A strong proponent of research based design; Rita’s work has been professionally studied and shown to measurably impact employee productivity, loyalty, satisfaction and retention.

Rita has contributed to the success of Alston & Bird LLP where they have been placed on The Fortune “100 Best Places to Work” for 16 consecutive years. Their new Atlanta headquarters was awarded LEED Gold and is the 3rd largest listed LEED Gold Law firm in the world to date. The advanced use of LED lighting is the subject of a study by the Department of Energy.

She gives back to the profession she loves. Rita served as President of Georgia-ASID while on the leadership team for the ASID-National Council of Presidents. She followed with three terms on the national ASID board serving as ASID National President 2007-2008. Rita currently chairs the ASID National Codes committee with teams working to develop guidelines for resiliency, code research and accessibility. Since 2000, she has served on the NFPA Technical Means of Egress Committee representing ASID. She served on the board of advisors for several college programs and donated design services for projects such as Jerusalem House for HIV patients and the design of the GA Chapter offices of ASID as well as the offices for her church.

Rita successfully led the Georgia Association of Interior Designer Professionals when the legislature passed the first Interior Designer registration law in Georgia. The Governor appointed Rita as the first designer to serve on the Georgia Board of Architects.

ASID and the profession are the recipient of thousands of hours of her service. Numerous design awards and service awards speak to the quality of Rita’s design work and respect from her peers.