Hello! I’m Carolyn Ames Noble, your new Chair of the American Society of Interior Designers.
I began my ASID Journey as a Student President at the University of Akron and Student Rep to the Board. I have sat in several seats, as an Industry Partner, Allied Member, & Professional Member across two chapters, Ohio North and Georgia. I have toggled between Chapter and National leadership through Board and Committee work. I am honored and humbled to represent you and will do so to the very best of my ability.
My Chair’s mission in 2022 is ASID Forward. We are at a point of reckoning and it is our moment to dream, design, and create with intention. I’m thrilled and eager to roll up my sleeves and get started.
The challenges we face today as an industry are existential and unprecedented. As we venture back into our spaces, simply returning is not enough. We must continue to explore the avenues in which design impacts lives in the spaces we live, learn, play, work, and heal. It is time we reinvent and reimagine the possibilities of interior design and how we can positively affect people and the planet.
ASID is primed and ready. During the past 21 months, ASID spent time laying the groundwork for the future.
At Neocon in October 2021, together with IDC, IIDA, and Metropolis magazine, ASID authored the Interior Design Pledge for Positive impact. I encourage you to read, sign and enact this pledge into your work. Interior Design is an incredible champion for good.
Earlier this month we held the first inaugural ASID Design Summit, in Arizona. This was the first in-person event for many of us, and there was an electricity in the air, being together with some of the most illuminating people in the industry. I would like to acknowledge and thank especially Gary Wheeler, CEO, ASID, the ASID Staff, Whitney Austin Gray, Ph.D., SVP at IWBI; and our Founding Sponsors: Benjamin Moore, Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens, Cosentino, Hooker Furnishings, Shaw Contract, Signature Kitchen Suites, Surya, the Mart; and co-sponsors Mindclick and Teknion for everything you did to make this event such a success.
We tackled the key issues facing our community in a workshop forum, which will inform our path forward for this and subsequent years. ASID is taking an active leadership position to address Climate, Health and Equity; Impact at Work; Adaptive Living; and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. And though each is a unique focus, we know the four initiatives are distinctly connected under our Strategic Plan, and the umbrella of how Design Impacts Lives. Expect strong communication and resources throughout the year that you can readily use in your practice. In turn, we will need your expertise and support, as this work will be in constant motion, evolving and growing to stay ahead in an ever-changing world.
All the while, Kari Stringfellow, Vice President, Member Experience for ASID and our incredible staff, are working on a plan to empower our members leading small businesses. More on this in my next letter.
We are so grateful to this incredible community of members at ASID. I’m so excited to seek out your opinions and perspectives as we forge ahead into uncharted frontiers of innovation and collaboration. ASID, Forward!
As we head into the holiday season, I wish you and your loved ones health, peace and the opportunity to experience joy together. Happy Thanksgiving!
Warmest regards,
Carolyn
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