University of North Texas 
Adelia C. Schleusz, RID, IIDA
Design
Advisory Board Chair, Interior Design Program
Creative Director and Founder, What If Lab, LLC
Alumna: 2010, B.F.A., Interior Design
LinkedIn: Adelia C. Schleusz
About
Adelia C. Schleusz is the founder of What If LAB, LLC, which provides creative consultancy at the intersection of interior environments
and experiences, strategy, and science. Beginning her career with a Bachelor of Applied
Science degree and background in research, behavioral psychology and sensory environments,
she laid the foundation for this intersection. Adding to her ‘toolkit of things,’
she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts at UNT. Her career journey spans various design
typologies in commercial design, from boutique studios to global firms, including
hospitality, corporate, health and wellness, education, sports, and performing arts.
"I am thrilled and honored to be appointed as chair for the UNT CVAD Interior Design Advisory Board. Design advocacy, sponsorship, and life-long learning are foundational at every phase in our career journeys. Our students are the pillars of our communities. I look forward to working together to nurture the next generation of designers and changemakers."
She is recognized industrywide as a highly creative leader delivering exceptional
and award-winning commercial interior design and has received numerous accolades,
including the Interior Design 2023 HiP award, celebrating the “most innovative people
in the commercial design industry,” and was recently awarded the Kimball International
Makers of a Better Future Fund.
Over the years, Schleusz has served in various roles and levels of engagement, both
locally with the International Interior Design Association's Texas Oklahoma Chapter and within the broader national design community. Her contributions include mentoring
and sponsoring students, guest speaking, and lecturing at universities such as The
New School at Parsons School of Design in New York City and the UNT College of Visual
Arts and Design, Denton, Texas.
She leads creative direction and strategy at multiple scales of thinking. Her positive,
energetic, and humble spirit is infectious, creating a culture of curiosity, empowerment,
and creative agility. She sees the critical value in bringing together multifaceted
thinkers, expertise, and multidimensional team members to drive innovation — and that
begins with our students.