As a resident of Minneapolis, I don’t pay much attention to rumblings of winter. The seasons, all of them, are beautiful here–and I make a point to enjoy all they have to offer. But as the days get longer, I’m reminded of the things I love about spring: bright light, renewal and growth. And, as I evaluate ASID and the work we’re doing as a Society to serve as the voice of the interior design profession, I find similar themes.

First, the future of interior design is bright. Beyond a sense of optimism for the industry I encounter in my own work–and anecdotally as I visit our chapters–there are data to support that sentiment. From broad economic indicators of spending and interest rates to more direct trends, including billings and projected growth in job demand, we have cause for optimism. Our industry outlook report, due out soon, will dive deep into the future of interior design.

Following the successful Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) conference, I have a renewed appreciation for design education and for my friends and colleagues who are preparing the next generation of interior designers. Their passion for equipping students for success in their path to practice inspires me in my own practice. And, as we work to build a stronger ASID, we always remember that students and emerging professionals are key audiences that will help to define our future.

Each year, certain milestones inspire a sense of renewal, and the ASID National Awards serve as an annual industry touchstone. Jurors met recently to review nominations for the Society’s prestigious awards. Winners will be announced soon online and recognized at Celebration 2014, the ASID Awards Gala, to be held June 21 in Los Angeles. I invite you all to attend. The event, held in conjunction with our Chapter Leadership Conference, also will celebrate our next class of Fellows as well as our future volunteer leaders.

And, as the Society continues to build programs that add value to practice for our members, much of the work we do is focused on growth. I’m particularly excited about several upcoming events, and I encourage each of you to attend these programs and share with fellow designers. The next Accelerate Studio will be held on March 27 in Los Angeles, and it is the first of many planned programs to focus on teaching designers business strategies to create successful, sustainable businesses primed for growth. The ASID Legislative Symposia series also begins in Los Angeles on April 12, and continues in Orlando and New York through the spring. This series of policy events is designed to share best practices for advocating on behalf of the interior design profession at the state and national levels. Design to Lead, Presented by ASID, is a new signature event, which will be held in Atlanta in May. Convening individuals from all design disciplines with today’s thought leaders, the event will focus on the leadership skills necessary for success—in the business of design and in life. I’m so excited about the lineup of speakers, including Victor Ermoli, dean of the School of Design at Savannah College of Art and Design; and Marty Neumeier, designer, strategic innovator and author of Metaskills: Five Talents for the Robotic Age.

It is programs like these that will help ASID to lead the future of interior design. They help to integrate our local connections with our national reach, bring together leaders from firms big and small, and help to drive meaningful conversations about the places we live as well as the places we work, play and heal.

I was touched by the feedback many of you offered after last month’s letter. Your encouragement, passion and commitment are essential to the Society’s success in serving the full range of the interior design profession and practice.

May spring come early and stay for some time.

Sincerely,

Rachelle Schoessler Lynn, FASID, CID, LEED FELLOW
ASID National President