2025 SEGD Chapter Chair Award
The SEGD Chapter Chair Award recognizes outstanding volunteer efforts made while significantly contributing to the direction, growth, strength, and excellence of SEGD both regionally and internationally. Past recipients include SEGD Vancouver Chapter, Kayte Muse, and the SEGD Raleigh Chapter.
SEGD Washington, D.C. Chapter
The SEGD Chapter Chair Award recognizes outstanding volunteer efforts made while significantly contributing to the direction, growth, strength, and excellence of SEGD both regionally and internationally. Past recipients include SEGD Vancouver Chapter, Kayte Muse, and the SEGD Raleigh Chapter.
Situated in the nation’s capital, the Washington, D.C. Chapter has shown exceptional dedication to fostering collaboration and strengthening the SEGD community. Their innovative “office hours” sessions provide an open forum for Chapter Chairs across SEGD to exchange ideas, seek guidance, and navigate challenges together—embodying SEGD’s core values of inclusivity, transparency, and shared learning.
With a consistent calendar of events nearly every month—from studio tours and lectures to shop visits, student portfolio reviews, hands-on workshops, and roundtable discussions—the chapter has created meaningful opportunities for connection across all areas of practice. Their partnerships with AIGA and collaboration with SEGD National for key programs have extended their reach even further, ensuring a thriving and engaged design community throughout the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region.
Building on this foundation, Chapter Chairs Rina Alfonso, Carrie Bruns, and Jonny Peterson have reignited the D.C. experience design community in the post-pandemic era. Through purposeful programming, generous mentorship, and a strong commitment to accessibility and cross-disciplinary dialogue, they have grown attendance from just a handful of participants to more than fifty designers, students, and allied professionals—reflecting the diversity and creative energy of the region’s design landscape. Their events, whether museum-centered explorations, collaborative workshops, or gatherings held in unexpected places such as the D.C. Metro system, are intentionally crafted to spark curiosity, build relationships, and strengthen community ties.
Meet the 2025 Chapter Chairs
Rina Alfonso
Founder of Studio Aorta, Rina is a Philippine-born multidisciplinary designer, artist, and educator whose practice centers on exhibitions, publications, and cultural storytelling. With more than 15 years of experience in the design and museum sectors, she brings a thoughtful, research-driven perspective to her leadership.
Carrie Bruns
A multidisciplinary graphic and experiential designer specializing in museum and cultural projects, Carrie approaches design with curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to meaningful, accessible experiences. Her warmth and mentorship-focused leadership have helped cultivate a welcoming and supportive chapter culture.
Jonny Peterson
A Design Director at Gensler with over a decade of experience in branded environments, Jonny leads creative and technical direction for major projects nationwide. His community involvement—including volunteer work with Dupont Underground—reflects his dedication to fostering civic and cultural impact through design.
Through their shared vision, Rina, Carrie, and Jonny have strengthened the Washington, D.C. Chapter into a dynamic, connected, and inclusive hub for experiential designers across the region. Their leadership exemplifies the spirit of the SEGD Chapter Chair Award and continues to expand the reach and vitality of the SEGD community.