On a recent trip to New York, my colleagues and I had the chance to visit with American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) CEO Ric Grefé. It was enlightening to hear his perspectives on design, the future of the creative class and what that means for organizations such as the American Society of Interior Designers. Under Ric’s leadership, AGIA, like ASID, continually works to evaluate, innovate and communicate the value of design to the members it serves, as well as to the industry and society more broadly. As students learn (and design teams work) in more collaborative settings, our associations will have the opportunity, and the obligation, to collaborate more as well. I’m excited about what we will learn from one another.
As I was leaving the meeting with Ric, I gave him a postcard in celebration of Earth Day. The front of the card, which was from Charley Harper’s series “A Scary Scenario,” shows a polar bear nearly submerged in water with a red cardinal on his head. What is the polar bear doing in the water? And where did the cardinal come from?
Beyond a recognition that we need to have a greater sense of urgency around how we use our resources and the impact we have on this planet, the card is a powerful example of communication design. As we’ve all experienced, a single graphic image can convey so much meaning, elicit deep feelings and make you stop and think. And so it is with interior design — it has an immense power to provide solutions, bring about positive change and support well-being.
At ASID, we know the vitality of our profession depends upon our recognizing and broadly communicating the impact of interior design. One of the best ways to do that is to celebrate those colleagues whose commitment to the design industry is proving our value each and every day. With this goal in mind, ASID announced the winners of the 2014 ASID Design Awards earlier this month. These prestigious awards recognize those who have achieved the highest level of excellence in interior design. Recipients are outstanding members of the design community who demonstrate an unyielding commitment to advancing the profession and harnessing the power of design to improve the human experience. The winners have contributed important work in health care design, education and research, technology innovation and workplace design.
I want to offer heartfelt congratulations to each of them:
- Tama Duffy Day, FASID, FIIDA, LEED AP BD+C — Designer of Distinction
- Judith Heerwagen — Design for Humanity
- Haworth — Design Innovation
- Amy Campos, RA, ASID, IDEC, IIDA, LEED AP — Nancy Vincent McClelland Merit
As you read about their work and the impact it is having on those who use their spaces and products each day, I hope you will be as inspired as I am about what can be achieved through thoughtful, forward-thinking design.
I invite each of you to join ASID in Los Angeles on June 21 for Celebration: The ASID Awards Gala, as we honor each recipient in person and celebrate the work of interior designers. Register today; you won’t want to miss it.
As you work in your communities, I encourage you to think of ways to take your own recognition of design to the next level. There are many exciting opportunities to do that by engaging with ASID in the months ahead.
If you haven’t already registered, please consider attending or sending a team member to the Design to Lead Summit in Atlanta, May 2–3. This exciting event, which brings together some of the most respected names in design leadership, promises to be an enriching, inspiring experience for all the emerging and mid-career professionals who attend. Also, be sure to check out our wide array of education offerings at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, May 17–20. In addition, you can take part in important advocacy training by attending one of our Legislative Symposia events. And look for ASID at NeoCon and Dwell on Design.
From education and advocacy to research and recognition, ASID is working to serve the full range of the interior design profession and practice. Thank you for your engagement with ASID and for your commitment to the profession — I encourage each of you to remain involved by taking part in the Society’s latest offerings.
The power of one is profound. Happy Earth Day.
Sincerely,
Rachelle Schoessler Lynn, FASID, CID, LEED Fellow
ASID National President
