In this episode, we’re joined by Kevin Sneed FAIA FIIDA NCARB NOMA LEED AP BD+C CDT, whose career spans decades in the field of interior architecture. As a fellow of both the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), Kevin shares his journey from Dallas to D.C. and what it means to be the first African American male honored in the IIDA College of Fellows (a significant milestone in a field where less than 1% of professionals identify as African American). We explore the unique distinctions between interior architecture and interior design, the impact of mentorship, the lack of accredited interior design degrees at HBCUs as well as Kevin's role on the Maryland Board of Architects and NCARB. Kevin Sneed is a Senior Principal and Senior Director of Architecture for the architect/design firm OTJ Architects, which has offices in Washington, DC., New York, San Francisco, Miami, Boston, and Dallas. Kevin graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington, receiving his bachelor’s degree in architecture. Kevin has over 30 years of experience in architecture, interior architecture, and construction. He has earned his LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accreditation for Building Design and Construction (BD+C) as well as the Construction Specification Institute (CSI) Construction Documents Technologist certification (CDT). Kevin heads his office's quality assurance/quality control program, which sets the standards for its construction document and construction administration processes. He also actively participates in his firm's marketing and business development and is part of its "green initiative," coordinating the design, details, and LEED process for sustainable projects in the firm. Kevin has offered numerous presentations and workshops for the architecture and interior design industry, covering topics such as building codes, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical issues, as well as standard procedures regarding construction administration. He is on the George Washington University Advisory Board for Interior Architecture & Design Programs. He provides real-world experience while promoting program initiatives and long-term planning strategies and fostering collaboration between the school, local, and national organizations. Kevin has served on numerous committees and boards in the design industry, from the City of Alexandria’s Board of Architectural Review (Parker Gray-Gray District) to currently the Maryland Board of Architects. In 2017, Kevin was elevated to Fellow by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows for his contributions to architecture and the Institute, and in 2024, Kevin was also elevated to Fellow by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).

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