DESIGN AWARENESS - About Us

ABOUT US : Meet the board

Executive Director: Lindsay Vieta President: Bruce Finlinson Secretary: Karen Cahoon Trustee: Robyn Vieta Trustee: David Cassil Trustee: Brad Mee Trustee: LamarLisman Past Executive Director: Nancy Rogers Past Vice-President: Steven Bradley Past Trustee: Jean Sharp Past Corporate Counsel: John Bradley

Lindsay Vieta - Trustee / Daughter of Bert Vieta From a very early age I remember reams of drafting paper, seas of fabrics, and a love of little blue drafting pencils. To the best of my knowledge at the time this is what interior design was all about. Later I recall an awakening of sorts. Realizing that not everyone's parents went to High Point and New York for market. Nor did their lives revolve around a continual barrage of color and substance. Ideas and the creation of beauty as it manipulated its way from my fathers brain down through that little blue pencil and into a living functioning reality, this is what I know of design. Never once questioning its existence in my life and always thinking that it would be present. The quibbling began at a much later age with the very man whose talent I admired so much. Always around my future in this industry, I wanted one; he saw different plans for me. Again trusting that sooner or later he would buckle and I would spend the rest of my days designing along side my idol. Fate had different plans as well. I never got the chance I so rightly fought for. When asked if my family would consider perpetuating my fathers' memory through a scholarship, the immediate answer was yes. What better to honor an idol than through education, and still unknown talent? What a selfish thought... as a daughter I could stay connected to the community I grew up in! I sincerely hope that through continued growth and passion this wonderful exposure of our talented design communities will grow and develop into an unparalleled success story. I am looking forward to the memories this wonderful foundation continues to bring to my life.

Bruce Finlinson - Founder and President How long have you been involved with Design Awareness? I was involved from the very beginning. Why do you continue to be involved in Design Awareness? My continued involvement with Design Awareness has helped me maintain a high level of energy and excitement for my profession while at the same time being the means whereby I could put something of value back into the design profession. The annual Design Awareness event attracts new people as well as connecting us ‘old timers’ to the ‘good times.’ We have created a function that is not only fun, but also gives our peers opportunity for sharing ideas and interacting in a relaxed environment. Everyone involved with Design Awareness has the opportunity to be exposed to local, national, and international design sources by some of the best vendors in the industry, giving the participants an awareness of the largeness of the industry as well as the availability of world wide sources. Design Awareness provides a venue wherein international guest speakers enlighten us and become friends of the Intermountain design community.. Designers as well as design students are recognized for the wonderful thought process required for producing great design. The rewards of supporting this foundations’ growth, far outweigh the amount of effort required. Short Bio: INTERIOR DESIGNER The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - Temple Design Department - 14 years dZINE / Grand Poo-Bah Design - 13 years Clark Leaming - 2 years Interior Planning Group / The Interior Design Company - 8 years ASID American Society of Interior Design - Past President Design Awareness Foundation - Founding member / President ‘Father’ of the coveted ‘Grand Poo-Bah Design’ award Anything you'd like to add? I would like to extend a hearty thank-you for the commitment and dedication shown from those in past years as well as those serving in the present. Board members, committee members, and volunteers have continued to make this organization ‘HAPPEN’. Thank-you to our new director, Nancy Rogers for beginning the process of leading us into the second decade of Design Awareness. A special thank-you to Nancy’s assistant, Brooklyn Olsen and to Jessica Sant our webmaster.

Karen Cahoon - Secretary How long have you been involved with Design Awareness? 10 years Why do you continue to be involved in Design Awareness? I believe that good design adds to the quality of life in a community. It has been rewarding to see this event grow from a group of 25 designers to a group of over 400 people including vendors, designers and community members. I have been particularly interested in the recognition of designers and architects who have contributed to our city and environment. The Design Awareness Event has influenced the quality of design in our region in a positive way. Short bio... B.A. University of Utah, Art; MLS University of Southern California, Library Science; B.S. University of Utah, Interior Design. I have been involved in the Design Community in Utah since 1981 as a Designer, Manufacturers Representative and Professor. Recently, I had the opportunity of a designers lifetime to work as the Furniture, Finish and Equipment Coordinator on the new Salt Lake City Public Library designed by Moishe Safdie Architects and Valentiner, Crane Brunjes and Onyon.

Robyn Vieta - Trustee The Salt Lake Design Awareness Foundation has served as a continuum for me, given my long involvement in the interior design community in Salt Lake City. For many years I assisted my late husband, Bert Vieta, in his interior design business. Some of the most exciting residential and commercial properties in Utah proudly boast Bert Vieta interior architecture and design. It was truly an honor, a joy and an inspiration working side by side with such an incredibly gifted talent and through Design Awareness I am able to stay connected to the marvelous world of interior design that Bert so loved. Although real estate is the main focus of my attention these days, I still maintain very close ties to the design community. I am a founding member and trustee of the Salt Lake Design Awareness Foundation, which annually awards the Bert Vieta Vision Scholarship to outstanding students of interior design from intermountain area colleges and universities. I love Salt Lake City and have been active in many community endeavors. I was the Utah Heritage Foundation/ ASID design liaison for the initial restoration of the Kearns Mansion, the executive residence of the Governor of the state of Utah. I am a member of the Junior League of Salt Lake City and the Ballet Guild of Ballet West. I proudly serve as a delegate to the United States Army Family Action Planning Program. And I am a member of The Salt Lake Art Center Special Events Committee. In addition to my community endeavors, my professional involvement includes membership in the Salt Lake Board of Realtors, the Utah Association of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors, and the Women's Council of Realtors. I am a native of Salt Lake City, an alumna of St. Mary of the Wasatch Academy and the University of Utah. I am the proud mother of three children, one Yorkshire Terrier, one Pomeranian and a silver Tabby cat.

David Cassil - Trustee Graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California; Bachelor of Architecture, 1976 Fresno , California – Architectural experience for five years, specializing in health care design and educational design, passing state boards and gaining licensure in 1981. San Joaquin Valley-Architectural experience for another five years, with emphasis as an architectural designer. Cassil Architecture – Owner/architect of six person firm, focusing on high quality projects, many of which were published. Salt Lake City , MHTN/Project Architect and Design Architect, 1995-1999. Salt Lake City , Jensen Haslem Architects, 1999. Design lead in firm, becoming a principal in 2000. Merged with Thomas Peterson Hammond in 2002, forming Architectural Nexus, a multidisciplinary firm of approximately 100 employees. Offices of Architectural Nexus are located in Salt Lake City, Logan, and Phoenix. Architectural Nexus has received numerous project and firm awards in its short history, including “Firm of the Year” the last two out of three years, presented by Associated General Contractors. When not directing the overall design efforts at Architectural Nexus, David can be found teaching 4th Year Design Studio at the Graduate School of Architecture at the University of Utah!


Brad Mee - Trustee Brad Mee is the editor of Utah Style and Design Magazine. He has more than 15 years of experience in the fields of interior design, home furnishings, advertising and publishing. A nationally renowned author, Mee’s current titles include Design is in the Details and Kitchens: Design is in the Details. His third book, Bathrooms: Design is in the Details will be released in Spring 2003. "Kitchen design advice from Mee to you" an article from USA Today, October 18, 2002.


Lamar Lisman - Trustee A. LaMar Lisman has been involved in the interior design industry for nearly two decades. A graduate of the University of Utah , his first brush with design started with his career as a Merchandise Manager for the fashion retailer Nordstrom. Lisman was part of a team put together by the company to develop and manufacture several lines of Nordstrom private label merchandise. This provided both the opportunity to travel and explore endless possibilities of the design process. Having always had a keen interest in interior design, Lisman eventually left Nordstrom to completely devote his time to developing a career in the industry. By combining his strong retail background with his design education, Lisman soon found many opportunities to build his portfolio to include projects throughout the United States . Lisman Richardson Interior Design is located in Salt Lake City , Utah . The company has been ranked consistently as one of the largest and most successful interior design firms by Utah Business Magazine. Lisman Richardson projects include; residential, commercial, banking, hospitality, aircraft, marine, restaurants and tenant improvements. Lisman Richardson projects have appeared in numerous publications including: Utah Style and Design, Salt Lake City Magazine, The Robb Report, Architectural Digest, and Yachting.

Nancy Rogers - Past Executive Director Being involved with Design Awareness and its mission has been a journey to good works. Just look at the leap of progress over ten years: from 14 interior designers to 800+ Friends of Design Awareness at the 2004 two-day conference and award event. As an attendee/designer, manufacturer representative, sponsor, and volunteer I definitely have taken this organization for a test drive. With an insiders view my connection to the cause has grown. I stay involved because I want to be more influential in determining the result. Design Awareness has added another dimension to the satisfaction I receive from the design industry….those involved have all become friends. The members of the Salt Lake Design Awareness Foundation, the volunteers, the committee for the event, the sponsors, the manufacturers, the speakers, vendors, designers and students, the design professors and all of us who take part have a very big connection: a commitment to excel at our professions and passion for good design! Design is a life discipline and we can't soak up enough inspiration. It is this hunger for inspiration that keeps all of us attending events such as Design Awareness! I have a Bachelor of Interior Design, and continue to attend seminars and post graduate classes to my feed my design craving: The Harvard Graduate School of Design in Cambridge “Creating Branded Environments” and the Spark:03 Symposium in San Francisco, presented by three respected and diverse entities in the design community: Design Within Reach, the California College of Arts and Crafts, and Dwell magazine. This year's 10th Anniversary Celebration and “Chair-ity” Auction will include one dozen design awards, include our friends in other design disciplines, and be as entertaining and enlightening as ever.

Steven Bradley - Past Vice President How long have you been involved with Design Awareness? 8 years Why do you continue to be involved in Design Awareness? I became involved with Design Awareness as a vehicle to keep the memory and spirit of my late wife Theresa Bradley alive in the hearts of her family and friends. I remain involved for that reason and because of the extraordinary people I have had the privilege to work with at Design Awareness. Short Bio: I was born in Salt Lake City in 1948 so how in the world can I write a short biography? I graduated from Highland High School in 1966 with no particular distinction or honors. I went on to college at the University of Utah where I did graduate magna cum laude. Since my major was Political Science I naturally attended law school, which for me lasted just 3 days. I was not granted a degree for that effort. I then pursued a Masters Degree in Special Education which after several years of teaching led to my current career in silver refining. A close friend I met in graduate school got me a job with his family's business. While in graduate school I met Theresa Marie Pinto who became my wife after a lengthy four week courtship. The union produced two children, Jessica and Diana. After both children were in school Theresa began a career as an independent manufacturer's representative for contract furniture. I took a sabbatical from the silver business and worked with her until her death in 1995. We had been married for 23 years. I was introduced to Patricia Gareau Tuft at a New Year's Eve party. Although I knew within four weeks that Patricia would be my wife, I was unable to convince her until many months later. I was lucky that Patricia even considered going out with me as I had two of her fatal flaws in a date. I am bald and I wasn't working. Although I was able to correct the latter, I am still bald. Patricia and I have been married for nearly 7 years. It just goes to show that "Bald is beautiful". Anything you'd like to add? I am proud of the accomplishments of Design Awareness especially the awarding of over $180,000 worth of cash, internships, and educational travel that have benefited Professionals and Students of Interior Design. I am also proud of the educational opportunities Design Awareness has provided the design community by providing outstanding speakers and CEU's.

John Bradley - Past Corporate Counsel After seeing Steven's pictures on this site, I also wanted to submit a picture of one of the hairless parts of my anatomy. However, this proposal was rejected by the Board on the grounds of human decency and world peace. Regardless, next to Steven, I am the Board Member with the greatest association with Theresa P. Bradley, and I can attest that Steven's marriage practices are just as he describes. Once he makes up his mind about a woman, look out, she is soon to be married. Fortunately, his choices have always been spot on. Aside from being Steven's older brother (yeah, I know it is hard to believe) and Terry's brother-in-law, I have been a practicing lawyer for the major part of my life; four years as a JAG officer in the Army, and 30 years as a member of Prince, Yeates & Geldzahler, a medium sized law firm in Salt Lake City. Most recently, I have been Vice President, Secretary and Legal Counsel for Pioneer Refining Services, Inc. I am currently working on a Masters Degree in Public Administration at the U. of U. (someday I might finish) and have served on the Boards of other charitable organizations, including, Planned Parenthood of Utah, and Utah Nurses Association. As a Board Member of Salt Lake Design Awareness Foundation, I have prepared its Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, corporate minutes, tax returns, and qualified the organization with both the state and federal government. I continue to be involved in the Salt Lake Design Awareness Foundation, not because of my expertise in art and design (of which there is none), but to honor the memory of my sister-in-law, which is unforgettable.

Jean Sharp - Past Trustee Becoming a Board Member of the Salt Lake Design Awareness Foundation was an honorable opportunity as an interior designer. I have been involved in design awareness for three years and I have great respect for this organization. I am very excited to share the Design Awareness missions and building a strong intermountain design community. Bio- I was born and raised in South Korea for twenty-two years . Two weeks after I graduate from Cho-Sun University Kwang-ju, South Korea, earning a Bachelor degree in Fine Art, and then I started a new journey in United States. Learning English was tough. When I moved to the United States I continued to take small classes at a few different Universities and colleges until I made the final decision to become an interior designer.