Dina Griffin
Dina A. Griffin, FAIA, NOMA, IIDA, NCARB, became president of Interactive Design Architects (IDEA) in 1999. Under her leadership, along with partners Charles Young and Robert Larsen, IDEA has successfully completed a multitude of projects for a variety of clients. Dina has been instrumental in bolstering the firm’s commitment to collaboration and the opportunity to create, learn and interact with other thought leaders in the profession. The firm has partnered with internationally renowned firms including Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, and Renzo Piano Building Workshop. In 2016, IDEA was awarded The African American Cultural Center project at Dina’s alma mater, the University of Illinois. That same year, IDEA was selected to join the team of Tod Williams|Billie Tsien Architects to design the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
Dina’s belief that change is inspired through leadership and has motivated her active involvement both within and outside the profession. In addition to past leadership and board positions with the National Organization of Minority Architects and the American Institute of Architects, Dina currently serves on the Illinois Architect Licensing Board and has served as treasurer for Region 4 of National Council for Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB.) Dina is also a member of the University of Illinois School of Architecture Alumni Board.
Reaching aspiring students is fundamental to Dina’s mission to encourage and guide people of color interested in building valuable careers in architecture. Dina recently participated in the Obama Foundation’s Futures Series at Hyde Park Academy, a collaboration between the foundation and high school that connects students with leaders from a variety of professions. Dina was elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects in recognition of her service to the profession, and to society, through her dedicated outreach to minority architecture students and emerging professionals.