Alumni Spotlight: Sherry Kissal
Class of 1999
President of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Mid-Atlantic Chapter
Degree:
B.A. in Interior Architecture and Design
Hometown:
Rockville, Md.
Current Role:
Partner and Executive Director of Strategy and Acquisition at Coakley & Williams Construction
Where are you from and what brought you to Marymount?
I’m a DMV native, as I was born and raised in Rockville, Md. I knew early on that I wanted to be an interior designer. I started at Montgomery Community College for two years in Rockville, and as I was finishing up my time there, I started exploring where I would want to transfer to finish my degree. I heard about Marymount’s incredible Interior Design program and its strong reputation—it was close to home and I appreciated the small class sizes, which really matched my learning style. It was just a natural fit for me.
What was your overall experience like at Marymount?
I had a wonderful experience and met such a diverse group of people. Marymount’s instructors challenged us to push deeper and not settle for the obvious solution. That really helped prepare me for the problem-solving and challenges I would face in the workforce. I got involved through serving on the Marymount Design Advisory Council, which I went on to lead for a year.
I was also the first Marymount Interior Design student to study abroad, so that was a learning experience for both me and the instructors as we figured out what that looked like. I worked at a top London design firm, learning how to operate in a corporate environment and focusing on design excellence. During that time, I started building my network of international interior design professionals. That study abroad experience was invaluable for jumpstarting my career.
What was your career trajectory after graduation, and what do you do in your current position?
I started my career at Marriott’s headquarters in Bethesda before moving into commercial interior design with a D.C. firm, thanks to a connection from a fellow Marymount alum. I briefly tried residential design but quickly realized my passion was in commercial work, which led me to a real estate development company where I eventually ran the in-house design department. More than a decade ago, I transitioned to the general contractor side and joined Coakley and Williams, where I’ve been for over 11 years and now serve as a partner.
Day-to-day, I work with individual business unit leaders to grow their sectors. I focus on understanding the market, finding growth opportunities and building strategic partnerships. I also stay engaged with the design community. For example, I coordinate site tours for Marymount students and co-teach pre-construction classes to help designers understand budgeting and construction.
You are currently serving as the president of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Mid-Atlantic Chapter. What does your work with IIDA entail?
At Marymount, it was encouraged to get involved in the industry early, so I joined IIDA as a student. I stayed involved, took a break and then re-engaged, and now I’m serving as the Mid-Atlantic Chapter’s president. This year’s theme is “Community and Connections.” We’re working to provide content and programming that benefits everyone, from students to principals, later in their careers.
What’s it like to return to Marymount as a teacher and mentor?
It’s an honor that I don’t take for granted. I’m a big believer in mentorship and I try to give back when I can—whether it’s through a guest lecture, organizing a site visit or connecting students to my professional network. This past summer, I had a Marymount student intern at Coakley and Williams who was open to learning about general contracting. I was so proud of her curiosity and collaboration. It was a full-circle moment, knowing that I was now able to mentor and support the students who were once in the same position I was!
What’s your advice for college students and young professionals?
For college students—stay curious, ask questions and take advantage of faculty office hours or extra opportunities to learn. For young professionals—keep learning, don’t be afraid to take on challenges that seem scary but lead to growth and remember that career paths are rarely straight. They can be winding, and that’s okay.
