05.25.15

Interview with Susanne Molina

Some designers mark their professional milestones with dinner and champagne. Low keyed Klawiter Director, Susanne Molina FIIDA, CID, LEED AP, marked hers by being elected to the IIDA College of Fellows.

Susanne has been actively pursuing the interests of our industry for decades, serving on the IBD Board, chairing the AIA Interiors Committee, the Interior Design Coalition of California Board and the IIDA SoCal Chapter Board with leadership positions ranging from VP Government & Regulatory Affairs to Vice President and President.

Her passion for advocacy has kept her engaged. She has served on the IIDA International Board of Directors as Vice President since 2011, focusing on Advocacy and will continue as an advisor when she steps down this July.

Earlier this year, it was suggested that Susanne apply to the IIDA College of Fellows. The nominating committee evaluates nominees for a Fellowship based on their accomplishments in one of several categories, including Advocacy. Susanne developed her impressive resume of advocacy service, and was elected by the nominating committee. Susanne will be officially inducted with 3 other industry giants: Julio Braga, Stanford Hughes, and Joey Shimoda at this year’s IIDA Annual Meeting to be held the Sunday before Neocon in Chicago.

Susanne said she is “honored and appreciates the recognition of her efforts over her career to get people engaged and advocate for their profession”. The legislative process takes years to see big changes, but Susanne doesn’t despair. She sees advancement and changes in the conversation across the country as well as an increased understanding by legislators. Coalition partners value the IIDA effort at generating legislation that reflects the scope of interior design within the code-regulated environment, including stamp and seal privileges for this prescribed scope. The road is rough, the job is important and the results of her efforts will benefit colleagues and clients for generations to come.

Susan Steinlauf, Industry IIDA
United Interiors