Tami McCune

The mission of the Springfield Design Association is to provide a positive, professional and supportive environment in which commercial and residential interior designers in the area can share ideas and information regarding new developments within the industry and related fields. It also encourages students entering interior design programs and informs and educates the public regarding the value of working with designers.

What does the organization do to achieve that mission?

SDA holds regular monthly meetings during which an industry partner or supplier to the interior design community educates the members on a product or innovation valuable to their practices. The Design Association Expo is also held every November at the Clarion Hotel, featuring more than 70 vendors with products and services available to local designers, as well as the opportunity for members to gain continuing education credits free of charge on topics ranging from ergonomics, to writing green specifications, to the role personality plays in the success of one’s business relationships.

How many members are there, and who may join?

Currently, the association has more than 60 members. Commercial and residential designers, as well as industry partners who are vendors to the trade, students, architects and builders are welcome to join.

How did you get involved with SDA?

I became involved with the group while working with a commercial furniture

dealership, as a way to become acquainted with other designers in the community and to establish a professional rapport with them.

What goals do you have for the organization under your leadership?

As president, I hope to be able to increase not only membership on all levels, but to increase the involvement of the members in the organization by planning meetings and events that are interesting and valuable to the members in their practices. I also hope to increase community awareness of the interior design industry and the importance of the role a designer can play in the success of a project. Many people do not realize the level of education that interior designers are required to have in order to achieve certification in the field. Interior designers hold either bachelor of arts or science degrees, depending on their educational curriculum program. They must be able to blend knowledge of the scientific and technical elements of the profession with the creative, artistic elements in order to create environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also safe to be used by anyone who enters them.

Why is Salute to Construction important?

Salute to Construction is important in that it is an opportunity to recognize the contribution of a group whose role is critical in the success of a project. Contractors and subcontractors translate information given to them by architects and designers into the built environment, creating spaces for clients and end-users to enjoy, confident that the quality and craftsmanship they expect has been achieved.