Linda Elliott Smith, FASID
Linda Smith, FASID, is a Past- National President of the American Society of
Interior Designers (ASID), where she has served as a volunteer leader for more
than 20 years. Smith also served for three years as President of the National
Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCDIQ) (1997-1999).
She also served for two years on the now defunct National Legislative Coalition for Interior Design (NLCID), working to promote the recognition of and right-to-practice for interior designers across the nation.
While a practicing interior designer in the State of Tennessee, Linda worked
tirelessly as an advocate for interior design licensing. Once that goal was
achieved, she was the first interior designer appointed to the Tennessee Board
of Architectural and Engineering Examiners. Linda served two four-year terms,
being appointed by two different governors. She served as secretary to the board
and chairperson during her tenure from 1993-2000.
Linda has been a practicing interior designer for over 23 years, and is President
of Smith & Associates, Inc., an award winning interior design firm specializing
in contract, hospitality and residential interior design. Through her practice
experience Linda developed an understanding of the value of continuing education
to help practicing interior designers stay current, and informed about changes
in the industry. As an ASID volunteer she was trained to be a trainer. Through
ASID she taught other interior design professionals leadership skills, strategic
planning, and business management strategies.
Linda’s belief in life-long learning for design professionals prompted
her to start education-works, inc. along with partner Drue Lawlor, FASID. As
President of education-works, inc. a Dallas-based professional development seminar
group, Linda has been teaching and writing professional development seminars
for interior designers, architects, and related industry companies for over
10 years. She presents courses focused on current industry topics, building
codes and accessibility, business skills and using technology for interior design
practice.
Linda also served on the Advisory Board of STIR magazine, a Sherwin-Williams
publication.
Linda holds a BFA from O’More College of Design in Franklin, Tennessee
where she recently served on the Board of Trustees.
