In 2014, David Mourning—IA’s Founder, President, and CEO—decided that, after 32 years at the helm, it was time to transfer his ownership and leadership of the firm. In facilitating this transition, he felt it was vital “for IA to remain IA” and to continue its legacy of entrepreneurialism and independence. IA became an employee-owned firm (ESOP) and longtime managing principals Tom Powers and David Bourke were named executive directors. They were tasked with running the firm and co-chairing an executive committee newly established to provide valuable information and guidance.
As 2017 begins, Mourning has completed this transition and will assume the role of Founder and Independent Member of Board of Directors. He will remain actively involved with IA, and the firm leadership structure will remain as it has been the last three years, with Bourke and Powers now assuming the dual role of Co-President/CEO. Also as part of Bourke’s and Powers’s transition, their roles as managing principals of New York and Chicago respectively will be assumed by Buzz Riley and Julio Braga, co-managing directors/principals of New York and Carolyn Tucker, managing director/principal, Chicago.
The joint President/CEO model perfectly aligns with the firm culture and the collaborative approach to leadership that IA has embraced since its inception. Powers and Bourke will set the overall firm strategy, working closely with the Executive Committee and Management Team across all 19 offices. Bourke’s primary focus will be the firm’s platform while Powers will concentrate on the practice. Together they will lead IA into our next phase, with the goal of continuing our tradition of superior service for our international roster of clients.
Mourning put it best:
“The joy is in the journey and I would like to thank all of you who have been with me on what has been an incredible journey. IA has not—nor will it ever—arrive at its final destination. IA will continue to expand and grow and to provide those who love the profession of interior architecture the opportunity to flourish personally, professionally, and financially. IA is the vehicle to pursue our life’s work. There is no other firm like it in the world. The brand has never been stronger; the original vision will, hopefully, remain forever intact.” —David Mourning, Founder, IA Interior Architects