NCIDQ Exam Prep Course by ASID - Winter 2026

Professor Taneshia West Albert, MFA, ASID, CQ, EDAC, NCIDQ, USGBC is an enthusiastic, award-winning educator from Auburn University and design practitioner. Her research and creative scholarship explores: cultural identity, meaning and trauma; diversity and inclusion; and methods to increase intercultural competency in design education and practice. Her design career is focused on design for healthcare environments, corporate interiors, and higher education spaces with a unique background in Medical Equipment Planning and Facilities Design and Construction. Her community service- both in and outside of the university in which she is employed- focuses on issues of inclusion, diversity, and equity within design education and the design profession of historically underrepresented group, specifically those: from marginalized ethnic groups; who are uniquely physical and cognitively abled; and who are lower socioeconomic groups. 

Kelly Bee-Mangion, NCIDQ, ASID, is a distinguished interior designer with an impressive 30-year career in the design industry. Since founding her full-service interior design firm in 2002, she has showcased a creative and adaptable methodology that addresses evolving market needs while prioritizing functionality, accessibility, and aesthetic integrity. Her professional trajectory includes notable leadership roles at CDPA Architects and Kraemer Design Group, as well as a commendable position as an Adjunct Instructor in the Interior Design program at Henry Ford Community College, where she focused on universal and evidence-based design. Currently, at her alma mater, Lawrence Technological University—where she earned her B.S. in Architecture—she shares her expertise in professional practice for interior designers and develops professional development initiatives. A committed member of ASID, Kelly has actively advocated for legislative recognition of interior designers in Michigan and has diligently supported the preservation of the design community. 

Growing up with a father who was both an architect and watercolor artist, Janie Hirsch, Founding Principal of J. Hirsch Interior Design, came into her craft predisposed to creating beautiful visuals. She is an ASID Fellow, award-winning Atlanta-based residential designer specializing in luxury homes across the Southeast and beyond. Her method of designing curated, yet livable spaces have garnered dozens of local and national awards, and she has been featured across various media outlets, including Traditional Home, Décor, and Beautiful Homes magazines, along with numerous coffee table books on fine design. Janie is a Chapter Leader Committee Advisor to Zone 4 and has served her Georgia Chapter in numerous capacities, including Chapter President before being a National Chapter Support Team Advisor, Advocate by Design Council member and AxD Advocate Support Team member. Her long record of service led to Janie's induction into the College of Fellows in 2024. 

Michelle Jacobson, MPS, ASID, NCIDQ, WELL AP, LFA, LEED AP ID+C, FITWEL, TRUE, is the founder and CEO of MLJacobson Design, LLC, and co-partner of Design GLXY Group, LLC. With over 33 years of experience in residential and commercial design across New York, Florida, Colorado, and nationwide, she is dedicated to health, wellness, and sustainability in the built environment. As a faculty member at The New York School of Interior Design, Michelle teaches Residential and Sustainable Design and Color Theory. She serves on the ICC Code Interpretation Committee and the Sustainability Membership Council, and chairs the Emerging Professionals and Advocacy Committees for ASID New York Metro Chapter. Recently, Michelle was named ASID Volunteer of the Year for 2024 and recognized as Metropolis Magazine’s Planet Positive Educator of the Year. 

Victoria Muniz is an NCIDQ Certified interior designer licensed in Texas and Louisiana with over 40 years of experience in the commercial design industry. As the founder of Environmental Interior Design, she specializes in facility programming, space planning, medical and dental clinic renovations, and vacation-rental interiors—blending aesthetics with functionality and environmental awareness. Beyond her design practice, Victoria is a passionate advocate for professional development, facilitating study groups and creating advanced study materials for NCIDQ candidates. She serves CIDQ as an NCIDQ Ambassador. She is dedicated to helping connect, educate, and inspire practitioners, emerging professionals, and students. She is a frequent guest speaker and project and portfolio juror at universities. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to elevating design standards, mentoring others, and shaping spaces that improve the human experience.

Mona has worked on various projects ranging from commercial to hospitality and healthcare. She is currently focused on affordable housing projects and enjoys working alongside mission driven clients to deliver quality designs that meet the needs of the occupants. She believes design should be inclusive and accessible. Mona has a deep interest in sustainability, health, and equity, and feels privileged to be a contributing voice in the conversation of how we design the built environment. Mona has previously worked at Y.A. Studio, Perkins Eastman, AvroKO, Robert A.M. Stern Architects, Habjan Betancourt Architecture, and SHoP Architects. She has a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design from New York School of Interior Design, a Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting from UCLA, and Bachelor of Arts in Film Production from Loyola Marymount University. 

Kristi Newton serves as an adjunct professor in the School of Interior Architecture and Design at Marymount University, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in hospitality, workplace, and lighting design. She has 25 years of previous experience serving as a design director and manager for architecture and design firms and major hospitality brands. She has led major projects in multi-family luxury housing, international resorts and hotels, and cruise ships. She received her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design degree from the University of Minnesota and her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Miami.