Emma Moyer: Concepts With Staying Power

Emma Moyer
Senior Designer, IA Interior Architects, Charlotte, N.C. / Age: 30
Favorite Color: Isn’t every designer’s favorite color black?

WHY EMMA?

Emma delivers bold thinking and conceptual clarity to the forefront of retail design. As a Senior Designer at IA Interior Architects, she leads early stage concept development for projects across multiple retail sectors, translating brand strategy and consumer insights into immersive spatial experiences.

Her portfolio reflects both creative vision and technical depth. Current work includes interior retail environments for Chick-fil-A and a flagship store for Mitchell & Ness in Philadelphia. Previous projects range from merchandising-focused renovations at Bloomingdale’s Tyson’s Corner (shown, next page) to rollout programs for Jaxen Grey and fixture design work for clients including Lucid Motors and R.F. Moeller. Her work on the Daikin Design Center also earned a 2025 Shop! Association Design Award.

The Bloomingdale’s in Tysons Corner, Va., is just one of many projects in Emma’s portfolio. PHOTO: IA INTERIOR ARCHITECTS

Beyond project work, Emma contributes to industry thought leadership through her firm’s proprietary research and published insights on spatial storytelling and customer experience strategy. She also dedicates time to community initiatives through IAReach, volunteering with organizations such as Beds for Kids and supporting youth-focused design events, demonstrating a commitment to both advancing the profession and giving back.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

I had to learn how to manage work-life balance during the transition into a fully remote world. I started my job at IA just before the pandemic, and I was eager to prove my value, which sometimes meant saying yes to everything. I realized that constantly being ‘online’ wasn’t sustainable, especially in a creative field. I’ve since learned that creating space away from the computer screen for inspiration actually improves the work I bring back to the table. That shift helped me develop better boundaries and a more sustainable approach to productivity.

What experience or specific interest has shaped you as a designer?

Getting my hands in dirt. My home garden has taught me to respond to challenges with creativity, to plan for growth and change, and to pair elements intentionally so they support one another. Like companion planting in the garden, thoughtful spatial planning allows materials, functions and people to coexist in ways that strengthen the overall environment.

Describe some of your outside-of-work initiatives. How have these initiatives had an influence on your overall career?

My parents encouraged giving back to the community as a core value from a young age. I think that experience in volunteering and donating time and resources shaped me to think more intentionally about inclusivity and creating spaces where everyone feels considered and welcome.

Who or what has been the greatest influence on you in your work?

Curiosity has been my greatest influence. I’m constantly observing how people interact with spaces, how they gather, pause and explore. That ongoing practice of noticing has shaped my design approach, pushing me to create environments that feel layered, thoughtful and responsive, to human behavior.

If I had a completely unlimited budget for a project, I would…

…probably use it to take the team somewhere that expands the projects design perspective, inspire stronger collaboration and more meaningful design outcomes.

My dream project is…

…restoring an authentically mid-century home for my personal use and filling it with thrifted 1960s pieces I’ve gathered over time.

My favorite thing to do when I leave the office is…

…try a new local restaurant.