The Department of Interior Architecture and Design at Florida State University honored three outstanding alumni on March 25 at its annual Alumni Awards ceremony, acknowledging their significant contributions to the field.
Department Chair Jim Dawkins and faculty members Marlo Ransdell and Steven Webber presented on behalf of the department, accompanied by the department’s advisory council chair, Seka Collins.
Collins addressed the room filled with students before the honorees accepted their awards with a piece of advice. “Students, pay attention to journey these individuals have taken, consider the wisdom and advice they share, and never be afraid to reach out them, to this council and to other alumni who care so much about your future.”
Each award-winner gave a presentation outlining their career journey and offering advice to students in attendance. Following the awards ceremony, a short reception was held in the William Johnston Building, allowing current students to connect with the award winners.
FSU’s Interior Architecture & Design program is consistently ranked among the best in the nation. Learn more at interiordesign.fsu.edu.
Distinguished Alumni Award
Olivia Perron (BS 2019, MFA 2021) is an Intermediate Designer at IA Interior Architects in Atlanta, focusing on workplace design and contributing to firmwide sustainability and wellness initiatives. Since joining IA, Olivia has supported project efforts for major Fortune 500 clients. She is actively involved in advancing the firm’s sustainability goals, including contributing to initiatives related to the AIA 2030 Commitment and material health and transparency efforts.
Alongside her professional practice, Olivia serves as a part-time professor at the Savannah College of Art and Design and has participated in IIDA’s student mentoring program. Olivia is NCIDQ certified, a registered interior designer in Georgia, and a WELL Accredited Professional. In 2023, she was named to Interior Design Magazine’s 30 Under 30.
Distinguished Alumni Service Award
Emory Johnson (BS 1972) served ASID as a Florida President and member of the national ASID Board of Directors. As chair of the CIDA Board of Visitors, he has conducted twenty-three accreditation visits for campuses across the US and Canada. He has also served as a member of NCIDQ’s Board of Directors and as its Nominating Committee Chair.
He is credited as the author of the 1994 practice act for interior designers in Florida and was appointed by two governors to the State Board of Architecture and Interior Design, a position which is responsible for licensing and regulating architects and interior designers. He’s also served as the interior design expert witness for Florida’s appointed prosecuting attorney on issues related to the lawful practice of interior design.
Emory’s recognition for service and dedication to the profession have included the ASID Medalist Award, South Florida IIDA Award of Merit, and NCIDQ’s Louis Tregre Award.
Service to his alma mater, Florida State University, includes volunteer leadership roles for this Department’s Advisory Council, the College of Fine Arts Dean’s Council, and the former College of Human Sciences Advisory Board.
Distinguished Alumni Award
Laura Rachlin (BS 1997) is a multi-disciplinary designer and entrepreneur with more than three decades of experience creating healthcare, commercial and luxury residential environments across the United States and the Caribbean.
A business owner for more than 25 years, Laura is known for her ability to blend creative vision with strategic planning to deliver impactful spaces that balance design excellence with financial stewardship. She is the founder of Boca Raton–based Atelier Interiors, a collaborative design studio dedicated to purposeful design.
Beyond interiors, Laura has also designed furniture collections and developed flooring and fashion products and is listed on multiple U.S. patents for her flooring and accessory designs.