Rebecca Dorris Steiger, Senior Interior Designer and Associate at Gensler, is the new chapter president of the International Interior Design Association New York Chapter (IIDA NY). She succeeds Steven South, a Senior Interior Designer and Associate at Perkins+Will.
The appointment comes as the organization celebrates 20 years and this year, the focus for the organization will be on “mentorship at all levels.”
Rebecca Dorris Steiger
"I am personally looking forward to an exciting year for IIDA NY as we work towards a holistic approach to mentorship at all levels," said Steiger. "I want to empower all of our committees to have the creativity, drive, and autonomy to take this intent and develop programs focused on meeting this goal."
Steiger plans to develop programs for ‘established designers’ with 8-15 years of experience to help them continue to grow as professionals, and as leaders within their own firms and community.
“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,” she said.
IIDA saw in Steiger a strong leader who can represent the organization well, and who is able to move the organization forward, according to 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.”
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 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,” she said. “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.”
As the IIDA New York Chapter prepares to enter its anniversary year, Steiger looks forward to empowering all members to have the creativity, drive, and autonomy to bring the chapter to the next level.
