Chair's Message - April 2025

David Euscher headshot with chair's message title

Dear ASID Members,   

With the arrival of spring, we are reminded that renewal and transformation are at the heart of great design. This season of fresh perspectives and new possibilities perfectly reflects the first quarter momentum within the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), which has been nothing short of exhilarating. Across advocacy initiatives, events, thought leadership engagements, and groundbreaking conversations, ASID has reaffirmed its role as a guiding force in shaping the future of interior design—not just within our profession, but across industries that are increasingly recognizing the power and influence of design. 
David Euscher in a photo with a group from EXXW 2025
 

During our milestone 50th year, ASID has taken center stage at events like the South by Southwest (SXSW) conference in Austin, where we explored design’s impact on human behavior and experience, and New York Build, where we engaged with construction and fabrication professionals to bridge the gap between design vision and built reality. Design has evolved over the past 50 years as we have learned about how the built environment affects our bodies and minds, shapes our behaviors, and influences our communities at large. The more we learn, the more we are responsible for, and the more possibilities for innovation unfold to have a positive impact on the people and communities we serve. As we celebrate this important anniversary in 2025, we can reflect on the leadership of ASID in raising the profile of design expertise as a valued and essential driver of progress in sectors across the built environment, including expansion into everything from technology to urban planning to personal health and well-being.

As it has been in wide ranging media outlets and design practices large and small, Artificial Intelligence was a pervasive topic at SXSW across the many conference topic tracks, addressing the excitement and fear around what’s possible, and what we may not even imagine to be possible in a future that seems to accelerate toward us. A prevailing theme reinforced what we as designers already know and put into practice – there is no replacement for the authentic human touch, whether in our interactions with other people, or in the care given to creating a hand drawn sketch.   

Authenticity is shaping the perception of handcrafted design as an artisanal treasure, in a world dominated by digitization where we are challenged to think – is this “real?”. As technology continues to advance, what was once commonplace—hand-drawn sketches, handcrafted materials, and one-of-a-kind details—has become an honored differentiator. The human touch, the artistry, and the intentional imperfection of handcrafted elements stand out in contrast to the seamless precision of digital renderings. This renewed appreciation reaffirms what we, as designers, have long understood: authenticity and craftsmanship are irreplaceable. As we look back on 50 years, we can appreciate and reinvigorate traditional artisanal methods of design and “making,” while at the same time challenge ourselves to move forward toward a bright future where new technologies are tools that enable design innovation, thoughtful craftsmanship and authentic creative expression with a human touch.  

This theme of authenticity is echoed in the 2025 ASID Trends Outlook Report, which highlights a growing willingness to challenge long-standing institutions, demanding transparency, accountability, and genuine narratives. This cultural shift directly impacts our industry as clients, organizations and consumers seek spaces that feel honest, intentional, and reflective of their values. Designers must not only create beautiful and functional spaces but also ensure their work embodies integrity, sustainability, and meaningful storytelling.  

At an extraordinary time when industries and institutions are rapidly evolving as they experience disruption and change, ASID remains committed to being a steady presence for all our members—one that you can rely on for guidance, connection, support and a shared sense of values and purpose. Earlier this quarter, Khoi and I shared a professional development experience at the American Society of Association Executives symposium, and a key takeaway was the reminder that associations provide stability and certainty when so much else feels disrupted and uncertain. ASID is proud to be exactly that for our members: a trusted home for designers across all career stages and specialties, offering both fresh ideas and the enduring principles that have always defined us.  

Looking ahead, we are eager to continue these conversations at NeoCon 2025, where ASID will host a greatly expanded slate of programming. We are especially thrilled to present Alice Rawsthorn’s keynote, "Design as an Attitude," and to lead discussions such as "Brain Works in the Workplace" and "Co-Creating Spaces of Inclusivity and Connectivity with ASIDx10 Collective." Additionally, our ASID 2025 Trends Outlook presentation, including the "Future 50" program, as well as numerous sessions developed and presented by our members will further examine the forces shaping the future of design. 

As ASID members, you are at the forefront of these shifts. You are the practitioners and thinkers, mentors, educators and innovators who translate trends into transformative spaces. I encourage you to engage with these conversations, challenge conventions, and continue pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve through design.

Spring reminds us that growth is constant and that new possibilities emerge when we embrace change. At the same time, it is reassuring to know that during a season of change, certain things remain steadfast—our core principles and shared passion for design, our commitment to elevating the profession, and the strength of this community. Thank you for being part of this journey and for your continued dedication to shaping environments that inspire, connect, and elevate the human experience. 

Warmest regards, 

David Euscher, ASID
Chair, National Board of Directors, American Society of Interior Designers