An accomplished award-winning designer and global thinker with a diverse portfolio to her name, DIG’s Director of Interior Design Kate Haas is being celebrated as a 2024 Aspiring Leader by Real Estate Forum and its affiliate GlobeSt.com, industry-leading print and online news publications.
Haas, who has risen through the ranks from Interior Designer and Senior Interior Designer to being named Director of Interior Design last year at DIG, is known for her “take-the-lead” approach while bringing endless creativity and attention to detail to every phase of every assignment.
“Along the way, I’ve refined and enhanced my skills through lessons learned from my own front-line experiences and from caring mentors,” said Haas. “My advice to those considering, pursuing or advancing a career in interior design is this important guiding principle: Every design challenge is an opportunity to create something beyond the client’s expectations. Think outside the box beyond what is being asked of you to achieve and create a space that is beautiful, but also exceeds the program requirements.”
She also added, “Never be afraid to ask poignant questions, pay attention to details while also looking at the bigger picture, get to really know your client and communicate well with them. Be a good listener and collaborator. Never stop seeking guidance and mentorship. And ultimately, have fun in this fast-paced rewarding career.”
During her tenure at DIG, Haas has been involved with some of the most high-profile design assignments in the healthcare, academic, senior living and corporate sectors – from Pennsylvania to New Jersey and New York. To kick off 2024, she was also named one of DIG’s newest Associates, an acknowledgment of her exceptional in-house, project and client relations leadership.
“Kate has a knack for transforming every space she touches,” said DIG President Vince Myers. “She is adept at deploying a diverse style and sound principles of architectural design theory related to scale and proportion while working with and across all disciplines, including the Architecture and Graphics Departments. Kate produces and delivers comprehensive designs that consider unique user experiences by deploying a creative process that is remarkable because it merges fun and functional elements with her unique eye toward timeless, sustainable and practical design.”
Some of Haas’ most-recent assignments include:
A creative force in her own right, Haas also engages in mentorship of the next generation of interior designers. Imparting values that have served her well since launching her own career, she mentors and encourages her interior department staff, up-and-coming students and interns as well as interior-design career starters to consider the same tenets she weaves into her daily practices.
A Certified Interior Designer – New Jersey; LEED AP; and National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), Haas has volunteered for many years in the bi-annual IIDA (International Interior Design Association) “Fashion Meets Finish” fundraising event. In this role, she leads a team of volunteer DIG designers who are paired with industry product manufacturers to create a unique garment strictly constructed with the manufacturer’s materials. In this capacity, Haas has spearheaded the achievement of several award-winning garments through the years, including “Best Construction” and “Best Interpretation of Theme” honors.
DIGroupArchitecture is an award-winning, mid-sized architecture, interior design and graphic design firm with studios specializing in various areas of concentration: education, healthcare, senior housing and community-civic. A minority-owned business with a philosophy that everyone deserves great architecture, DIG is currently staffed with approximately 30 professionals and looking to expand our team and to fill the Architect III/Architectural Staff III position.
Desired Qualifications
Compensation & Benefits
Interested candidates please send your cover letter, resume and portfolio to: [email protected].
At DIG, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.Architect III
Barbara graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnical Institute’s Architecture program. She has spent over a decade in marketing, where her understanding of architecture uniquely enhances her ability to inform the firm’s proposal development and marketing communication strategies and to position the firm as an industry leader. Barbara leverages the team’s knowledge and expertise into compelling content that reinforces brand identity and builds recognition among our clients and peers.
She handles the rigors of her role with determination and adapts quickly to challenges, which stems from an adventurous spirit. When not fine-tuning workflow efficiencies, Barbara is out and about with her family enjoying the outdoors; from ski slopes to local trails to playgrounds to CrossFit.
Emily graduated with a Business Degree from TCNJ and has worked in the Accounting and Finance departments for software, manufacturing and construction companies. Her professional strengths in accounts receivable, process improvement and account analysis are well suited for the complex nature of architectural project billing.
Emily loves to bake, but don’t ask her to make dinner – cooking is not her forte! Her husband is the family chef, and their two young daughters love to “help” in the kitchen. Some of Emily’s favorite things to do include riding bikes with her older daughter Layla, reading with her younger daughter Evelyn, going out to dinner with her husband and friends, and drinking a cup of coffee in peace and quiet.
Chris A’Hearn comes to DIG with over 20 years of experience in corporate financial management across several industries. Along with a BS in Accounting from Rutgers University’s School of Business and an MBA from Monmouth University, Chris has a keen interest in sustainable building solutions and earned the LEED AP Certification. With his experience in engineering and commercial construction, Chris helps DIG to achieve its financial growth initiatives. He brings his passion for sustainable construction and design to the firm as well as contributing his financial expertise to the DIG team focusing on future success.
Away from the office, Chris and his wife, Anne, stay busy with 2 children. Emily studies at Bucknell University and is interested in life sciences. Andy is a gifted and talented student as well as a competitive YMCA swimmer.
DIGroupArchitecture is an award-winning, mid-sized architecture, interior design and graphic design firm with studios specializing in various areas of concentration: education, healthcare, senior housing and community-civic. A minority-owned business with a philosophy that everyone deserves great architecture, DIG is currently staffed with approximately 30 professionals and looking to expand our team and to fill the Architect I/Architectural Staff I position.
Desired Qualifications
Compensation & Benefits
Interested candidates please send your cover letter, resume and portfolio to: [email protected].
At DIG, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
