LEAD Questionnaire 2022

Name: Glenda Lopez
Company: Isgenuity
Concentration: Healthcare and Higher Education Architecture
Title/Role: Senior Interior Designer – Senior Associate
Years in the industry: 23+

What is a fact that may surprise people about you?: I am a sincere and truthful person. I have excellent design sense and attitude to make the team finally get the best result. Communication with others is outstanding, and commitment to the task makes the team achieve its goal.
What past project of yours holds the most meaning to you and why?: All the projects I have the opportunity to work on are meaningful to me, but the FIU Parkview II- Housing project in Miami is one of the ones closest to my heart. This project was a challenge because of the location surrounded by wetlands. The building must be very narrow to fit on the site, so it is a transparent building filled with color spaces like in pebble forms just like on the exterior. Using gradation of color within the colors of the university gave us the opportunity for wayfinding, also to highlight essential spaces within the interior of the building. This building is still in construction; I can’t wait to see the final pictures.

Name a favorite space or experience you wish you had designed?: The Google offices. Incredible interiors filled with color and spectacular multi experiences.

How would you describe your leadership style in 3 words?: Enthusiastic, friendly, and respectful.
What advice would you give to this year's class of emerging leaders?: This is an amazing experience that makes you learn how to be a leader and learn about yourself. Take advantage of this opportunity that is unique, I haven’t seen another program that is so integral as this one, and finally, enjoy!
Recall a moment you felt the most empowered as a professional Interior Designer?: When I had to give a presentation to Children’s Hospital and the client was even more excited than us. It makes me think that I am doing the right thing and moving in the right direction.
Do you have a "design mantra" or saying you find yourself repeating?: "The challenge is to always find the right balance between Architecture and Interior Design. However, space should not just be pleasing to the eye – it should fulfill its purpose and satisfy the needs of the users. The best spaces are the product of a marriage between Architecture and Interior Design."  
What makes a project successful for you?: The one that balances Interior and exterior in a very smooth way and the client is very happy living in it!
How has IIDA helped you the most in your career?: The IIDA is giving me the tools to use every day in my professional life, it gave me inspiration for all the talent I see in people, the knowledge of how to get the best from the people that work together with me by learning from them and also being an inspiration to them as well.
How would you explain the difference between a professional Interior Designer vs Interior Decorator to a stranger?: I have found myself explaining this many times before and I always said, Interior decorator finds elements that will make the space looks beautiful to the eye by asking the client what they would like to see, the interior designer makes that space functional and beautiful listening to what the space itself needs and making these elements reach the goal.