The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Mid-America Chapter celebrated its bi-annual MADA Elevate awards on Thursday, Oct. 21 in Kansas City, recognizing outstanding individuals in the interior design industry. Hollis + Miller Senior Partner Scott Barton received the Vision Award, the highest honor of the evening, while Interior Designer Kate Moeder walked away with the Aloft Award.

The IIDA Mid-America chapter connects the Kansas City and Wichita design communities through shared learning, mentoring, philanthropy and fellowship, while curating resources for continued development and celebrating great design. Chosen from dozens of nominees across a number of talented design firms, Barton received the highest honor given to an individual who exemplifies notable qualities in leadership, design and mentorship.

Scott Barton: Vision Award

Scott, a senior partner and educational design director with the firm, has extensive design experience across the globe and makes a particular effort to share that knowledge with those around him. Receiving the Vision Award is the result of years of hard work and energy paying off knowing these efforts truly make a difference, and provides momentum to continue pushing forward.

Internally, Scott leads our Emerging Professionals program and works with each individual to develop life-ready skills, in addition to learning the design ropes. “I didn’t get here on my own, and understanding it takes a village, I like to try and help others navigate these waters the best they can and help clear obstacles allowing them to succeed,” said Scott.

Scott is a true advocate for our profession and a strong believer in building the next generation. He helps foster the development of young interior designers, holding advisory leadership positions for University of Missouri, Pittsburg State University, Olathe Public Schools and KC Social Innovation Center. In addition, he serves as an adjunct professor for the University of Central Missouri. Scott also volunteers his time to IIDA’s Connect mentoring program, critiques at Portfolios + Professionals and has been a lead guest speaker for Brand U.

“Personally, Scott has been a huge influence and mentor to me. He not only helped me hone my skills as a designer but also those of a leader,” said Senior Associate and Design Director Stephanie Keeton. “He challenges the status quo and his influence pushed me to dream about what I wanted to do with my career. Scott exemplifies what it means to not always be the expert in all things, but to ask the right questions to foster development and inspire those around us.”

In addition to paying it forward to help others succeed, he utilizes each experience as a potential learning opportunity himself. “You learn more from the people you’re teaching than they learn from you,” he said. “Concentrate on empathy and helping others make an impact, and you’ll naturally make an impact of your own.”

Kate Moeder: Aloft Award

Interior Designer Kate Moeder was recognized with the Aloft Award, given to an emerging designer who demonstrates a fresh, artistic and thoughtful approach to interior design. Kate began her career at Hollis + Miller in 2014 and was a champion for integrated design from the very beginning. Having worked on a number of projects for various school districts, Kate found her passion and her voice and isn’t afraid to be bold with her designs. “I’m a firm believer in doing what feels true to you. I have leaned into doing things because I want to grow and have a passion for something – it’s not just about checking boxes,” said Moeder.

Often pushing the boundaries of a “typical” interior design role, Kate moves beyond expectations, which is evident in her projects. Recently, Kate was a part of a team at the new Walden Middle School in the Park Hill School District, where she authored the overall building parti. The resulting project was awarded the 2021 Association for Learning Environments John Shaw Award, the highest honor given by the Midwest-Great Lakes chapter. “I believe so strongly in integrated design, and am grateful to be at a firm where I’m part of a supportive, integrated team,” said Kate.

In addition to project success, Kate is an advocate for building relationships and getting together with her peers to broaden horizons and give back. Through her involvement in programs like IIDA’s Professionals + Portfolios, where she has the opportunity to mentor students, and her leadership role in NOMA, Kate’s has a continuous drive to push forward and learn more. “I’ve met so many people I wouldn’t have met otherwise. I appreciate the vision to diversify our industry and hear different voices than what I’m used to,” she said. “To me, it’s important to get involved with kids interested in the industry and help educate them.”

Hollis + Miller is proud to boast one of the largest interior design staffs in the Kansas City metro area. Contact us to learn more about our interiors team or how you can be a part of it.