Neill oversees operations. Their promotions reflect the firm’s commitment to inclusive leadership and multidisciplinary collaboration across high-profile civic, cultural, retail, and higher education projects nationwide.
Anderson Design Studio
Anderson Design Studio has promoted Samm Leiby and Olga Lochbihler to partners, joining current partner Katie Stix and founder Kathy Anderson as the firm relocates to Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood. Leiby, with the studio since 2016, leads project management and marketing. Lochbihler, who joined in 2013, oversees finance and operations. Anderson becomes chairwoman after 37 years, continuing mentorship and product development initiatives.
Fantini
Fantini has appointed Alberto Pomello as managing director of North America. With over 13 years of experience in the luxury design sector, Pomello previously served as senior managing director, leading high-end projects across the U.S. Originally from Italy and based in New York, he brings expertise in strategic growth, team leadership, and client relations. Pomello will strengthen Fantini’s North American presence and collaborate with the Italian team on global expansion initiatives.
TPG Architecture
TPG Architecture has promoted Nicole Pagano to studio director and Santanna Cowan and Amanda Mullooly to creative director. Pagano, a branding and digital design expert, has been with the firm since 2015. Cowan brings eight years of workplace design experience and a focus on cultural context and sustainability. Mullooly, with over 12 years at TPG, will further expand the firm’s environmental graphics practice. The promotions reflect TPG’s commitment to leadership from within.
Additionally, the firm has promoted Christina Faley, Katie Kanakos, and Jon Fox to managing associate and named Sarah Whalen creative director. Faley, Retail Studio Director since 2024, leads global projects for clients like El Palacio de Hierro. Kanakos brings over a decade of expertise in high-end retail and sportswear design, including NHL’s NYC flagship. Fox leads luxury brand rollouts. Whalen, a standout retail designer, has shaped immersive brand experiences for Boll & Branch and Birkenstock.
CannonDesign
Anne Gibson has been appointed CannonDesign’s first interior design practice leader, a new role focused on expanding the firm’s award-winning interiors portfolio. Since joining in 2023, Gibson has led key projects including OhioHealth’s Comprehensive Women’s Center. Her past work includes acclaimed designs for Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. A nationally recognized voice in design, Gibson holds a BFA from the University of Illinois and will lead a 2025 NeoCon workshop on experience design.
Additionally, the firm has appointed Barbara Bouza, former president of Walt Disney Imagineering, as executive director of Market Strategies & Growth – Live, Work, Play. Abbie Clary has been promoted to executive director – health for all, and Aaron Call joins as executive director – incubate and launch. These new leadership roles signal CannonDesign’s evolving approach to convergent design markets and its commitment to driving strategic innovation across healthcare, workplace, community, and emerging sectors.
Page & Turnbull
Page & Turnbull has announced Carolyn Kiernat’s elevation to fellow of the AIA, recognizing her decades of leadership in adaptive reuse and preservation architecture. The firm also promoted Sarah E. Brummett to associate principal and Flora Chou to director of its Los Angeles office. Brummett joined in 2015 and leads the preservation studio; Chou, a cultural resources expert, joined in 2013. These promotions reflect Page & Turnbull’s deepening influence in architecture and historic preservation nationwide.
SGA
SGA has appointed Reza Rahimpour, AIA, LEED AP, as principal to lead its New York Architectural Department. Rahimpour brings 20 years of experience, with past roles at Perkins Eastman, S9, and OBMI. His portfolio includes Dock 72, Empire Stores, and 77 Charlton. Known for navigating NYC’s regulatory landscape and co-founding Perkins Eastman’s BIM team, he joins SGA to drive design strategy, mentor teams, and deepen client engagement across multifamily and commercial sectors.
BESPOKE by Ben Soleimani
Ben Soleimani has introduced BESPOKE by Ben Soleimani, a trade-exclusive program offering custom rugs, furniture, and decor for luxury residential and contract projects. Marking a return to his roots in designer collaboration, the launch includes a new NYC showroom near the A&D and D&D Buildings, complete with a Custom Design Studio. Featuring rare materials and sustainable innovations, the line affirms Soleimani’s commitment to craftsmanship, customization, and the design community.
Brava Roof Tile
Brava Roof Tile has named Jeremy Goldschmeding as its new chief commercial officer, signaling a strategic push toward commercial alignment and growth. Goldschmeding, formerly of SRS Distribution, brings deep experience in finance, operations, and distribution to his new role. As CCO, he’ll oversee sales, marketing, and business development, driving brand amplification and channel strategy as Brava continues to scale its premium, sustainable synthetic roofing solutions across residential and commercial markets.
Unika Vaev
Unika Vaev has promoted Rick Goodrow to chief information officer. With over 20 years in IT, Goodrow has been key in streamlining operations and enhancing internal systems through business intelligence and analytics. His software development expertise ensures smart investment in vendor technologies. As CIO, he will continue to drive innovation and support Unika Vaev’s mission to deliver advanced acoustic solutions, ensuring the firm’s technology remains aligned with strategic goals.
Studio Shayne Brady
Shayne Brady has launched a new firm: Studio Shayne Brady, an interior design studio known for emotionally resonant, story-driven spaces. Merging historical elegance with modern sensibility, his designs—whether for hospitality or residential settings—evoke memory, warmth, and timelessness. Influenced by art, fashion, and architecture, Shayne approaches each project with deep collaboration, humility, and a meticulous attention to detail, crafting interiors that feel enduring and transformative. His work prioritizes beauty with soul, always designed to last.
Arper
Arper has appointed Enrico Colzani as chief executive officer of the Americas, effective May 5, 2025. Colzani brings over 25 years of experience in global design, including senior roles at Knoll and MillerKnoll. Based in New York, he will lead Arper’s continued growth in the region, advancing its Project of Living initiative and sustainability goals. He aims to deepen partnerships with architects, designers, and dealers across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.
Journey
Journey has appointed Michael Stein as chief technology officer. Stein brings over 30 years of experience spanning visual effects, gaming, animation, and immersive tech. He previously held leadership roles at Walt Disney Imagineering, Pixar, and Framestore. At Journey, the studio behind Sphere Las Vegas, Stein will lead digital twin technology development for real estate and entertainment clients. He joins the firm during a pivotal era of innovation in AI and immersive design platforms.
Wolf-Gordon
Wolf-Gordon has named Chase Taylor as its new design director, effective May 20, 2025. Based in New York City, Taylor brings extensive experience in contract and residential textile design, including past roles at Carnegie and Pollack. She will lead wallcovering and textile design at the firm, merging material science with artistic vision. Taylor holds an MFA from RISD and a design management certificate from Parsons Paris. She will work from Wolf-Gordon’s Manhattan HQ.
Henricksen
Henricksen has appointed Gosia Humes as general manager of its Washington D.C. office, bringing more than 30 years of industry experience. Formerly SVP at Price Modern and VP at burkeMICHAEL+, Humes also led a successful dealership earlier in her career. She will oversee regional growth, client relations, and team leadership. Known for her strategic, relationship-driven approach, Humes officially joined Henricksen in May 2025, reinforcing the brand’s expansion in the Mid-Atlantic market.
EDG
EDG has named Erin Juhl as design director in its Singapore studio, where she’ll lead experience-driven luxury hospitality design. Originally from the U.S., Juhl brings extensive regional expertise from projects across Asia for clients like Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-La, and IHG. A graduate of SVA and Chelsea College of Art & Design, she blends brand storytelling with strategic execution. Her leadership arrives as EDG prepares for several major 2025 project unveilings.
EDG has also appointed Oliver Corrin as creative director of strategy and branding in its Singapore office. Corrin brings global experience in hospitality branding, having worked with Oberoi, Marriott, and Banyan Tree, and previously led Asia operations at CADA Design and served as Global Head of Interior Design at Latitude in Dubai. Now based in Singapore, Corrin will oversee brand strategy and guest experience design across major F&B and hospitality projects in Asia and beyond, starting April 2025.
S. Tipton Studio
Austin-based interior design firm S. Tipton Studio has opened a new office in Raleigh, North Carolina, marking its first East Coast location. Known for workplace, healthcare, and industrial interiors, the award-winning studio brings its full-service approach to the fast-growing Research Triangle region. The Raleigh office will support local projects and national clients like Marvell Technology, while expanding into higher education design. The move positions the firm for continued growth amid the area’s economic and development boom.
ODA
ODA has welcomed Alvaro Garcia Resta as its new Urban Design Advisor. The former Secretary of Urban Development for Buenos Aires, Garcia Resta brings over a decade of experience leading transformative public space initiatives across the city. His appointment reflects ODA’s deepening commitment to community-driven design and global urban dialogue. Garcia Resta’s insights will help shape ODA’s evolving urban strategies, including projects like OLA Palermo, focused on inclusive, sustainable city-making.
IA Interior Architects
IA Interior Architects has named Naoko Oguro as design director of its New York studio. With over 20 years of experience in workplace design, Oguro brings a portfolio spanning corporate headquarters, healthcare, and government projects. She previously led award-winning work for clients like Bank of America, Estee Lauder, and Columbia Presbyterian. In her new role, Oguro will guide design innovation, client relationships, and mentorship, helping drive IA’s next chapter of growth in commercial interiors.
STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN
STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN has appointed Kathryn Kerns as director of global sales to lead its expanding international sales team. Based in the Tribeca flagship, Kerns brings extensive sales and business development experience from roles at Interior Design Magazine, Metropolis Magazine, Ode à la Rose, and Material Bank. She holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BA from the University of Michigan. Kerns will oversee sales operations across locations in New York, London, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, Hong Kong, and Dubai.
WATG/Wimberly Interiors
WATG and Wimberly Interiors have appointed Molly O’Keefe as associate principal and senior director of client services. Based in Chicago, O’Keefe will lead strategic growth and client engagement across the Americas. With a global background spanning North and South America, the Caribbean, and Asia-Pacific, she brings deep expertise in hospitality design and brand strategy. Her role will focus on aligning creative, design-led solutions with client business goals across lifestyle and luxury segments.
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