EL Questionnaire 2021

Name: Maureen Lyne
Company: Gensler
Concentration: Workplace (Tech and Consumer Sectors)
College/University: Endicott College
Year(s) of Graduation: 2011 and 2014

What is your strongest personal quality?: My sense of humor 
What is your strongest professional skillset?: I never stop asking questions. There is always something new to learn, from anyone or about anything. I want to know it all!
Why did you choose to become an Interior Designer?: I have always been drawn to designing, creating and building. Becoming an interior designer was a way for me to do something I love for a living.
How would you describe your personal style?: Mid-century hygge. 
What three things do you most geek out on?: Dogs (of all breeds, ages and levels of floofness), any kind of fiber craft, This Old House 
What are you looking forward to as an IIDA Emerging Leader?: IIDA NE is one giant support system for its industry members and I'm looking forward to expanding my own personal system even more with the connection I will make through the ELN program.
What has been your go-to for de-stressing this year?: House projects! My husband and I purchased a fixer-upper in 2018 and we have been slowly renovating it. Right now we are finishing our full basement.  
What Advice do you have for designer students graduating?: There is an incredible range of career opportunities in our industry! Be open to any and all of them, not just those that fall into the traditional firm setting.
What is your favorite annual IIDA event?: The Fashion Show (duh!)
How would you explain the difference between a professional Interior Designer vs Interior Decorator to a stranger?: If you’re looking for an aesthetics upgrade, a decorator can be a great option. But when you need full fledged programmatic, functional, infrastructure and construction coordination along with said aesthetic upgrade, having a licensed interior designer on board is critical.