Firm Profile
IDA design global is the New York- and Korea-based architectural firm founded by Steven Seagress, AIA, Jong Kim, AIA, LEED AP and Michael Diaz, AIA, LEED AP. IDA provides architectural design, programming, space analysis, interior design, and master planning services to public and private clients. The firm’s domestic and international work spans a vast array of typologies, including educational and arts institutions, libraries, offices, residences, retail environments, and civic facilities.
IDA is known for works of architecture that are timeless manifestations of place, at once distinctive and modern while always thoughtful about site, setting, and environment. Fundamental to this pursuit is the belief that building design is a progressive process informed by client aspirations, site, history, available resources, and time. We believe that design can motivate and inspire users, and make an affirmative, lasting impact on individuals and communities alike. The studio avoids dogmatic structures, instead favoring a careful consideration of light, material, and detail that is specific to the nature of each project. The end products are functional, beautiful, innovative, and sustainable spaces that elegantly integrate into their surroundings.
Our unwavering dedication to design excellence and community service is supported by advanced thinking in sustainability and high-performance design. Based on our experience designing projects both within and outside of the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED requirements, we view good design and environmental sustainability as interconnected elements of a thoughtful, responsible project.
Key Persons
Key Persons
Jong Won Kim, AIA LEED AP
Jong Kim has expanded his expertise to include a wide spectrum of architectural design services. His design capabilities have ensured the successful implementation of projects for over 20 years. As partner of IDA, Mr. Kim great pride in contributing to every project acquired by the firm. He is licensed to practice architecture in New York and is a LEED Accredited Professional. He attended University of Minnesota and the Syracuse University of Architecture, Columbia University. Before forming IDA, he was director for Design at Dongwoo, Haehan, KPF, HOK.
Michael Diaz, AIA LEED AP
Michael is licensed to practice architecture in New York, New Jersey and Ohio. A native of Ohio, he graduated from Virginia University and the Columbia Graduate School of Architecture. Before forming IDA, he worked for KPF and SOM, David Brody Bond. He has managed the rehabilitation and conversion of numerous arts-oriented and Commercial facilities. He has also converted numerous industrial buildings to residential, office and institutional uses throughout the City.
Steven Seagrass, AIA
Steven Seagrass is licensed to practice architecture in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Rhode Island and Ohio, and is a LEED Accredited Professional. He was a member of the Board of Directors for the New York Chapter of the AIA, the upcoming Vice President for Design Excellence. He attended Washington University and the University of Michigan of Architecture. Before forming IDA, he was a Senior Associate for Design at DBRD, KPF and has taught at Yale, Carnegie Mellon, RISD.