On The Move: October Design Industry News

Explore the most recent industry promotions, new hires, and company news in Interior Design’s latest edition of On the Move.

Perkins&Will

Perkins&Will has appointed Juan Rovalo as its first firmwide ecologist, starting in 2024. Rovalo, a biomimicry expert, brings over 20 years of experience and has worked with companies like Jacobs, PG&E, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He previously founded Environmental Operations Workshop and taught at the University of Iberoamericana.

Juan Rovalo, ecologist, Perkins&Will. Photography courtesy of Perkins&Will.

They have also welcomed AIA Fellow Matthew Krissel to its Philadelphia studio. Krissel, an internationally recognized architect with extensive experience in higher education and institutional projects, will enhance the firm’s Philadelphia presence. With a background in architecture, urban planning, and research, Krissel will help lead projects and expand the firm’s impact across the region. His work spans notable projects like New York University’s Paulson Center and Carnegie Mellon University’s Scaife Hall.

Matthew Krissel, principal, Perkins&Will. Photography courtesy of Perkins&Will.

HYL, a woman-owned boutique interior architecture and workplace strategy firm, has merged with Perkins&Will, uniting their shared values of material health, well-being, diversity, and design excellence. This merger expands HYL’s reach while enhancing Perkins&Will’s interiors practice. HYL’s founder Catherine Heath will lead workplace strategy for Perkins&Will’s Northeast region.

Jamie Stern Carpet, Leather, and Fabric

Jamie Stern Furniture, Carpet, Leather & Fabric has announced two new additions to its sales team. Heather Wollitz, based in Chicago, will cover Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, bringing extensive experience with architectural products in the design industry. Pierce Brinker, formerly in the sample fulfillment department, has been promoted to the sales team and will serve the New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut markets, offering strong product knowledge and enthusiasm.

Moss and Lam

Toronto-based art studio Moss and Lam, founded in 1987, is expanding into furniture design. Led by creative director Deborah Moss, the studio aims to merge aesthetics with functionality. Collaborating with artisans and manufacturers like Nienkamper and Holly Hunt, Moss and Lam is creating unique, artistic furniture pieces that evoke emotion and innovation.

Deborah Moss, creative director, Moss and Lam.

Buster + Punch

Buster + Punch has appointed Heath Houston as Vice President of Sales for North America, furthering the brand’s growth in the region. Houston, formerly with ARTERIORS HOME, will lead the expansion of Buster + Punch’s lighting, hardware, and architecture trade channels. Based in Dallas, he aims to enhance the brand’s presence and operational resources across North America.

Salon Art + Design

The 13th edition of Salon Art + Design will take place in New York City from November 7-11, 2024, under new Executive Director Nicky Dessources. Featuring nearly 50 exhibitors, the fair introduces an Art & Design Advisory Council, including top designers and advisors, to enhance collaboration and innovation in the industry.

Lingrove

Lingrove has appointed Sherri Simko as Sales Director to expand the sales network for its ekoa® plant-based wall protection, veneers, and panels. Simko, with over 20 years of experience, will also develop national accounts. She brings a passion for sustainable design, aligning with Lingrove’s mission to replace carbon-intensive materials with eco-friendly solutions.

Sherri Simko, Sales Director, Lingrove. Photography courtesy of Lingrove.

Pfluger Architects

Pfluger Architects has appointed Lauren Paver as Chief Operating Officer (COO). With over 15 years of experience, Paver will lead operational strategies across the firm’s five Texas locations and 130 employees, aligning with CEO Terry Hoyle’s vision of creating engaging learning environments. Paver brings expertise in business performance, talent development, and scaling operations, along with a passion for education and human-centered design. She succeeds Mark Lam, who is retiring after 10 years as COO.

Dana Gers, Chief Marketing Officer, Lumens. Photography courtesy of Lumens.

Lumens

Lumens, a leading luxury home design retailer, has appointed Dana Gers as Chief Marketing Officer, reporting to CEO Laura Walsh. Gers brings extensive experience from luxury fashion and retail brands like Net-A-Porter, Jimmy Choo, and Ferragamo. She will oversee e-commerce and marketing as Lumens expands its North American presence, focusing on brand strategy, customer acquisition, and retention.

Kravet

Kravet, a luxury design brand with over 100 years of history, has appointed Suzanne Cohen as Chief Marketing Officer. Cohen is leading a new marketing strategy focused on human-centric storytelling, demonstrated by the recent “La Menagerie” campaign for Brunschwig & Fils. The campaign emphasizes authentic, lived-in luxury, yielding over 400k digital impressions and significant social media growth.

Blu Dot

Blu Dot has appointed Sam Grawe as Chief Creative Officer as of September 2024. Grawe, formerly of Herman Miller and Dwell Magazine, will oversee Blu Dot’s creative strategy alongside CEO John Christakos. With a strong background in design and branding, Grawe aims to further position Blu Dot as a leader in modern, accessible design.

Sam Grawe, Chief Creative Officer, Blu Dot. Photography courtesy of Blu Dot.

TPG Architecture

TPG Architecture has promoted Christina Faley to Retail Studio Director. Since joining in 2016, Faley has become a key asset, contributing to major international retail, hospitality, and workplace projects. Her promotion reflects the firm’s commitment to nurturing talent. In her new role, she will oversee retail projects, emphasizing the creation of experiential, holistic brand environments that elevate client service and design standards.

Lee Fletcher, Vice President of Product Design, Three H Furniture. Photography courtesy of Three H Furniture.

Three H Furniture

Three H Furniture has promoted Lee Fletcher to Vice President of Product Design. Since joining as Design Director in January 2024, Fletcher has driven innovation and product development, launching acclaimed lines like the Kynde Conference Tables and Hudson Private Office Collection. His promotion reflects his transformative impact on the company’s design vision and commitment to creating sustainable, empowering workspace solutions.

KTGY

KTGY has acquired Dallas-based GDA Architects, enhancing its residential high-rise capabilities and expanding its presence in Texas. The acquisition brings GDA’s expertise in high-rise residential, hospitality, and industrial design to KTGY’s national network. This move aligns with KTGY’s growth strategy and commitment to innovative design. GDA’s founder, Charles Gromatzky, will assist with the integration, while KTGY gains its seventh office location, strengthening collaboration across 400 team members.

Almo

Almo Corporation has appointed Maggie Kassebaum as Senior Vice President of its Premium Appliances division. With nearly 25 years of experience in consumer home appliances and retail finance, Kassebaum will oversee strategy, sales, and business development for the division. Her expertise in product management and digital transformation will drive growth for Almo’s professional-grade luxury home appliance brands.

Maggie Kassebaum, Senior Vice President, Premium Appliances, Almo Corporation. Photography courtesy of Almo Corporation.

Tarkett

Tarkett has appointed Winn Everhart as President and CEO of Tarkett North America, succeeding Eric Daliere, who led the company’s turnaround since 2020. Everhart, with over 20 years of leadership experience at Whirlpool and Coca-Cola, will continue driving growth. Additionally, Eddy Schmitt, formerly with Steelcase, joins as President and CEO of Tarkett Sports. CEO Fabrice Barthélemy praised both new leaders and thanked Daliere for his 15 years of outstanding contribution to Tarkett.

Kenmark Interiors

Kenmark Interiors, a leading distributor and installer of interior architectural products, has acquired Lancaster & Associates, a custom drapery manufacturer. This strategic move expands Kenmark’s offerings to include luxury drapery, enhancing its full-service capabilities in commercial and residential installations. The acquisition also includes Lancaster’s subsidiary, J.L. Anthony, known for custom drapery hardware, further broadening Kenmark’s product range.

Tihany Design

Tihany Design has announced the transfer of ownership to partner Alessia Genova, effective March 16, 2024. Genova, who has been with the firm since 2007 and became its first-ever partner in 2020, now leads the renowned luxury hospitality design studio. Founder Adam D. Tihany will remain as a consultant. Genova will direct new projects and focus on team development, client engagement, and design innovation.

Luca Giaramidaro, Senior Planner and Vice President, San Francisco, Multistudio. Photography courtesy of Multistudio.

Multistudio

Multistudio has appointed Luca Giaramidaro as Senior Planner and Vice President at its San Francisco office. With over 15 years of experience in architecture and urban design, Giaramidaro, formerly of Perkins&Will, specializes in mixed-use development, urban regeneration, and sustainable mobility solutions. He brings a community-driven design approach, fostering equitable outcomes for sustainable and inclusive urban environments. Giaramidaro holds a Doctorate in Sustainable Design from Sapienza University of Rome.

Välinge Innovation

Jim Cook has been appointed Business Development Manager for Välinge Innovation North America. With over 20 years of flooring industry experience, he will focus on educating stakeholders about the brand’s advanced flooring technologies.

Jim Cook, Business Development Manager, Välinge Innovation North America. Photography courtesy of Välinge Innovation North America.

UpSpring PR

UpSpring has appointed Christiana Forsberg as Senior Communications Director, bringing 10 years of PR and hospitality experience. Forsberg will drive client strategy and support the agency’s expansion into new sectors. Previously with H2 Public Relations, she developed brand messaging and opened a new Denver office. Forsberg will also mentor staff and foster creative innovation.

bde&co.

bde&co. has announced two new hires: Lena Loveless as Digital Marketing Manager and Kelly Beall as Senior Account Manager. Loveless brings expertise in creative strategy and brand development, while Beall, with over a decade in design editorial, joins from Design Milk. Both hires strengthen bde&co.’s growing, design-focused team.

ASI Group

ASI Group, a global leader in commercial washroom products, has acquired Marsh Industries, a manufacturer of markerboards and visual display products, effective August 1, 2024. Marsh Industries, established in 1914, will operate independently under ASI Group. The acquisition strengthens ASI’s visual display product offerings and manufacturing capabilities, aligning with their growth strategy and commitment to quality and customer service.

Christin Weaver, President, IIDA New York. Photography courtesy of IIDA New York.

IIDA NY

Christin Weaver has been inaugurated as President of the IIDA New York Chapter for 2024-2025. A Senior Interior Designer at Ted Moudis Associates, Weaver aims to support emerging professionals, enhance member engagement, and oversee a website redesign. Succeeding Alexandria Davis, she brings nearly two decades of experience and will collaborate with President-Elect Elisabeth Mejia to further the chapter’s mission of promoting design excellence.

//3877

Multidisciplinary firm //3877 has welcomed two new interior designers, Sam Painter and Kelsey Wylie, to its Washington, D.C. team. These hires are part of the firm’s ongoing growth and commitment to fostering young talent. Both designers will collaborate closely with the senior team, contributing to //3877’s expanding portfolio, particularly in hospitality design projects.

Hord Coplan Macht

Hord Coplan Macht (HCM), an award-winning architecture and design firm, has expanded with new offices in Charleston, SC, and Durham, NC, to support growth across all market sectors. CEO Tim Barnhill highlights the firm’s commitment to serving these vibrant markets, contributing to Charleston’s historic and modern landscape, and supporting Durham’s technological and academic growth. These expansions strengthen HCM’s presence in the Carolinas and the Southeast region.

BHDM

BHDM Design has promoted Stephanie Metzger, Sheila Cahill, and John Doyle to senior directorial positions to support its growth in hospitality, residential, and commercial sectors. Metzger is now Senior Director of Concept and Experience, Cahill is Senior Director of Design and Development, and Doyle serves as Director of Design and Development. Their promotions reflect their leadership and significant contributions to the firm’s award-winning projects and ongoing expansion.

Merriman Anderson Architects

Merriman Anderson Architects (MAA) has appointed Quincy Haynes as Director of Business Development. Haynes brings a strong background in advertising sales, surpassing targets and building client relationships. In her new role, she will lead efforts to expand MAA’s industry presence, develop client partnerships, and contribute to strategic planning. Her creativity and client-focused approach will drive continued success for the firm.

Quincy Haynes, Director of Business Development, Merriman Anderson Architects. Photography courtesy of Merriman Anderson Architects.