IIDA NY Career Night 2025
CAREER NIGHT 2025 WAS A CELEBRATION OF CONNECTION
IIDA NY Career Night 2025 was more than just an event. It was a celebration of connection, mentorship, and the future of design held at the beautiful Allsteel showroom in NYC. The evening brought together over 200 architects, interior designers, and emerging professionals. Ultimately, Career Night 2025 was a vibrant night of career development and industry support.
“Seeing so many professionals show up to offer their time and insight proves how committed our design community is to nurturing the next generation.”
KICKING OFF WITH INSPIRATION
The night opened with a heartfelt keynote by industry legend Mavis Wiggins, Managing Executive / Studio Creative Director at TPG Architecture. Mavis shared personal insights from her career. Moreover, she highlighted the importance of seeking mentorship, maintaining integrity, and staying open to inspiration. Mavis also fondly recalled discovering Robin Reigi materials while designing the HBO headquarters. A reminder that great design is built on strong, lasting impressions.
POWERFUL PORTFOLIO REVIEWS FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS
At the heart of Career Night 2025 were the portfolio reviews. Over 43 design professionals from leading firms like Rockwell Group, Roman & Williams, Perkins Eastman, and HKS dedicated their time to mentor the next generation. More than 150 students and early-career designers had the opportunity to participate. They connected with experts from a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, hospitality, and commercial interiors. Many of the firms returned after last year’s success, eager to discover tomorrow’s top talent.
NETWORKING FOR INTROVERTS—YES, REALLY
This year also featured a standout workshop, “Networking and Personal Branding for Introverts,” by Susan Fernandez of UpSpring. The workshop met students where they were, offering tools to confidently navigate professional relationships. Attendees floated between portfolio reviews and the workshop, building skills that extend beyond the design studio.
HEADSHOTS FOR EMERGING PROFESSIONALS
Students also had a chance to step into the spotlight to take a professional headshot. Thanks to the onsite studio.
“This event is about opening doors. We wanted to create a high-energy, high-impact space where emerging professionals feel seen, supported, and inspired. ”
MULTIPLE SCHOLARSHIPS WERE AWARDED
At the IIDA NY Career Night 2025, multiple rising stars were recognized with several scholarship opportunities:
Hazel Siegel Scholarship, sponsored by Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering, was awarded to three deserving students.
The Design Camp Scholarship supported five high school seniors as they began their design school journeys.
LOOKING FOR OUR NEXT INDUSTRY SPOKESPEOPLE
A ByDesign TV Presenter Contest crowned two winners—Joseph Olivieri and Morgan Jourdin. They will represent IIDA NY on screen in the next season of America ByDesign.
“Congratulations to the winners of the Hazel Siegel Scholarship, the Design Camp Scholarship, and to the new reps for the ByDesign TV Presenter Contest”
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
Special thanks to our incredible Student and Professional Development Committees, our generous sponsor Allsteel, and every design leader who gave their time. Events like IIDA NY Career Night 2025 make a lasting impact on emerging professionals—and we’re honored to be part of it.
📸 Event Photography by Ximena Hoyos, LEED AP ID+C
