Alissa Brandt
“For firms looking to retain top talent, culture matters. People want to work where they feel heard, valued, and inspired. Creating a workplace where employees feel empowered to lead, take creative risks, and grow in their careers is what makes people stay for the long haul.”
Meet Alissa Brandt, Vice President of Interior Design at Ankrom Moisan!
With offices in Portland, Seattle, and San Francisco, Ankrom Moisan is a renowned design firm that handles over 800 projects annually across eight diverse sectors. Alissa has been a cornerstone of the firm for nearly 25 years, progressing from a Principal position to her current leadership role. Her career is a testament to her commitment and growth within the organization.
In our conversation with Alissa, we dive into the key qualities a firm must nurture to retain top talent, how technology is both disrupting and enhancing the industry, her personal definition of success, and what makes a project truly meaningful for her.
Tell us a little bit about your first introduction to Interior Design and what made you want to pursue it as a career?
At the start of my career, I was convinced I’d join the Peace Corps, driven by a deep passion for helping others and exploring different cultures and countries. But along the way, I realized I had been ignoring a huge part of myself—my love for creativity and design. That realization led me to take a step back and reassess what truly brought me joy. Discovering the interior design program at my University was a turning point. It was the first time I saw a way to blend my artistic side with my passion for making a difference in people’s lives. Now, my work takes me to unexpected places, creating spaces that foster connection and inspire meaningful experiences. In many ways, I’m still fulfilling that original desire to help others—just through the lens of design.
You have been with Ankrom Moisan for close to 25 years. What initially drew you to the company? What qualities of the firm have kept you engaged that you think other firms should embody to retain talent?
What first drew me to Ankrom Moisan was Karen Bowery, the leader of the Interior Design department at the time and ultimately my mentor for over 20 years. She was a fierce advocate for the role of Interior Designers—passionate about elevating design, ensuring we had a seat at the table alongside our architectural partners, and pushing boundaries on what was possible in the industry. Her leadership made it clear that this was a firm where designers were valued, empowered, and expected to make an impact.
Beyond mentorship, what has kept me engaged for nearly 25 years is the firm’s evolving culture and commitment to its core values—which we now define as our HOWs:
● Lead with Heart – We care deeply about our work and each other.
● Be Authentic – We show up as our real, passionate selves.
● Share Openly – We collaborate, teach, and learn together.
● Embrace Change – We welcome challenges and innovation.
● Have Fun – We bring joy to what we do and celebrate successes.
● Build Trust – We foster relationships rooted in respect and integrity.
These aren’t just words on a page—they guide how we work every day. Whether it’s a complex project challenge, an exciting new initiative, or simply the way we support each other as a team, these values define why people stay at Ankrom Moisan. We believe that great work comes from great culture—and that’s something I’ve seen proven over and over again throughout my career.
For firms looking to retain top talent, culture matters. People want to work where they feel heard, valued, and inspired. Creating a workplace where employees feel empowered to lead, take creative risks, and grow in their careers is what makes people stay for the long haul.
Ankrom Moisan works on a variety of project types. Which project type are you most drawn to work on? Which presents the most challenges?
I’m particularly drawn to senior living and higher education because both serve people in moments of vulnerability and transition. Whether it’s a student leaving home for the first time or a senior moving into a new stage of life, these environments need to provide connection, community, and a sense of safety—while also being inspiring and uplifting.
Both project types come with their own unique challenges, and that’s what I love about them. Problem-solving is at the heart of great design and figuring out how to create spaces that truly enhance people’s lives is what keeps me engaged.
What has been the most pivotal project of your career? Why?
One of the most meaningful projects of my career was Aegis Living Lake Union—the first Senior Living community in the U.S. designed to meet the Living Building Challenge 3.1 Petal Certification. It pushed the boundaries of sustainability and well-being, proving that senior living can be both environmentally responsible and deeply human-centered.
We designed a space where residents could breathe clean air, be surrounded by healthy materials, enjoy natural light, and truly feel connected to their community. This project set a new standard for sustainability and reinforced what I’ve always believed—thoughtful design can change lives.
How do you see the industry changing? Has technology been a disruptor in the industry in a positive or negative sense?
The industry is shifting rapidly, and AI is here—it’s not a question of if, but how we use it. AI and other digital tools are powerful allies that can help us work smarter and streamline processes, but they shouldn’t replace creativity.
The real skill lies in guiding AI effectively using it to enhance our ideas, not dictate them. The best designs will always come from human intuition, experience, and creativity.
How do you approach each new project you work on? Does this approach change based on the project type?
I start every project with comprehensive market research—not just demographics, but psychographics, behavioral patterns, and cultural context. I want to understand:
● What draws people to this place?
● What’s missing in the market?
● How can we design for the next wave of needs, not just what’s trending today?
This research-driven approach ensures that we design not just for current trends but for future needs, creating spaces that remain relevant and inspiring over time
Where do you draw inspiration? What is a constant resource you go to?
Staying curious is my biggest source of inspiration. Whether it’s learning a new technology, exploring a fresh design approach, or traveling to a culturally different place, inspiration comes from stepping outside of my comfort zone.
Nature is another constant source of creativity—its patterns, colors, and organic balance always influence my design work. And of course, travel is a game-changer. Experiencing how people live, work, and gather in different cultures always sparks new ways of thinking.
What are your goals for the year? What will success look like to you?
This year, I’m really focused on creating opportunities for designers to thrive—helping them grow, take ownership of their work, and feel proud of what they create. Success, to me, looks like:
● Setting trends instead of following them
● Elevating our offerings—especially with our newly expanded FF&E Procurement Services
● Continuing to grow Ankrom Moisan, both regionally and in how we impact our industry
I’m beyond excited about what’s ahead and the ways we can continue to surprise and delight our clients with truly unique design solutions.
What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
Trust yourself. Confidence doesn’t come from knowing all the answers—it comes from believing in your ideas, standing up for what you care about, and being willing to take risks and make mistakes.
When something truly matters to you, your passion will show, and that’s what will set you apart.
How do you find balance between your passions outside of work?
I’ve learned that balance isn’t about strict separation—it’s about integration. The things that bring me joy outside of work actually make me a better designer and leader. For me, that means:
● Traveling to new places to broaden my perspective
● Spending time outdoors with my family to recharge creatively
● Giving back through volunteering with Golden Bond Rescue, where I found my sweet Golden Retriever, Faye
● Taking the time to celebrate the impact of my work—whether it’s revisiting a completed project or seeing the way a space enriches someone’s life—also helps keep me energized and motivated.
Pictured Above: Aegis Living Lake Union, the first assisted living community to meet the rigorous Living Building Challenge 3.1 Petal Certification, offers an extraordinary blend of sustainability, local history, and innovative design. Located in Seattle’s East Lake neighborhood, the community draws inspiration from the area’s rich rowing culture and the iconic University of Washington Olympic Rowing Team. Its architecture, a striking fusion of natural cedar siding, rough brick, and thoughtful landscaping, reflects the rhythm of oars through water and the graceful forms of rowing shells, creating a seamless connection to the environment.
Image Credit: Aaron Locke (Left) / Magda Biernat