Join the vibrant community of the Tennessee Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)—where passion meets purpose and design transforms lives. We’re dedicated to advancing the interior design profession and showcasing how great design enhances the human experience.
Across the state, our members connect, collaborate, and grow through engaging events, professional development opportunities, and advocacy efforts that strengthen and elevate the design community.
The Tennessee Chapter is made up of four districts—Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville/Tri-Cities, and Memphis—each led by a District Director who curates meaningful local programs and events tailored to their members.
✨ Get involved. Get inspired. Be part of the design movement shaping Tennessee!
*2025-2026 Board Term began Oct 1st, 2025.
PRESIDENT
RID, NCIDQ, WELL AP, LEED GREEN ASSOC.,ASID, IIDA
Anita H. Ryan is a Registered, NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer with the State of Tennessee, as well as a LEED Green Associate and WELL Accredited Professional. A committed advocate for excellence in the built environment, she is an active professional member of ASID, IIDA, NAWIC, USGBC Tennessee, and ULI Tennessee.
With 30 years of experience, Anita brings a rich and varied background spanning corporate, church, educational, and healthcare interiors. Her career includes roles as lead designer, project manager, sales manager, buyer, design educator, mentor, and account executive—each contributing to her holistic understanding of how interior environments shape human experience. She is known for delivering solutions that balance functionality, aesthetics, wellness, and affordability, always grounded in her belief that design should enhance life and support the people it serves.
Anita is deeply committed to advancing the interior design profession. She currently serves as a Site Visitor for the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), contributing to the evaluation and advancement of interior design programs nationwide. She is also an education mentor on a premier
online platform, guiding designers and architects worldwide toward NCIDQ Certification. Within ASID
Tennessee, she has held multiple leadership roles, including Nashville District Chair (2023–2024),
PresidentElect (2024–2025), and currently serves as ASID Tennessee President for the 2025–2026 term.
A passionate advocate for education and workforce development, Anita has volunteered on numerous committees, including the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Education Workforce Committee, NACC Education Report Card Committee, NACC Academies of Nashville, PTO boards, Metro Nashville Public Schools committees, and the Pencil Foundation. She has also served as a substitute teacher for K–12 schools and as a curriculum and training specialist for the teams she has led. Her innate gift of exhortation fuels her desire to help others achieve their goals, and she is deeply committed to mentoring future leaders in design, sustainability, and wellness.
Anita graduated Cum Laude from Samford University with a BS in Interior Design and Art. Her design philosophy centers on integrating health and wellness into the built environment and crafting spaces that are functional, affordable, and uniquely tailored to each client.
Guided by her personal mission—“Exceeding expectations by being a good steward of all I am given…
pursuing opportunities that challenge me to grow… and engaging my creative passions to enhance my life”—Anita approaches every project and leadership role with authenticity, gratitude, and a team-centered mindset.
A proud Nashvillian, Anita enjoys spending time with her husband and three adult children, exploring
new cultures through travel, and indulging her love of culinary arts. She embraces the vibrant spirit of Music City and can often be found cheering on the Nashville Predators
Past President
Past President / Hanna Finch
Designer and Partner at Studio VAL
@ valartandlight
Why ASID matters to her:
Her work bridges the gap between lighting and the built environment, creating spaces that not only evoke emotion but are tailored to her clients’ personal wants and needs.
Certified Interior Designer by trade, she’s gained over a decade of experience in lighting design, sales, and technical knowledge and applies these skills out of her studio in Nashville, TN, which also operates as an art gallery, maker’s space, and event venue.
Hanna has served various positions on the ASID board.
Financial Director
Financial Director / Heather Kellow, ASID, NCIDQ
Heather is the owner of FOUR Spaces Design
Insta: @fourspacesdesign
Why ASID matters to her:
Being a member of the ASID Tennessee Chapter is important to me because it continues to champion and elevate our profession. I’m grateful to be part of a strong community that advocates, educates, and inspires us to grow and lead with purpose.
Four Spaces Design | Interior Design Studio In Nashville, TN
President Elect
President Elect / Sarah Hathcock, NCIDQ, ASID, WELL AP, LEED Green Associate, IDEC / University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Sarah is the owner of Hathcock Designs
Why ASID matters to her:
“ASID has been a professional home that connects me and my students to mentorship, industry knowledge, and the larger design community that helps turn education into real-world opportunity.”
At Large
At Large Chair / Susan Ballard-Gribble, FASID, RID, CID, NCIDQ, Inducted into the ASID COLLEGE OF FELLOWS: May 2023, Registered Interior Designer in Tennessee, Florida, and Kentucky.
Susan is the owner of SK Ballard Contract Interiors
Why ASID matters to her:
ASID has been an experience for learning more about the profession, building
relationships with other interior designers across the country and development of invaluable leadership skills. But like all things in this world, you must participate to gain the most out of your membership. Don’t be a bystander and miss out of what is exciting and rewarding with ASID. Be involved in your profession – it is your future.
Emerging Professional
Emerging Professional Chair / Zacori Ollis, WELL AP
Insta: @ZacoriOllis
Why ASID matters to her:
I want interior design students and emerging professionals to know they’re part of a community that truly believes in them! After serving as a Student Representative to the Board and now stepping into the role of Emerging Professional Chair, I’ve seen how much ASID celebrates growth, connection, and creativity. I’m so excited to help bridge the gap between school and the professional world and to cheer on the next generation of designers as they find their place and shine in this amazing industry!
Professional Development
Professional Development Chair / Jordan Becker, ASID, NCIDQ
Jordan is a Sr. Workplace Strategist, Colliers International
Why ASID matters to her:
I want interior design students and emerging professionals to know they’re part of a community that truly believes in them! After serving as a Student Representative to the Board and now stepping into the role of Emerging Professional Chair, I’ve seen how much ASID celebrates growth, connection, and creativity. I’m so excited to help bridge the gap between school and the professional world and to cheer on the next generation of designers as they find their place and shine in this amazing industry!
Communications Chair
Communications Chair / Paige Williams, ASID Allied, ASID Award winner 2023 & 2025
Paige is the CEO of Paige Williams Interior Design
Insta: @paigewilliamsdesign
Why ASID matters to her:
I love being a part of a professional organization that supports our industry nationwide & recognizes how important interior design is in the way we live each & every day.
Communications Co-Chair
Communications Co-Chair / Claudia Gilles, ASID Allied
Claudia is the owner of Claudia Gilles Interior Design
Why ASID matters to her:
Honored to be part of this board and serve our TN chapter Being a part of ASID has given me a community to grow both professionally and personally and help me to be a better designer. The connections, relationships and networking are invaluable.
Chattanooga District Chair
Chattanooga District Chair / Hannah-Marie Turner, WELL AP /Tinker Ma
Hannah works at Tinker Ma in Chattanooga @tinkerma_llc
@hannahthestrawberry
Why ASID matters to her:
“ASID has been a guiding presence in my growth from student to professional, offering mentorship, education, and a community that consistently reminds me that interior design is about people before spaces.”
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com
/hannahthestrawberry/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-marie-turner-well-ap-3a62a5173/
Chattanooga District Co-Chair
Chattanooga District Co-Chair / Melanie Vazquez
Interior Designer at Air Space Acoustics
Hi, I’m Melanie Vazquez, a recent interior design graduate with a passion for creating spaces that embody warmth, balance, and natural beauty. My design philosophy embraces neutral tones, organic textures, and geometric forms—especially the timeless harmony found in hexagonal shapes. / I currently work part-time at Air[]Space Acoustics, a woman- and veteran-owned company dedicated to transforming environments through acoustic design. Working here has deepened my understanding of how thoughtful design affects both aesthetics and functionality, shaping spaces that truly support the people who use them. / Alongside my work in design, I’ve also returned to school to study manicuring, exploring another creative outlet that allows me to blend artistry, detail, and personal expression in a new way. / My ultimate goal is to establish and grow my own interior design business, bringing well-balanced, meaningful, and welcoming spaces to life for future clients.
Why ASID matters to her:
“ASID matters to me because it connects me with a community of designers and leaders who share a passion for creativity, professionalism, and continuous learning. Through ASID, I’ve been inspired by mentors, peers, and industry experts who motivate me to grow and explore new opportunities within design. Design is more than creating beautiful spaces—it’s about shaping environments that make people feel grounded, inspired, and truly at home.”
Hi, I’m Melanie Vazquez, a recent interior design graduate with a passion for creating spaces that embody warmth, balance, and natural beauty. My design philosophy embraces neutral tones, organic textures, and geometric forms—especially the timeless harmony found in hexagonal shapes. / I currently work part-time at Air[]Space Acoustics, a woman- and veteran-owned company dedicated to transforming environments through acoustic design. Working here has deepened my understanding of how thoughtful design affects both aesthetics and functionality, shaping spaces that truly support the people who use them. / Alongside my work in design, I’ve also returned to school to study manicuring, exploring another creative outlet that allows me to blend artistry, detail, and personal expression in a new way. / My ultimate goal is to establish and grow my own interior design business, bringing well-balanced, meaningful, and welcoming spaces to life for future clients.
Student Representative to the Board
Student President / Angeli Warren, Senior at Belmont University
@designsbyangeli
Why ASID matters to her:
ASID has greatly impacted my progress from student relations to professional relations. Two years ago, I signed up to become a student member, and things have only gone up from there. Through ASID membership, I have met many hardworking interior designers who are passionate about helping clients, educating other designers, and strive to work to the best of their ability. ASID members have mentored and guided me to take the right steps to become an effective designer. I truly am so thankful for the impact and mentorship of ASID.
