The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) will induct James Williamson, IIDA, LEED AP, as the Association's International President for the 2012-2013 term on June 10, 2012. Williamson plans to help grow the Association's international presence and enhance its mission. He, along with four new Board Members, will take the Oath of Office at the Association's Annual Meeting at Feinberg Theatre in the Spertus Center. He succeeds Peter Conant, FIIDA, as International President.
Williamson is a practicing Interior Designer and Principal at Gensler in its Washington, DC office. He is a creative and pragmatic workplace strategist who helps clients assess their situations, align them with their mission and provide the translation to create inspiring and highly functional places to work. With 21 years of experience, he is a master at taking a complex process and organizing it into manageable steps, a trait that will help in leading the Association. He recently served as International President-Elect and has served as IIDA Mid-Atlantic Chapter Development Chair and President; currently he is the VP of Government and Regulatory Affairs for the Chapter.
Williamson said his objective as he assumes the role of President is to elevate the profession. "Our world is changing rapidly. Economic conditions, globalization and technological advances continue to force our industry to grow, learn and evolve every day. As designers we have both a huge responsibility and growing opportunity to change the way people work, live and play across the globe. As President of the Board of IIDA I seek to leverage my role and position in the industry to lead IIDA to meet these ongoing challenges and opportunities."