IA Interior Architects is pleased to once again recognize the firm’s exceptional talent with its annual IAct Awards program. In 2021, as in years past, IAers continued to raise the bar for our standards of excellence, even in the face of continued disruption to our industry. Culture and connection are the bedrock of IA, and this peer-nominated award program’s categories of Leadership, Innovation, Service, and Rising Star reflect that. This year, the firm added a new category, Dream Team, which recognizes the best talent of a group collaborating and innovating across IA.
The 2021 IAct Award for Leadership went to Kristin Kreppner, a Senior Project Manager and Senior Associate in the firm’s Atlanta studio. Kristin has accomplished much during her two-year tenure with the firm, playing a critical role in the continued growth of our Atlanta portfolio. A flexible, creative leader, Kristin is noted for thinking fifty steps ahead and finding smart solutions to project challenges. She’s a gifted mentor who leads by supporting others, both internally and externally. Kristin is currently serving as President of IIDA’s Atlanta chapter and has been an active leader in the organization for a number of years.
“Kristin is a dedicated and passionate professional that thrives to bring her best in all situations. She invests in her teams and our clients with unwavering focus and service to lead all projects to success. Kristin excels in connectivity not only for the Atlanta studio but across the firm, always with comradery and excellence in mind. She is constantly game for any task and works tirelessly to provide additional strategy and leadership to our team. I am thrilled that her strengths are being recognized with this honor – it is incredibly well deserved.”- Jodi Borges-Bradley, Principal, Managing Director of IA’s Atlanta office.
The 2021 IAct Award for Service was presented to Sharon Thayer, Principal and Senior Finance Director, based in the DC office. Sharon has been with IA for 25 years and is the embodiment of dedication and steadfast service. Nominated by a record number of individuals from across the firm for this award, Sharon is a critical, foundational member of the finance team. She is known not only for her talent and professionalism, but also her kindness and mentorship, always willing to lend a hand to help and an ear to listen. One nominator called her a “lifeline, always with the best interests at heart” and this rings true firmwide; Sharon is an indispensable part of the firm, touching every single practice area of the firm and providing support for all.
“Sharon is a perfect example of the IA commitment to service and I am absolutely thrilled that she is being recognized with this IAct award. She is tireless in her pursuit of getting things done whether it’s for the Managing Directors and their Studios, or across Finance and the Corporate teams. Sharon is always ready to pitch in and solve problems, and is often an influencer of new and different solutions. Her twenty-five years of service to IA speaks volumes and she makes all of us better by being part of the firm.” – Pete Dyke, Managing Principal, Chief Financial Officer.
The 2021IAct Award for Innovation was presented to Christopher Conner, a Senior Project Architect and Senior Associate, in the firm’s DC studio. Christopher, who is approaching his five year IA anniversary, is well-known across the firm for his drive to innovate in his project work. During his time with IA, he has contributed numerous and innovative enhancements to project designs, repeatedly documented complex details, and is constantly overcoming challenging code constraints. Christopher is a multi-faceted, creative problem solver who juggles, all with a good sense of humor under pressure.
“Chris is such an inspiring force within the DC studio, and brings a great positive presence firmwide. He is an innovative and creative problem solver drawing on his strong technical skills and design sense. Chris is also a strong role model and champion of our DC Studio TAG (technical advisory group) and RAG (Revit advisory group) efforts, both in addition to his significant project workload. He is a go-to resource within the studio and can always be counted on to put an innovative spin on his project work,” – Laura Vierling, Managing Principal, Managing Director of IA’s DC office.
The 2021 IAct Rising Star Award was presented to Gerry Triyadi, an Intermediate Designer based in the firm’s Dublin studio. Gerry is known for his willingness to jump into any scenario, regardless of how challenging, with an open mind and steady hand. His approach is always constructive and professional, ever willing to collaborate despite some major time zone logistics and with a wisdom beyond his years. His expertise in BIM and CGI visualization has been invaluable not only to the Dublin team, but has led to his participation in some notable, high-profile projects across the firm. He is involved in the profession both during and after work hours, representing the firm in the Interiors Association of Ireland, and constantly seeks to expand his already extensive skillset.
“Gerry joined IA’s Dublin Studio just over two years ago as a Junior Designer, and in that short time has been recognized for his extraordinary talent and future potential by a promotion to Intermediate Designer in 2020. Gerry has been critical to the studio’s success and we would not be where we are today, without him. From the outset, Gerry has taken on challenges and performed well beyond his experience level. He is truly a Rising Star and has a wonderful future ahead of him as a talented designer,” – Cornelia Murphy, Principal, Managing Director of IA’s Dublin studio.
Last but not least, the 2021 IAct Dream Team Award was presented to Houston’s Landlord team, which is made up of seven members of IA’s Houston office: Megan Funni, Lorell Santiago, Elyse Masek, Caroline Smith, Anna Klappenbach, Rick Hasner, and Cindy Bang. This tight-knit team has consistently worked closely on a range of challenging requests, juggling multiple accounts, clients, buildings, and projects with a steady hand and calm demeanor. No ask was too big for this team, whose multi-faceted members went above and beyond in service of our clients.
“This team of seven rockstars is hands-down remarkable! Multitaskers that band together with friendly banter, who always step in when needed to help a teammate. and never leave one teammate alone to complete a deadline. A well-oiled machine managing over 7 million square feet representing the most notable landlords in the market, their can-do attitude, prompt response time, and work ethic keeps the client coming back for more and more. This talented group is so deserving of the first ever ‘Dream Team’ award, and we appreciate all they do! They are major contributors to the success of our Houston studio, watch out world -here they come!” – Michelle Atkinson, Principal, Managing Director of IA’s Houston office.
“We’re thrilled to congratulate the 2021 IAct Award Winners, all of whom have made significant contributions to our firm’s culture and the profession at large. We are so happy to have this passionate, multi-faceted group of professionals at IA and look forward to seeing what they continue to accomplish.” – Tom Powers and David Bourke, IA’s co-CEOs/Presidents
The awards were presented on Wednesday, November 10th during a live-streamed global event.