LEAD Class of 2020

Liz Kaminoh, IIDA
Sasaki Associates

Concentration: Interior Design
College/University: Syracuse University

Q: Why did you choose to become an Interior Designer?
A: I loved to paint, sculpt and play with textiles when I was young – being able to create a space in a real environment using all of those senses excited me as I explored different majors in college.

Q: What is one piece of advice you wish you could have given yourself when you were just beginning your career?
A: Find a mentor, talk to as many people in this profession as possible and explore different design styles.

Q: What is the most important skill you have honed over the years?
A: Understanding details and how materials come together. Reaching out to experts in our industry to explore different solutions.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish as part of the IIDA LEAD program?
A: Better my communication skills with my team and help motivate others to work together. As someone who’s primary language was not English growing up, this is an eye opening experience on how to better communicate within a team and mentor younger designers.