ASID TO WELCOME DISTINGUISHED INTERIOR DESIGNERS TO COLLEGE OF FELLOWS

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) selected the newest members of its College of Fellows. The group of six will be inducted at the organization’s national conference, GATHER: Catalyst, on Aug. 13, 2024, in Denver, Colorado.

Fellowship, the Society’s highest honor bestowed upon less than 1% of ASID membership, is extended to ASID members who exceed the standards of the design profession through their continued commitment to the Society. ASID Fellows are selected by the Society’s Council of Fellows, who examine industry contributions, leadership/recognition, and service/volunteerism in the design community, following nominations from ASID members.

“ASID’s annual fellows induction celebrates top contributors to the design profession, elevating the people and their careers to inspire and guide other designers,” said Khoi Vo, chief executive officer, ASID. “From advocacy to education, these fellows represent a diverse community of thought leaders who have demonstrated their commitment to furthering ASID’s mission and positioning our community as a profession that profoundly impacts lives.”

 The six new members of ASID’s College of Fellows are:

Bill Beaudreau is an educated and experienced interior design professional committed to elevating life experiences through design. Since 1996, he has owned and operated CRB Interiors, continuing the legacy of the Wisconsin-based interior design firm founded in 1959. He is known for his interior architectural approach to design problem-solving and is recognized for the wealth of knowledge, information and resources he provides. As a long-time member of ASID, he is dedicated to promoting the profession and supporting the growth and development of other design professionals.

Dr. Carol Bentel is the Chair of NYC School of Visual Arts’ Bachelor of Fine Arts interior design, built environments department and is a partner at Bentel & Bentel Architects/Planners. Prior to receiving the FASID honor, Dr. Bentel was a Fulbright Scholar, Fellow of the American Academy in Rome, Fellow of the The American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows and an International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Fellow.  Dr. Bentel was the 2008 Chair of the AIA National Committee on Design and Vice-Chair of the New York State Preservation League. Dr. Bentel is a World Architecture News Female Frontier “Interior Designer of the Year” Awardee, Hospitality Design Platinum Circle Honoree and a three-time recipient of the James Beard Award for restaurant design, she also received other national awards from the AIA,  the Society of American Registered Architects and IIDA. She co-authored two books, Nourishing the Senses: Restaurant Architecture of Bentel & Bentel in 2018 and CORRELATIONS: LIFE + WORK IN 2024.

Suzanne Frasier is an associate professor at Morgan State University’s School of Architecture and Planning. She is a licensed and registered architect and certified interior designer in the USA with over 20 years of professional experience in the design and construction industry before becoming a full-time academic. Frasier has held faculty positions at The New York School of Interior Design, the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York City, and School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi. Frasier launched a Bachelor of Science program in interior design at Morgan State in 2018, which is the only 4-year interior design degree program in Maryland. In 2019, she was instrumental in establishing downtown Baltimore City's Center for Architecture and Design, located in an historic Mies van der Rohe building. She is currently a member of the Maryland State Board of Certified Interior Designers, having been appointed for three terms by two gubernatorial administrations. Frasier is an active member of the American Society of Interior Designers, recognized for her leadership in the profession as a 2019 Ones to Watch Scholar.

Janie Hirsch, the visionary behind J. Hirsch Interior Design, inherits a legacy of artistic sensibility from her architect father, which she has transformed into a beacon of excellence and leadership in the design community. Her leadership showcases her dedication to advancing the profession and nurturing the next generation of designers, while fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within the industry. Hirsch’s active involvement in advocacy efforts through ASID’s AxD Council and as a Chapter Support Team advisor underscores her dedication to promoting the highest standards of competence and professionalism in the industry. Hirsch’s passion for mentorship extends to students, where she engages in initiatives aimed at empowering emerging talents and ensuring their seamless transition into the profession.

Emmy Knott Williams is a business owner based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she leads a dynamic team of interior designers. With the establishment of her award-winning firm in 1992, she has devoted her career to specializing in senior living design and law firms. Williams’ dedication to advancing the field of interior design is unparalleled, particularly evidenced by her instrumental role in grassroots legislative initiatives. Notably, she played a pivotal part in the passage of two bills in 2008, shielding interior designers from sales tax on services. Additionally, her tireless efforts over seven years led to the enactment of legislation in 2021, enabling Registered Interior Designers to stamp and seal interior design drawings—a groundbreaking achievement, marking the first of its kind nationwide. Presently, she spearheads the Advocacy Support Team for National ASID, serving as a co-chair alongside her esteemed colleague. Williams’ is the winner of the inaugural National ASID Advocate of the Year 2023.

Katherine Setser is an educator and award-winning practitioner in the field of interior design, making extensive contributions to the field over nearly four decades. With two degrees, Setser brings a depth of experience to her role as a faculty member in the architecture and interior department at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Notably, Setser was appointed as a technical advisor to three National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) international code committees, representing the design profession in critical code development related to interior finishes, furnishings, building construction and fire safety. Active in shaping professional standards and accreditation, Setser served as a Board Director for the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) from 2016 to 2021, assuming the role of Board Chair in 2020.

Visit www.asid.org for more information.