Maria VanDeman, NCIDQ, Ind IIDA

Director of Design Strategy

OFS

Maria VanDeman, NCIDQ, Ind. IIDA, is an accomplished design strategist, interior designer, sales manager, writer, and advocate for equity in the workplace. With over 15 years in the commercial design industry and as the Director of Design Strategy for OFS, Maria's mission is to support people and cultivate inspiring environments where they work. As a thought leader and columnist for Office Insight magazine, she champions the intersection of design, the workplace, and human experience. Maria previously practiced interior design at several international architecture and design firms and holds a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Purdue University.

Maria leads OFS’s DEI committee and serves on various design industry equity councils. Her published children's book, Design Your World, aims to raise awareness of the profession and foster greater diversity in design. Recognized for her dedication to social advocacy and mentorship, she
received the HiP Leadership Award from Interior Design Magazine in 2022. A dynamic presenter, speaker, and writer, with a passion for people and design, Maria strives to make a positive impact on the world through her work.

Sarah McGarry, IIDA

Principal

Clic Design Studio

Sarah McGarry is co-founder and principal of Clic Design Studio, a commercial interior architecture and design studio based in Denver, Colorado. As an NCIDQ certified and award-winning designer with nearly 20 years of experience, Sarah provides expertise in all
aspects of design, strategy, and project management. Passionate about giving back to the design community, Sarah served on the IIDA RMC Board for 9 years including a term as president. Hoping to shape the next generation of designers, Sarah is also Director of the Interior Design program at the University of Colorado Denver. Prior to founding Clic Design Studio, Sarah was the Workplace Sector Lead and Principal with Stantec leading design for a wide range of commercial projects.

Mike Johnson II, IIDA

Associate Principal

Hickok Cole

Mike Johnson II is an Associate Principal, Director of Interiors and Owner at Hickok Cole in Washington, DC. Licensed as both an architect and interior designer, his award-winning designs have focused on providing creative solutions for interior spaces that support health, wellness, culture, and brand. His belief is that design is a thoughtful process through captivating storytelling which creates a unique solution for each client. Mike’s clients include corporate workplace design, trade floor facilities, higher education and building repositioning throughout the country. Mike is on IIDA’s International Board of Directors as a Vice President, a Past President of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter, co-founded the chapters leadership development program for young professionals and was featured in IIDA’s Perspective magazine article “The Instagram Effect.”

Riz Walker, IIDA

Founder

Scala

Riz Walker is a renowned design expert and the visionary founder and design director of Scala, a dynamic design studio based in Los Angeles. Riz established Scala to delve into the intricate connections between various scales of design, emphasizing a robust design strategy grounded in conceptual rigor.

Riz’s journey began with a solid foundation in traditional architecture, evolving through diverse realms including interior design, urban strategy, and design research. This multidisciplinary approach has enabled her to forge a distinctive methodology that transcends conventional interior design, allowing for a more holistic exploration of spatial experiences at a global scale. Central to her projects is an emphasis on custom-designed elements—from bespoke carpets and fabrics to uniquely crafted furniture and light fixtures—each adding rich layers to the overall design narrative.

In addition to her role at Scala, Riz imparts her expertise as an educator at UCLA, where she teaches design strategy and creative thinking, nurturing the next generation of innovative designers. Her global perspective and commitment to pushing the boundaries of design continue to inspire and influence the industry worldwide.