Verda’s work focuses on expanding the conversation around design, climate justice, and art. She is leading efforts at her firm, Studio O+A, and across the industry to put the planet and people first in the design process.

Verda writes and speaks regularly on the future of work and climate activism. She co-hosts the podcast “Break Some Dishes,” which engages innovators from industry and design in conversations about meeting the challenges of climate change. Verda is also this year's IIDA Northern California chapter president.

Melissa, a principal, and co-founder of Blitz, performs many roles in the studio but primarily designs. When she’s not working on projects for innovative local technology workplaces and global retail, hospitality, and product brands, she spends her days managing operations, brand, and project delivery strategy for the studio.

Melissa is a maker at heart and fell in love with creating things at a very early age. As the daughter of a contractor / fine woodworker, building runs in her blood. Her parents encouraged her artistic expressions even at the expense of the furniture and walls. This sense of exploration and freedom to test ideas has been at the core of her worldview ever since and still informs her process.

Sascha Wagner is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences for people, organizations, and communities through the power of design. As president and CEO of Huntsman Architectural Group, he develops strategy, process, and partnership opportunities for the firm’s offices in San Francisco, New York, and Chicago.

Sascha focuses on workplaces, entertainment industry environments, and on sustainably revitalizing existing buildings. He has been a frequent speaker, panelist, juror, and contributor of articles on design practice. A constant advocate for the interior design profession, Sascha is an IIDA Fellow and currently serves as IIDA’s 2020-22 International President.