Consisting of a select group of influential professionals who care about the quality development of Interior Architecture/ Design, IFI Ambassadors are dedicated and empathetic individuals committed to providing support to IFI by connecting, promoting and furthering IFI’s mission, vision and programs in the geographical regions they each represent. These IFI representatives are influential interior architects, designers, media and related industry. Each IFI Ambassador embodies exceptional communication skills and a desire to positively contribute to building a strong worldwide network for both IFI and the Interiors profession. Each IFI Ambassador is formally appointed by IFI to be an effective emissary of the Federation.
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IFI Ambassadors work to actively engage local Interior Architecture/Design leaders, practitioners, industry, educators and students, as well as members of government, public figures and those working closely with the design community and its stakeholders. IFI Ambassadors are key representatives of IFI in their region, where they help to promote, strengthen and diversify IFI’s international profile and provide sensitive outreach in any sector impacted by the built environment. IFI Ambassadors foster a greater understanding of IFI and the Interior Architecture/Design profession at large, exhibit and promote diplomatic engagement and maintain active connections with their local communities.
IFI Ambassadors:
- Expand IFI’s membership in the region
- Network and help develop meaningful relationships and connections with IFI and the regional design community
- Support IFI partner and sponsorship engagement as much as possible
- Increase visibility of IFI, its mission and its activities
- Promote and showcase IFI initiatives to the widest regional audience
- Facilitate and encourage local engagement and participation in IFI initiatives
- Provide insights and recommendations related to the region and its design community
- Develop actions working jointly with IFI and the Secretariat HQ
Current IFI Ambassadors are as follows (presented in alphabetical order by individuals name):
Constance Ann, FoIFISingapore, Asia Pacific
Asia IFI Ambassador
Constance wears many hats: interior designer, professional leader, design critic, speaker, competition judge, educational advisor, external examiner, media spokesperson & color specialist. Founder & Principal Designer of Constann Design since 1988, her portfolio varies from apartments to bungalows, from small office spaces to corporate offices of MNCs, retail, hospitality, medical, and public spaces as well as institutions and museums. Constance graduated from the University of Canberra, Australia with a degree in Applied Science in Environmental Design – Interior Design Specialisation.
She has contributed back to the profession by serving as the President of the Society of Interior Designers (Singapore) from 1999 to 2004. She was a past IFI board member and treasurer from 2005 to 2011. Constance was the Chair of the Design School Advisory committee for Singapore Polytechnic from 2000 to 2015. Presently she is a Fellow Member and Honorary Advisor to the Society of Interior Designers (Singapore). She has contributed greatly to the design industries in Singapore and South East Asia Region. She also acted as mentor to young designers.
Alvin ChangMalaysia, Asia Pacific
Asia IFI Ambassador
Alvin Chang is the Founder and CEO of ACGMEDIA GROUP, an award-winning media firm that publishes established titles such as ARCHILAB, Metropolitan Home, Designer Concept, Asia Design and Fixtures, in both digital and hard copy. He has been the thought leader and affluential activator in promoting the architecture and interior industry for the past 27 years and are contributors and Media Partners to many recognised events such as World Architecture Festival, Maison & Objet, German Design Award, Salone del Mobile, and Ambiente, to name a few. He also initiated the Malaysia Designer of the Year (DOTY) Awards since 2010 which is one of the designers’ industry benchmark and Metropolitan Trusted Brand Award since 2018. He launched www.designspeak.asia in 2020 to serve the design community in Asia and beyond.
He was an award recipient for McMillanWoods McM Icon Award for “Dynamic Media Leader” in 2017 and 2018 and “Most Influential Publisher” by Malaysian Property Press Awards in 2016/2017. He formerly held the position of Honorary Secretary for Awards Accreditation Association, Malaysia in 2017-2021.
Ronnie SB Choong, FoIFIMalaysia, Asia Pacific
Asia IFI Ambassador
A practitioner since 1983, Ronnie is a licensed Interior Designer with the Malaysian Board of Architects (LAM). He is the founder of Innovative Space Dimension Sdn Bhd & Neu Innerspace Kinetics Collaborative Sdn. Bhd, a midsize practice , specialising in workplace design, business and retail for various prominent clients in Malaysia and overseas.
Winner of 25 Design Excellence awards, Ronnie’s been featured in numerous design publications locally and regionally.
Ronnie has served as visiting lecturer in local Art & Design colleges, and is a Panel Member and external assessor for several prominent Malaysian colleges and universities.
A founding member of the Malaysian Society of Interior Designers (MSID), Ronnie served as its President from 2005 to 2009. He also served as Chairman of the Asia Pacific Space Alliance from 2006 to 2007, and as an IFI Board Member from 2007 to 2011. He was the ProTeam Chairman at the formation of the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID), from 2007 to 2012, and served as its founding President from 2012 to 2014.
For his contributions to the profession, Ronnie was conferred the MSID Lifetime Achievement Award, and the IFI Fellowship award.
Martin LesjakAustria, Europe
Europe IFI Ambassador
Architect Martin Lesjak co-founded Austrian-based INNOCAD architecture in 1999. Lesjak´ s foresight and expertise in architecture, design, and craft – as well as an affinity for art – has guided his firm in innovative directions. Together with partners, he leads multifaceted international projects combining creativity without boundaries.
Together with Dr. med. univ. Anastasija Lesjak, he founded the product design studio 13&9 Design. The team works as a design studio for international companies developing product collections, while also operating as a label producing their own products with small-scale manufacturers, in turn supporting creative growth in their local area.
Lesjak is a frequent lecturer and speaker at several universities and worldwide events, and also received one of the architecture and design community’s top honors, “Designer of the Year 2015” by Contract Magazine in the United States, followed by “Architect of the Year 2016” by BUILD Magazine in the United Kingdom. Over the years, his work has been published internationally and recognized with various awards, honors, and nominations in both architecture and interior design.
Photo ©KAPFHAMMER
Rajeev NeelivethilUnited Arab Emirates, Middle East
Middle East & North Africa Region IFI Ambassador
Rajeev Neelivethil is a known face in the Middle east, Africa & SAARC region for the last 30 years and heads a European group in the field of building services. He is well known for his associations with various professional and social bodies. He is also the National Vice-President and member of the National Executive Committee of IIID – Indian Institute of Interior Designers, an umbrella body of 8,500 Architects & Interior Designers from India, spread across 31 chapters.
Rajeev is an advisory board member of WMPSC – Water Management Plumbing Skill Council & also advisor to the NSDC – National Skills Development Council which is an organization under the Indian governments’ Ministry of Skill and Entrepreneurship provide manpower and skilling, upskilling and reskilling around the world. Rajeev also holds various other portfolios with diverse organizations such as the Rotary Club, the Indian Worldwide Chamber of Commerce, IPA, CEO Clubs Dubai among others. An avid speaker and writer, he has presented several professional papers and regularly participates at seminars in different parts of the world.
John M. Rouse, Hon. IIDAUnited States, Americas
North America IFI Ambassador
John has been involved in Design for over 4 decades, and since 1986, specifically in the architectural and design industry. Starting as an advertising representative for the Neal-Award-winning publication, Interiors Magazine, he advanced to publisher in 1994 and joined Contract as publisher after a 2001 merger with Interiors.
During his tenure at Contract, he continued the august industry awards program: The Interiors Awards featuring the “Designer of the Year” (started in 1980) and added several new products.
He also created and produced the industry’s most respected gathering: The Contract Design Forum, the first open conversation between designers, architects and end users.
John was also actively involved in developing www.contractdesign.com in the early 2000’s. He oversaw the redesign of the magazine and tripled its revenue. Through the magazine’s recognition, John helped build the careers of today’s renowned thought leaders and designers.
In 2011, John was honored as one of the inaugural Public Interest Design 100 by Public Architecture, San Francisco. He received the International Interior Design Association’s (IIDA) Inaugural Legacy Award in 2014. In 2015 he received an Honorary Doctorate from the New York School of Interior Design for a lifetime of contributions to the profession.