Member Quotes

We invite you to share your reflections as a past or present member of the ASID California Peninsula Chapter.
Your voice matters—help us celebrate our journey and shape what comes next.
To contribute, please email your survey response to: administrator@capen.asid.org

“This chapter probably saved me from the difficult transition to retirement. After a 60-year career I had a lot of adjustments that left me somewhat lost. After becoming involved again with our chapter I found my tribe and felt fulfilled to share my passion with like-minded designers.”

Pamela Pennington, ASID

This chapter still represents a place of being, sharing, and learning. With each year's incoming board members, they bring innovative ideas, great vibes, and new energy. But most of all, the opportunity to just be...

Penny Chin, ASID Allied, CID

“ASID California Peninsula Chapter = professionalism and stewards of the interior design industry.”

Diane Hurd, ASID

“Being a member means being part of a great community committed to excellence in design.”

Tala Roohparvar

I joined ASID to be part of a supportive design community and connect with others who share my passion for interior design.

Jermaine Deckard, ASID CAPEN Student Rep to the Board FY24–25

“The chapter is where I’ve met other professionals in the interior design field. It’s where I’ve learned from experienced mentors, formed new friendships, found my first jobs, and began building my career. I’m truly grateful to be part of this community.”

Winnie Wan, ASID Allied

“This chapter means community helping each other.”

Cindy Steele, ASID Allied

“I look to ASID as the people who help me grow, watch me grow and continue to offer me opportunities to succeed”

Jackie Bartlett, DEA Gala Committee Chair

“I am very proud to be part of this chapter with dedicated, hardworking volunteers and visionary leadership. I feel lucky to be a part of it!”

Sue Ross, ASID Allied

“As Chapter Administrator working with lovely and smart interior designers and industry partners as we organized chapter events and ran the chapter, I loved seeing many forms of intelligence, and generosity.”

Jane Higo, ASID Allied, GREEN AP

“I appreciate all of the wonderful and talented people whom I have met.”

Carol Woodard, ASID

“I love being part of ASID CA Peninsula because it’s more than just a professional organization - it’s a supportive, inspiring community. It gives me the chance to connect with other passionate designers, grow through shared knowledge and experiences, and work together on things that really matter, from design education to community outreach. There’s a real sense of camaraderie and purpose here, and I always walk away from our events feeling energized and proud to be part of it.”

Chris Nobriga, ASID Allied

“I was a member of AID when we joined forces with NSID and became a member of ASID. I had admired the work of several members of AID and long sought to join that organization. My desire to become a Professional Member of AID was delayed for three years as I failed the NCIDQ two-day exam twice before passing on the third try.  The rigorous process of membership made me have great respect for the knowledge and professionalism of the members.”

Ron Martino, ASID Past Board member

“My favorite events have been the trips to New York, Healdsburg and Hearst Castle as well as the CEU's. Being a member has been a wonderful place for me and become friends with other designers and industry partners.”

Susan Hoffman, ASID Associate, CID

This chapter means being a part of a community where we are able to share our journey, meet and make new friends, find resources and support.

Meera Chawla, ASID Allied

“This chapter means everything because I met wonderful people who believe in me and it’s an amazing networking opportunity.”

Dulce Herrejon, ASID Affiliate

“It's wonderful how our unique strengths complement one another.“

Noura Tawfik, ASID Allied

“Being a member means being part of a great community committed to excellence in design.”

Tala Roohparvar

“Being the President of the CA Peninsula chapter is my best memory.  This chapter gives me a sense of belonging and support from fellow designers.”

Jeanette Loretz, ASID Allied, CID, CAPS

“My favorite events are the vendor showcase days as can learn about the various products & about local artisans.  The chapter is a good way to meet other designers - a feeling of community”

Ratna Khilnani, ASID Allied, CID

“This chapter means being part of a thoughtful, supportive and inspiring design community. The connections, learning opportunities and shared passion for design have truly enriched my journey.”

Vivian Soliemani, ASID

“My year to head up DEAG (2018) was a big milestone for me. To be asked to head up such a big event was an honor. Patty McDonald had one request: Make it a party! And a party it was. The teams worked together extremely well putting on a wonderful event that was hugely successful. Bringing together a creative team was one of my goals; I have always said "When I am surrounded by Designers, I am clearly not the most creative one in the room."

Jim Heintz, ASID Past Industry Partner, At-Large Director, and Volunteer

“My favorite events were the Designer Showcases, as it allowed us to step out of our independent practices into a community of professionals with the intention of creating a whole experience for the public to enjoy and further our own businesses in the process, as well as benefit the Children’s Health Council, the primary beneficiary of the showhouses.”

Steven Stein, Past Committee Member

“Traveling to Japan in 2017 with the ASID board and members. Japan had always been a dream destination for me, and this was the perfect combination of individuals to experience my first trip with. Kimono dressing with Deneb, Tony and Cynthia was one major highlight. However, the whole 9-day experience has become a core memory for me and I have since traveled back to Japan another 3 times... plus added an embarrassing number of kimonos to my wardrobe!”

Jackie Bartlett

“Without a doubt, the Stimulus conferences held during the 1980's and 1990's were the best events, as they hat incorporated continuing education, socialization, camaradie, and even swag.”

Diane Hurd, ASID

“I joined ASID as a Interior Design student at West Valley College, Saratoga, Ca. What better reason than to be a part of an association that benefits the designer by advancing our profession through education and public awareness.”  

Meera Chawla, ASID Allied

“Pamela Penington said that she is part of CaPen ASID because it is full of like-minded people.  CaPen members are smart, talented, generous and engaged.  Enthusiasm for acquiring and applying knowledge pervades the Chapter, which is infectious.”  

Cecilia Pinto, ASID Allied

“The reason that Benjamin Moore and myself as the architect and Design representative continues to support the peninsula chapter of ASID is because of the strength and depth of the chapter. Essentially the design community is very involved consistently and it’s really nice to be able to connect with the design community socially, and not just in the office setting.  By far, ASID CA Peninsula chapter is one of the strongest chapters I have ever seen. Everyone within the chapter is very supportive of one another, and the ideas and events that they come up with are extremely beneficial. I don’t ever see myself not supporting this specific chapter.”

Darla Ferreira, Architectural & Design Representative, Benjamin Moore

“One of our most important members who really was instrumental in putting our chapter on the map, was Barbara Jacobs. She preceded me as president and mentored me during my year in office.”

Pamela Pennington, ASID

“There is an energy and enthusiasm this chapter displays that inspires. When they attend events, and they make it a point to be a vital and involved part of the community, the ASID CA Peninsula chapter lights up a room. They are dynamic and positive, and those in their orbit are energized by their spirit.”

Mary Jo Bowling,  Homes Editor, LUXE Interiors + Design

“Many of the impactful members are no longer with us, with the exception of Pam Pennington.  I first knew of Pam through her retail store in Palo Alto, then as a guest lecturer in one of my senior design classes at SJSU in the mid-1980’s. Her commitment to design principles and fresh takes on challenging projects was inspiration to me through all the years I practiced design. I hold her in very high esteem.”

Steven Stein, ASID CAPEN Past Committee Member

“The chapter feels like family: encouraging, inspiring, and a true support system.”

Jermaine Deckard, ASID CAPEN Student Rep to the Board FY24–25

“Although I'm not an active member, I'm very grateful for this chapter in offering a space to learn, connect, and be inspired by all the people and places that have been presented. I love also that I'm still connected with active members and they try to reel me in someway, somehow!  My best memory is being part of the Professional Development committee. Hard work, but rewarding each time of being part of a team to create some thoughtful events for members.”

Katherine Quan

“I loved the weekend in Healdsburg with wonderful presentations, great food and a chance to connect with other designers in a beautiful setting.”

Pamela Pennington, ASID

“This chapter still represents a place of being, sharing, and learning. With each year's incoming board members, they bring to the chapter innovative ideas,  great vibes, and new energy.  But most of all, the opportunity to just be...”

Penny Chin, ASID Allied, CID

“I joined ASID to connect with other design professionals and stay engaged with the broader design community. I have been a member since 1992, and it has been a rewarding experience both personally and professionally.”

Vivian Soliemani, ASID

“As a board member for many years, I often had the task of arranging our monthly meetings and guest speakers. For one of my most memorable program  was when I was able to get Paige Rense, the Editor of Architectural Digest to speak to our chapter.”

Ron Martino, ASID Past Board member