It is hard to believe that GATHER 2022, the National Conference by ASID is just around the corner, starting September 21 in sunny Miami, Florida.

 

I would love to see you in attendance as we GATHER for vibrant programs and experiences to benefit all career stages and interest areas of our design community. Register here to join us in Miami and expand your perspective on design.

 

Much of our programming at GATHER is informed by the work of ASID committees that were established at our 2021 Design Summit to explore the impact of COVID-19 on our profession. I checked in with ASID Board Members David Euscher, Liaison for the IMPACT Network, Margi Kaminski, Liaison for the Committee on Adaptive Living, Lisa Tucker, Liaison and Denise Rush, Co-Chair for the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee this past month, and asked them, how we can apply the process of design to chapter and committee work.

 

Of the many dynamic keynote speakers, workshops, and pop ups at GATHER, David shared that the Friday morning session with Kristie Nicoloff and Dana Nunn is a “can’t-miss,” where they will share with attendees how to incorporate concepts found in the INSIGHTS Briefs into their own design practice. Developed under Barbara Marini and Linda Sorrento, the IMPACT Network utilized a rigorous CRIT (Critical, Relevant, Innovative, and Trusted) process, and produced the ASID INSIGHTS Briefs, released earlier this year.

 

Denise and Lisa shared that the DEI Committee is in an iterative, pre-design phase, where challenges are still coming to light. Much like programming, they continue to ask pertinent questions.

 

David and Margi each described the need for cross-disciplinary work in their respective committees, as different skill sets are necessary, similar to a design project team. Both the Committee on Adaptive Living and IMPACT Network populated their groups with designers and design researchers, as well as experts such as engineers, anthropologists, scientists, and doctors. Make sure to check out the Committee on Adaptive Living CEU session at GATHER, titled Envisioning a Better Future for Senior Living, which explores how to promote adaptive design solutions, identify best practices, and consider future innovations.

 

Through a collaborative mindset across Chapters and Committees, we can streamline efforts, expand communication and encourage knowledge sharing. For one, the Committee for Climate, Health and Equity has adapted the IMPACT Committee's CRIT process as they assess ASID’s available sustainability resources. (To learn more about the Committee for Climate, Health, and Equity read my message June Chair’s Message.)

 

Leadership was identified as another key aspect to designing for success. Denise emphasized the importance of having a wide bench with diverse representation. This will be critical to the work of the DEI Committee, chapters, and at every level of the organization. Margi underscored the need to let go of perfectionism to allow passion to thrive - not just in our design work, but also in broader organizational ambitions. David reflected on the continuity of leadership, and how identifying and empowering new voices can carry momentum, be inclusive, and champion shared goals.

 

This critical analysis of our status and processes allows us to observe, contextualize, analyze and reflect. What strategies does your chapter use to carry out the process of design? I’d love to know. Drop me a line at carolyn@amesdesigncollective.com or better yet, let’s talk in-person at GATHER!

 

Cheers,

Carolyn

 

 

Carolyn Ames Noble 
ASID, WELL AP, WELL Faculty, USGBC Member

Principal, Interior & Product Design, Ames Design Collective