In Memoriam: Tim Schelfe
In Memory Of Tim Schelfe, FASID, CID
Designer. Mentor. Leader. Friend.
It is with profound sadness that ASID Carolinas shares the passing of Tim Schelfe, FASID, CID, on June 14, 2026.
Tim passed away unexpectedly while surrounded by family and receiving medical care. His loss is deeply felt throughout our chapter, across the design profession, and among the countless individuals whose lives he touched through his leadership, mentorship, friendship, and unwavering dedication to others.
Tim's career embodied the very best of the interior design profession. Over more than four decades, he served as a designer, business leader, mentor, volunteer, and advocate whose influence reached far beyond the projects he completed. Through hundreds of residential, multifamily, hospitality, commercial, and mixed-use projects, he created spaces that enriched lives while demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to design excellence.
A Fellow of the American Society of Interior Designers and Chair of the ASID National Board of Directors from 2017–2018, Tim dedicated decades of service to advancing both ASID and the profession itself. He was a respected leader who brought people together, fostered meaningful dialogue, and championed the value and impact of interior design. Throughout his service, he worked to ensure that designers from every background, practice type, and career stage felt represented, valued, and empowered.
Within ASID Carolinas, Tim served in numerous leadership roles, including Chapter President, Awards Chair, Professional Development Director, mentor, speaker, and trusted advisor. He remained an active and engaged member throughout his career, generously sharing his knowledge, experience, and encouragement with students, volunteers, colleagues, and emerging professionals.
While Tim's professional accomplishments were remarkable, those who knew him best will remember something even greater. He possessed a rare combination of talent, charisma, humility, and generosity. Whether speaking to a student, a first-time volunteer, or a longtime colleague, Tim had a gift for leaving people better than he found them. Through every conversation, encouragement, and act of mentorship, he instilled confidence, inspired possibility, and helped others see strengths in themselves they may not have recognized on their own.
Tim believed deeply in the power of design, but even more deeply in the power of people. He understood that the true measure of success is not found in titles, awards, or accomplishments, but in the lives we influence along the way. His legacy lives on in the profession he strengthened, the leaders he inspired, the communities he served, and the countless individuals whose lives are better because of his friendship, guidance, and example.
On behalf of ASID Carolinas, we extend our deepest condolences to Tim's family, friends, colleagues, former students, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The interior design community has lost one of its brightest lights. Tim will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever celebrated.
Services
A visitation will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2718 Overbrook Drive, Raleigh, NC 27608. Burial will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/raleigh-nc/john-schelfe-12930793
Memory
Please submit any photos, stories and memories you have of Tim to administrator@nc-sc.asid.org. We will be putting together a Memory Book for the family.
In Love,
Kelsey Kees
ASID President 2026-2027