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The Florida State University Department of Interior Architecture & Design celebrated its 5th annual alumni awards in style, during its 50th Anniversary Celebration on March 2.   

Department Advisory Council Chair Michael Fornaro, Ph. D., and Vice Chair Seka Collins (BS 2004) presented the 2024 Emerging Alumni Award to Taneshia West-Albert (MFA 2010), associate professor at Auburn University in Alabama, and the 2024 Distinguished Service Award to Lisa League (MS 2005), founder of QPractice. 

Since launching in 2020, the Department’s Alumni Awards have recognized 15 graduates for their contributions to the design industry and design education at FSU.

Nominate a worthy graduate today.

“The Department recognizes that the success of our alumni helps build and enhance the reputation of this amazing program. Those recognized serve as shining examples for our students.” 

– Jim Dawkins, Chair 

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League and West-Albert joined 2023 Distinguished Alumni Winner Dionne Jefferson (BS 1998) at the beginning of this special Alumni Reunion Weekend for a student-focused Professional Panel, moderated by Assistant Professor Kelley Robinson. The panel prepped students for the afternoon’s Career & Internship Fair, at which 25 firms were present. 

In addition to sharing their FSU stories, the alumni shared advice on interviewing, branding, and how to approach challenges and opportunities in the workplace. 

“Meeting these accomplished professionals helped our students envision different paths for themselves. They walked out of the panel more confident and ready to interview. I couldn’t be more appreciative of their time and insights.” – Kelley Robinson, Assistant Professor 

Lisa League and QPractice also hosted a live NCIDQ workshop from FSU’s William Johnston Building, focused on the IDFX Interior Design Fundamentals Exam.  

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About the 2024 Alumni Award Winners 

2024 Emerging Alumni Award Winner 

Taneshia West-Albert (MFA 2010) 

West-Albert earned her MFA in interior design at FSU in 2010, after which she focused on design for healthcare environments, corporate interiors, and higher education spaces with a unique background in medical equipment planning and facilities design and construction. In 2016, she transitioned to academia, first at Illinois State University and then to her current home at Auburn University where she was just promoted to associate professor. 

West Albert serves on the board of Interior Design Educators Council Foundation and was recognized by IDEC in 2021 for service and with a Presidential Award. In 2023, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) recognized her as Educator of the Year.  

2024 Distinguished Service Award 

Lisa League (MS 2005) 

Lisa League obtained her master’s degree from FSU in 2005 and moved to Orlando where her work focused on luxury hotel design. In 2010, she took the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Exam (NCIDQ) and dreamed of a program to help break the mountain of study material into easy-to-learn chunks that could fit into busy schedules of designers like her.  

League founded QPractice in 2012 to help designers pass the test…the first time. Through QPractice, she offers practice tests, daily lessons, study groups and more.  Since its founding, the company has helped thousands of designers.  

By: Rory Donohue

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For more than 30 years, the Interior Design Student Organization (IDSO) at Florida State University has been helping Interior Architecture and Design students develop their skills, build their portfolios and connect with other professionals in the industry through organizations such as the American Society of Interior Designers and the International Interior Design Association.  

Under the leadership of co-presidents Jaymie Kennedy and Ciara Iglesias, both undergraduate seniors majoring in Interior Architecture and Design, the organization promotes students’ work and fosters growth within the Department of Interior Architecture & Design at FSU.  

 In the Fall 2023 semester alone, the group hosted various social, networking, and workshopping events, took a tour of the Old Willis Dairy Farm in Tallahassee and took a group trip to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Spring House.  

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“They do all this while envisioning fun and creative activities that support their peers,” said faculty advisor Kelley Robinson. “I am so proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing how their leadership experience in this role will unfold in their futures as interior design professionals.”  

“Making connections with local landowners and being able to learn their personal history is really special and something we hope to continue,” said Kennedy. 

The site visits and events planned by IDSO have a real impact for the students. By visiting one of the iconic architects works in person and through conversations with President of Spring House Institute Byrd Lewis Mashburn, students were able to better understand Wright’s design process. 

IDSO’s leadership prides itself on helping students build their professional portfolios and offering mentorship and creating a strong community among the department’s students. To Kennedy and Iglesias, building that community is the most important part of IDSO’s mission. They offer “student spotlights” on the organization’s Instagram account (@fsu_idso) to highlight their work to a larger platform and expose them to potential clients and employers. They also host headshot photography events, portfolio workshops, and more. 

“IDSO has provided an environment where I am surrounded by hard-working peers and knowledgeable faculty who are genuinely invested in my success,” said Iglesias, who recently acquired an internship with Atlanta-based Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry. “It has been an indispensable resource in facilitating my professional growth.”  

“IDSO expands my confidence and leadership skills not only in the classroom, but in the workforce,” said Kennedy, who credits the organization with helping her succeed in her recent internship. 

This semester, IDSO plans to get a first-hand look at the development of a local design firm’s project. They are also hosting their annual prep events with FSU’s Career Center to help get students prepared for the career fair this March.  

Updates about membership and events can be found on the organization’s Instagram at  @fsu_idso.  

FSU IDSO Board: 

ASID VP: Hanna Watson (Junior) 

IIDA VP: Sarah Tavares (Junior) 

Secretary: Grayson Avriett (Senior) 

Treasurer: Caroline Serrahn (Senior) 

Social Media Chair: Morgan Kolb (Senior) 

Historian: Gabriela De Vasconcellos (Junior)