Celebrating the 50 Years of ASID Membership

Nancy Asay’s passion for design, leadership, and education has been evident throughout her career. She has always exhibited a remarkable drive for leading design, space planning, drawing and presentations. Upon her graduation from the University of Kansas, Nancy demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit by forging her own path in the interior design industry. At a time when local design firms prioritized hiring experienced professionals, Nancy strategically identified a gap in the market. She approached companies without interior designers on staff and through her compelling vision, convinced five companies that hiring a designer could elevate their business.

Within two years, one of the companies where Nancy established an interior design department the company expanded its operations. They built a new showroom, hired additional designers and salespeople, all thanks to Nancy’s transformative impact.

Nancy’s qualifications are equally impressive. She earned her National Council Interior Design Qualification Certification, a hallmark of competence and professionalism in the field. Additionally, her commitment to education led her to earn a Master’s in education from Drury University, further solidifying her dedication to shaping the next generation of designers.

Nancy has seamlessly bridged the gap between academia and the profession, constantly seeking ways to integrate real-world experiences into the classroom. At Missouri State University where she served as a faculty member for 20 years, she was instrumental in incorporating industry collaborations into the curriculum. Nancy fostered relationships with leading manufacturers and suppliers, bringing cutting-edge products and projects into the learning environment. Moreover, her dedication to community service ensured that her students were actively engaged in real-world projects that provided them with invaluable experience.

Perhaps most notably, Nancy’s unwavering commitment to preparing her students for successful careers is evidenced by her encouragement of student participation in local, national and international design competitions. She continually emphasized the importance of creativity and innovation, challenging students to approach each project or client with fresh, unique ideas. Nancy’s impact as an educator extends beyond Missouri State; as the co-author of Careers in Interior Design, she has provided countless individuals with the guidance they need to explore and succeed in the profession.

Nancy Asay is a rare individual whose leadership, motivation, and innovative mindset have left an indelible mark on the interior design profession. Without leaders like Nancy, the field would struggle to stay on the cutting edge of both design and education.

Congratulations to Nancy for her dedication to the interior design profession and continuing fifty year membership in the American Society of Interior Designers.