Spring 2010

Featured Designer
and IIDA Northland Chapter President Elect:

Jodie Leppa, IIDA, LEED AP

Principal Director, Minneapolis Office
Smith Group, Inc.

Jodie’s Education: 
Bachelor of Science, Construction Management and Interior Design, Minnesota State University – Mankato.

Jodie’s Current Position: 
Principal and Director of SmithGroup’s Minneapolis office.  Provides oversight for all project work, business development, marketing activities, cross-office collaboration, and office operations.  Youngest leader to hold this title amongst SmithGroup’s 11 offices nationwide.

Professional Affiliations:
International Interior Design Association (IIDA); President Elect
International Facility Management Association (IFMA); Member
City of Lakes Rotary Club; Member

What inspired you to pursue the Interior Design Profession?
My initial career choice turned out not to be the right fit. Through a part-time job, I was exposed to residential interior design. As a result of that exposure, I decided to return to school to study construction management and interior design. Almost immediately I was drawn to the commercial side of the industry with interest in working with other business professionals, construction managers, architects, and engineers.

Can you describe defining moments in your career?
Early in my career, my experience at Ellerbe Becket formed a strong foundation from student to professional development.  The leadership there gave me the opportunity to jump right in and this work experience allowed me to be exposed to the entire process of design/construction in a large firm work environment. 

Most recently I received the promotion to Principal and Director of Smith Group’s Minneapolis office which is providing me with new and exciting challenges within my professional development.  

As you begin to prepare for your leadership role as IIDA-Northland’s President, can you explain your goals for our local chapter?
I believe there is wonderful momentum with our programs and events so my key focus will be to broaden internal operations and processes and promote transparency within these processes.  We are a young chapter that has been running as an entrepenuerial organization and now we have the opportunity to take the next steps and develop into a more robust business organization.  I also want to continue to support our professional development and provide support to our local community through work with charitable organizations.  One of my ideas is to develop a local President’s Roundtable that would include leaders of other local professional organizations such as: ASID, IFMA, NAIOP, etc. as a way of fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among our organizations.

With economic challenges facing our industry, what advice do you have for dislocated workers or students?
 Absolutely stay connected, and get connected if you’re not already!   Memberships can be difficult financially but truly is an investment in your career.   Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help from colleagues or professionals within the industry.

Five words or phrases that best describe you?

Passionate
Opinionated
Self-Deprecating/know shortcomings and make fun of self
“Mommio”
Determined

Do you have any recommended book readings?
“Rise of the Creative Class” by Dr. Richard Florida