Via IFDA | It is with great sadness that IFDA announces the passing of Sarah Boyer Jenkins, FIFDA on May 1, 2023.
A renowned and accomplished designer, Jenkins was known for her passion and commitment to interior design. Following successful tenures in various interior design leadership roles with Woodward and Lothrop and design director at W. and J. Sloane Inc., Jenkins founded her firm, Sarah Boyer Jenkins & Associates, in 1984. It quickly became one of the area’s most respected interior design firms.
Jenkins was a long time member of IFDA and was a member of the Washington, DC Chapter where she served in many roles, including President. In 1991 Jenkins became the International IFDA President. In 2008 Jenkins was awarded the coveted Honorary Recognition Award by IFDA for her work strengthening the organization’s standing within the industry and providing visibility of IFDA to other professionals, organizations,and the community at large. Jenkins also earned the Fellows appellation indicating her dedication and service to the association.
Jenkins was a charter member and co-founder of ASID’s Washington Metro chapter in 1975 when the American Association of Interior Designers and the National Society of Interior Decorators merged to create ASID, and also served on the ASID’s national board of directors. In 1990 she was awarded the ASID’s Designer of Distinction Award.
In 2004 Jenkins was inducted into The Washington Design Hall of Fame. That same year Jenkins was awarded the Margaret L. Hodges Leadership Award for her time, energy, and financial contributions by the Lombardi Cancer Center.
In 2006 ASID awarded Jenkins with the first Sarah Boyer Jenkins Award which honors an ASID chapter member for a lifetime of outstanding and significant contributions to the chapter, the Society and profession of interior design. Her legacy lives on as this top honor is still awarded today.
Jenkins was a founding member of the Maryland Board of Certified Interior Designers, executive committee member for the Lombardi Cancer Center and past executive committee member for the March of Dimes. Jenkins also contributed to the National Symphony Orchestra Women’s Committee Show House as a design adviser and participant.
Sarah was married to Jasper “Jack” Jenkins who predeceased her in 2003. Internment beside Jack will be private at the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Kensington, MD. A celebration of her life will be planned in the near future.