Category: EDI

2023 Distinguished Achievement Award

Posted on by Heather

Embracing Innovation and Building Lasting Connections

An Inspiring Journey of 38 Years in Bay Area Design

On May 23 at the annual Pioneers in Design event, Rachel Stallworth, a highly accomplished and respected professional in our local industry, was recently awarded the prestigious 2023 Distinguished Achievement Award by the Northern California International Interior Design Association (IIDA) chapter. This esteemed recognition is given to individuals who have made significant and consistent contributions to the profession, reflecting a deep commitment to excellence and dedication to their craft.

Lisa Weeks, from Gensler, had the privilege of introducing Rachel Stallworth as this year’s recipient, highlighting her remarkable ability to evolve and adapt throughout her career. Rachel has been an active participant in the Bay Area design community since 1985, embracing every industry shift and staying attuned to the needs of designers, manufacturers, and clients over the past 38 years.

Upon accepting the award, Rachel expressed her deep love for the industry and her immense gratitude to the Northern California chapter and its members. She credited her family, friends, and the countless designers, reps, and manufacturer rep agencies who have recommended her to others, acknowledging their support as integral to her success.

Over the years, Rachel’s dedication to her craft and commitment to supporting others led her to develop digital libraries and online tools to assist designers and manufacturers. She emphasized the importance of connections within the industry, encouraging everyone to reconnect and support one another, especially during challenging times.

Rachel Stallworth
Owner | Stallworth Enterprises, Inc.

2023 Chapter Honoree

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Celebrating CCB: A Remarkable Industry Steward and Honoree

On March 23, at the Honor Awards for IIDA Northern California, Carolyn Clark Beetle (CCB) was recognized as the Chapter Honoree for 2023. CCB, who has dedicated 12 years of volunteer service to the board, received accolades from her colleagues and peers for her inspirational leadership and unwavering commitment to the betterment of the community.

During the ceremony, Paul Mabe took the stage to express his admiration for CCB’s innovative and forward-thinking nature. He recounted how, when considering his current role, CCB was one of the first people he reached out to for advice. Her belief in him and recognition of his talent meant a great deal, showcasing her authenticity and generosity. CCB’s kindness extends not only financially but also in her willingness to guide and mentor others, making her an invaluable presence in the community.

Rashanda Udekwu joined Paul in honoring CCB and shared her own experiences of CCB’s remarkable qualities. She emphasized CCB’s genuine interest in others and her ability to build authentic connections. CCB’s reputation for knowing almost everyone in the industry stems from her deep personal connections and her commitment to listening and engaging with others. Rashanda also acknowledged CCB’s insatiable curiosity, evident in her drive to explore new ideas and advocate for equity and inclusivity, even before diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) became prominent in the industry.

CCB’s recognition as the 2023 Chapter Honoree by IIDA Northern California highlights her remarkable contributions and exceptional leadership within the industry. Her dedication to fostering genuine connections, mentorship, and advocacy for inclusivity has left an indelible mark on the community. Stepping down from the board after 12 years of volunteer service signifies a transition for CCB, but her influence and legacy will continue to inspire future industry thought leaders. We congratulate CCB on this well-deserved honor and express our deepest gratitude for her invaluable contributions.

Thank you so much for your powerhouse service, commitment & love!

Carolyn Clark Beedle, Industry IIDA
Director of Audience Engagement | One Workplace

Inspirational people don’t just discuss what is important to them; they act upon it. CCB is not just innovative and forward-thinking but is always thinking about the betterment of everyone.

Paul Mabe, VP of Philanthropy

Listening is not a technique but a way of being; it’s about attention, awareness, and genuinely wanting to hear someone else’s story – to be fully present. (Which is not easy for many of us today). It’s the threat that creates real human connections. CCB’s interest and care for others is how she built the reputation of knowing almost everyone in our industry, not from a surface level but on a bona fide deep personal level.

Rashanda Udekwu, VP of EDI

Designing for Healing and Hope

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Elevating Mental Health Awareness through Behavioral Healthcare Interior Design

As Mental Health Awareness Month takes center stage, we turn our attention to the power of design in creating spaces that foster healing, hope, and resilience. 

In the realm of behavioral healthcare, interior designers face a unique set of challenges and considerations to provide environments that promote mental well-being. From cultivating peaceful and functional areas to embracing durability and safety, the intricacies of behavioral healthcare interior design are crucial in supporting patients’ journeys toward recovery. 

We asked Donald Cremers and Michele Hutchinson from HOK to share their thoughtful approach, innovative solutions, and compassionate design principles that shape the healing spaces they design.

Our overall design goal of healthcare environments is to create “healing” spaces, where comfortable, peaceful, functional, and calming attributes are considered. When we take on a behavioral healthcare project, we must dig even deeper for ways to include the features above, but also have many additional, often complicated, things to consider such as:

Consideration of different areas where patients will be throughout the day is important, such as quiet, contemplative areas vs. more active treatment spaces. Interior design lends itself easily to this with color for example: softer tones in the “home” spaces and the ability to increase saturation and even graphics in more active areas.

Treatment areas, such as classrooms, are set up to maximize multi-purpose functions. Different programs can include anything from art therapy, job preparedness courses, writing workshops and even cooking classes. The finishes then need to be incredibly durable and detailed to meet the safety requirements of the space. The goal of the interior design is to create a warm environment that encourages creativity and healing.

Patient environments need to be secure, anti-ligature & tamper-resistant to meet the safety needs of the patients and staff.

Visibility is an important factor in these facilities as well. Staff must be able to easily supervise spaces, so when designing things like nurse stations, providing open access helps to create an environment that encourages communication between patients and staff.  Access to daylight and views is also an important factor; nature is very healing, and being able to celebrate views and artwork depicting nature is always encouraged.

Designing behavioral healthcare environments continues to increase our compassion for people who struggle with mental illness. The goal of these facilities is to prepare patients for life outside of the facility, where they can live healthy, normal lives – love participating in that journey.

Donald Cremers, IIDA

Senior Principal – Interior Design Leader at HOK

Michele Hutchinson, INTCA, LEED GA

Senior Project Interior Designer, Senior Associate at HOK

Celebrating the Influence of AAPI Designers

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Spotlight on 3 IIDA Northern California Members

This month of May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. At IIDA Northern California, we take this opportunity to recognize our members and honor the contributions of AAPI designers and their impact on the field of interior design. From their unique perspectives and approaches to design to their diverse cultural influences and experiences, AAPI designers continue to inspire and shape the industry. This month, we highlight IIDA Northern California members of the AAPI community to celebrate their heritage and meaningful contributions to the design world.

Christina Cho Yoo, AIA, PE, LEED AP BD+C
Co-Founder | Atelier Cho Thompson

Christina’s career trajectory significantly shifted from structural engineering to architecture, driven by her desire to combine technical expertise with a deeper involvement in projects’ creative vision and human experience. Before this transition, she excelled as a structural engineer at Arup, where she held the esteemed position of Structural Sustainability Champion for the Americas. Her exceptional contributions encompassed noteworthy projects such as the LEED-Double Platinum California Academy of Sciences, Contemporary Jewish Museum, Kaiser hospitals, and various bridges.

In 2014, Christina and her partner Ming Thompson established Atelier Cho Thompson—a multidisciplinary design and concept firm with offices in San Francisco and New Haven. This dynamic firm engages in the art of architecture, interiors, graphics, brand strategy, furniture, installations, and exhibitions. Their diverse portfolio spans from single-family residences to hospitality venues, institutions, offices, cultural landmarks, and public spaces. Christina and Ming are driven by a profound passion for design that brings about lasting change and resonates with individuals from all walks of life.

Furthermore, Christina’s commitment to community-building extends beyond her professional pursuits. Last year, she co-founded A Rising Tide, an initiative dedicated to cultivating leadership and increasing the visibility of Asian and Pacific Islanders working in design for the built environment. This endeavor highlights her dedication to fostering inclusivity and empowering underrepresented voices within the industry.

While Christina and Ming are trained architects who have worked on large and complex buildings like international Apple stores and museums like the California Academy of Sciences, they joined IIDA because they believed that design at the human scale is essential.

EDUCATION

  • Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Stanford University
  • Master of Science, Design-Construction Integration, Stanford University
  • Masters or Architecture, Harvard Graduate School of Design

Ravi Rao, LEED AP
Associate | Lead Interior Designer | Taylor Design

With over 18 years of experience in the field, Ravi Rao profoundly understands the importance of empathy in creating meaningful spaces. As an Associate and Lead Interior Designer at Taylor Design, Ravi’s approach revolves around a thoughtful and human-centered process, recognizing that design goes beyond aesthetics and encompasses the user’s mental and emotional experience. This perspective is particularly crucial in his work on healthcare projects, where design can significantly impact healing.

In addition to his innate empathy in design, Ravi embraces a distinctive leadership style that encompasses reflection, compassion, and a global mindset, all while prioritizing the team. Often described as a “quiet leader,” Ravi’s natural curiosity and ability to delve beneath the surface bring stability and purpose to the intricate intersection of people and space.

Ravi’s journey into the design world traces back to a young age when he felt a deep calling toward the designer role. Although initially unnamed, this passion was nurtured by his family and friends. Eventually, his curiosity led him to pursue architecture school and enter the realm of architecture and interior design. However, only recently did Ravi discover the perfect fit for his talents, thanks to someone who recognized his potential before he did. Reflecting on his own experiences, Ravi emphasizes the significance of looking out for those around us within our community and helping them reach their full potential. He attributes his growth and success to the guidance of mentors who played a vital role in shaping his career trajectory.

EDUCATION

  • Bachelor of Architecture, Iowa State University
  • MBA Design Strategy – Design, Business Administration, Management & Operations, California College of the Arts, California College of the Arts

Vismaya Koni
Interior Designer | FENNIE+MEHL Architects

Vismaya’s passion for art and design ignited at a young age, leading her to pursue a degree in Architecture for her undergraduate studies. Growing up, her father worked in the wood and millwork industry, exposing her to his work with architects and artisans. She watched various forms of design through his work in the built environment and the details he worked on with skilled woodworkers. These experiences grew her curiosity about design and her appreciation for the craft.

Her desire to delve deeper into interiors motivated her to pursue a Master’s in Interior Architecture. With a strong focus on user experience and sustainable design practices, Vismaya is dedicated to contributing thoughtful and meaningful work. Her comprehensive background in Architecture and Interior Architecture and her expertise in designing for diverse cultural contexts allow her to bring a unique perspective to her projects.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Vismaya finds joy in various activities. She embraces the opportunity to travel, nurtures her digital art skills, and constantly explores the evolving forms of design. These experiences not only broaden her creative horizons but also shape her approach to design, infusing it with fresh ideas and inspiration.

Throughout her educational journey, Vismaya discovered the immense value of her involvement with IIDA. From attending events and competitions to accessing valuable resources, IIDA has played a significant role in her growth as a designer. It has allowed her to connect with the local design community and comprehensively understand the collective work required to drive the industry forward.

Vismaya offers a valuable piece of advice to fellow professionals she received: to enjoy the creative process and remember how amazing it is to be able to do creative work every day.

EDUCATION

  • Bachelor of Architecture, Dayanand Sagar Institute of Technology, Bangalore, India.
  • MA Interior Architecture, Suffolk University, Boston, MA.