Behind the Design: Project Management in Action at the Decorators' Show House

Decorators-Showhouse-2025.jpg

Exclusive PMICIC Access at One of Indy’s Premier Annual Events

PMI Central Indiana invites you to a one-of-a-kind event at the stunning Indianapolis Decorators’ Show House on April 28. Go behind the scenes with the architects, designers, and project leaders who transform this historic home into a showcase of creative vision and expert project management.

Join architect and design firm founder Matt Harris, along with the project chairs of this year’s Show House, as they share the real-world project management skills required to deliver an event of this magnitude. Learn how they balance creative ambitions, tight schedules, and stakeholder expectations—lessons that apply across all industries.

Don’t miss this opportunity to tour the Show House, connect with fellow project managers, and gain inspiration from the intersection of design excellence and project leadership.

Key Takeaways

  • Gain a behind-the-scenes understanding of how a complex, multi-stakeholder project like the Decorators’ Show House is planned, managed, and delivered — from initial concept to final reveal.
  • Learn how project leaders and designers navigate competing priorities, evolving client expectations, volunteer coordination, and sponsor relationships to successfully deliver a public showcase event.
  • Discover how the Decorators’ Show House’s 64-year history has created a living case study in continuous improvement, risk management, and creative problem-solving, all driven by strong project management practices.

 

About the Presenters

Behind-the-Design-Speakers-3.png

Matt Harris – Lead Designer, 2025 Decorators’ Show House

Matt Harris is an accomplished architectural designer with a degree in Architecture from Arizona State University. With extensive experience in residential design, renovations, and interiors, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the vision and execution of the 2025 Decorators’ Show House, focusing on the kitchen design and overall home transformation. His expertise lies in balancing functional design with creative expression, ensuring that each project seamlessly integrates architectural integrity with the homeowner’s vision.

At this event, Matt will provide insights into the intricate planning and execution process required to deliver a high-profile showcase home, discussing the collaboration between designers, contractors, and project managers.

Lisa Booher – General Chair, 2022 & 2024 | Project Leadership in a Post-COVID Era

As a seasoned leader in the Decorators’ Show House project, Lisa Booher has served as General Chair in 2022 and Co-Chair in 2024, guiding the event’s execution in a post-COVID landscape. In her role, she operates as the lead project manager, overseeing the work of all committees and ensuring the successful delivery of the event.

Her responsibilities encompass:

  • Risk & Safety Management – Ensuring guest and volunteer safety during both the home’s transformation and the public showcase.
  • Stakeholder Coordination – Managing designers, landscapers, and artists while keeping all contributors aligned on timelines and deliverables.
  • Sponsorship & Marketing Oversight – Leading corporate sponsorship efforts, in-kind partnerships, and marketing execution, including print materials and signage across former Show House locations.
  • Technology & Security – Overseeing all digital resources and IT security to safeguard event data and operations.

Lisa’s experience provides a unique perspective on large-scale event management, risk mitigation, and sponsor engagement—key takeaways for project managers across industries.

Kiersten Tully – General Chair, Pre-COVID | Navigating Large-Scale Projects in Changing Times

As a pre-COVID General Chair, Kiersten Tully led the Decorators’ Show House during a very different era of project execution, where stakeholder engagement, scheduling, and logistical planning followed traditional models. Serving in the same high-level role as Lisa, she oversaw cross-functional teams, sponsor relationships, and event logistics while ensuring the Show House met its fundraising and operational goals.

Her leadership provides a valuable contrast in how large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects have evolved over time, particularly in response to global disruptions and new event planning methodologies.

 

Event Timeline

5-6 PM | Registration

5-6 PM | Tour House

5-6:30 PM | Dinner Buffet

6:20-7:30 PM | Presentation

 

Parking

Street Parking

Register for this event
Register for this event

Information

Type of category: Chapter Meeting

Date: April 28th, 2025

Hour: 5:00PM to 8:00PM

Registration close date: April 25th, 2025 at 6:00PM

Early bird deadline:: 15 April 2025 to 12:00AM

# of PDUs: 1.5

Pricing

Early bird student: $30.00

Early bird member: $35.00

Early bird non member: $40.00

Students: $30.00

Members: $40.00

Non members and Guests: $50.00

Location

Decorators' Showhouse and Gardens

5676 N Pennsylvania St
Indianapolis, IN, 46220