Celebrating International Interior Design Day at ICON

On International Interior Design Day, we recognize the power of interior environments to shape how people feel, interact, and experience the spaces around them. At ICON, interior design is more than finishes and furnishings - it is storytelling. It is the moment a person steps inside a building and immediately understands the identity, values, and purpose of the organization within it.

We believe that when interior design is thoughtfully integrated with architecture, it creates seamless environments that elevate experience, strengthen connection, and bring a client’s vision to life. Every project is an opportunity to reflect culture, support function, and design spaces that people remember long after they leave.

Our interior designers collaborate closely with each client to understand their unique goals and aspirations. That partnership, paired with experience across historic restoration, contemporary renovation, and new construction, allows ICON to deliver diverse and meaningful interior solutions tailored to each community we serve.

To celebrate this day, we asked members of our interior design team to reflect on projects that have been especially meaningful in their careers - and why those spaces stand out to them.

Amanda Rinke, NCIDQ, ASID: Nodak Insurance Company Sports Performance Center

For Amanda, the Nodak Insurance Company Sports Performance Center project stands out as a defining moment early in her career.

“This was my first project from start to finish at ICON. Working with the team allowed me to really spread my creative wings - from Schematic Design all the way through furniture installation. Being part of the conversation with the client from the very beginning made for a thoughtful design and a smooth transition through every phase. The UND team was also incredible to work with, and helping channel their passion for athletics made the experience especially rewarding.”

Sarah Stromsodt, NCIDQ: Mandan High School

For Sarah, the Mandan High School project marked an important milestone in both growth and creative expression.

“This was my first large project in my career, and it pushed me in new ways. The Mandan team wanted the school to truly stand out, which gave us the opportunity to explore creative features not typically found in schools. One highlight was designing a custom suspended art piece that has become a defining focal point of the building. Working from start to finish on this project gave me a strong foundation of creative and thoughtful design energy that I really value in this profession. The trust from the client made it possible to bring bold ideas forward.”

Alex Neumann, NCIDQ: American Legion New Town & Watford City Main Street Downtown Development

For Alex, two projects stand out equally: the American Legion New Town and the Watford City Downtown project.

“These were the first projects at ICON where I had full creative engagement. I was able to draw from past experiences while also applying new approaches to shape the overall design. Both owner groups were great to work with, which made the process collaborative and rewarding.”

Designing with Purpose

From athletic performance spaces to community landmarks and educational environments, each of these projects reflects the same core belief: interior design has the power to influence experience, emotion, and connection.

At ICON, we are proud of the designers who bring curiosity, creativity, and care into every space they touch. Their work reminds us that interiors are not just built - they are crafted stories that shape how people learn, gather, and grow.

On this International Interior Design Day, we celebrate the people behind those stories and the impact thoughtful design has on every community we serve.