VCBO interior designer Madeleine Helgren, NCIDQ, will begin her term as president of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), Intermountain Chapter on Saturday. Serving as president-elect since July 1, 2022, she will now lead the region’s chapter and its efforts to cultivate a thriving interior design community for a one-year term.
“In my role as president of IIDA Intermountain, my goals are to advance the profession of interior design through improved collaboration and support between all interior designers throughout Utah, as well as between similar disciplines,” Helgren said. “I believe that — as an industry — we can pool our collective knowledge and experiences to drive design forward and benefit the community we all serve.”
The IIDA is a global organization of more than 15,000 members in 58 countries aiming to provide “meaningful resources to commercial interior designers and their clients to advance the profession and enhance business value.” With a strong belief in this global mission, Helgren is committed to growing this multi-faceted discipline and supporting its practitioners in Utah.
“Interior design is defined as the professional and comprehensive practice of creating an interior environment that addresses, protects, and responds to human need(s),” the IIDA website reads. “It is the art, science, and business planning of a creative, technical, sustainable, and functional interior solution that corresponds to the architecture of a space, while incorporating process and strategy, a mandate for well-being, safety, and health, with informed decisions about style and aesthetics.”
Helgren notably worked on the University of Utah Rice-Eccles Stadium Ken Garff Red Zone, including the U Club restaurant on the top floor (above)
As chapter president, Helgren’s responsibilities include maintaining relationships with governmental, industry, and community organizations; protecting and advancing professional accreditation; and supporting members through education, networking, and leadership programs.
“I believe in the impact an interior designer can have on the built environment,” she said. “Our directive is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all occupants of the built environment, and it is a responsibility we take very seriously. IIDA's mandate is to support its members in this daunting task.”
Since joining as a student member in 2014, Helgren has been an active member of the IIDA community, gaining support from a community of knowledgeable, creative industry professionals. Growing into an experienced practitioner and leader as an IIDA member, she most recently planned the Design Remix 2022 event, the chapter’s largest annual event showcasing the unique talents of interior designers and vendors.
Helgren joined VCBO in 2018 and has proved pivotal on several key projects, including the Rice-Eccles Stadium Ken Garff Red Zone (2021), the St. George Family Healthcare clinic (2022), the University of Utah West Village Housing development (est. completion in 2025). Prior to working at VCBO, she received her bachelor’s degree from Utah State University's interior design program.
Reception area at the Family Healthcare clinic in St. George, Utah, designed by Helgren
Looking forward to her new role, Helgren feels motivated by seeing the daily success of her peers and holds confidence in the future of the profession.
“Good design is so much more than how aesthetically pleasing we can make a space,” she said. “Good design solves problems, protects occupant health and wellbeing, supports culture, and improves the lives of individuals with every interaction. The future of interior design in Utah will be built around the designers who hold this to be true and strive to apply it to every environment they touch.”
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Since 1973, VCBO Architecture has delivered iconic architecture with a focus on impeccable design, performance, innovation, and dedication to our clients. As a preeminent firm in the Intermountain West, we actively contribute to the built environment through meaningful projects while attracting and nurturing excellence, accuracy, innovation, comprehensive thinking, and design talent. We remain poised for the 21st century, guided by our focus on people and communities, which extends from the heart of our offices to the spaces we create for people to thrive — where people gather to live, learn, work, heal, and play.