September 13 2024
Event Recap
IIDA Leaders Breakfast San Francisco
Westin St Francis at Union Square, San Francisco
On September 13, 2024, the IIDA Leaders Breakfast united the design community in San Francisco to celebrate the profound impact of design on the global marketplace. Held at a new venue, the historic Westin St. Francis, this annual event was hosted by IIDA Northern California chapter, with support from IIDA headquarters. MillerKnoll was once again the International Benefactor for this National event series and Interior Design magazine was the series’s Media Partner.
The morning began with remarks by Melissa Pesci, IIDA NorCal President, who underscored the significance of this event in honoring the legacy and future of design. It was an event marked by celebration, inspiration, and community — all united by a shared passion for how design transforms lives.
Honoring Brian Graham
The morning’s highlight was the Leadership Award of Excellence, presented to Brian Graham, founder and creative director of Graham Design. With over three decades of experience, Graham is known for his award-winning contemporary furniture designs that blend creativity, research, and sustainability. Cheryl Durst, IIDA EVP and CEO, introduced Graham with a playful yet heartfelt tribute, noting his “great calves” and calling him “a true collaborator and an extraordinary friend.” She praised his generosity and ability to create objects that improve people’s lives, adding, “We see our best selves in the eyes of Brian Graham.”
In his acceptance speech, Graham humbly remarked, “I’m really humbled. Design is a team sport, defined by the partners that I have.” He also reflected on his journey, starting his own studio 25 years ago and still feeling the drive to improve: “I still feel like I can do better. We keep practicing.” He thanked his wife, Nancy, and expressed gratitude to IIDA, MillerKnoll, and Interior Design magazine, leaving the audience with the importance of collaboration and continued growth.
Keynote Speaker – Vijay Gupta
Art as a Force for Healing
The keynote was delivered by Vijay Gupta, violinist and founder of Street Symphony, who gave a powerful talk about music’s ability to heal and connect. Gupta shared moving stories from his work bringing music to those in reentry from homelessness and incarceration, asking, “What’s the point of creating beauty in a life filled with pain?” His answer came in the form of music as a bridge to humanity. He recalled a woman from Skid Row saying, “How did you know I needed this music today?”—a moment that underscored the deep impact of art on human lives.
Gupta’s philosophy, “Art is not a noun, it’s a verb,” resonated with the audience, as he described how music opens doors to empathy and connection. His performance of “Hallelujah” on violin brought the room to a reflective silence, demonstrating the profound intersection of art, healing, and humanity. He closed by urging, “We must show up to the most broken parts of ourselves to connect.”
The 2024 Leaders Breakfast was a reminder of the power of design and art to transform lives. Brian Graham’s commitment to creating functional, beautiful designs and Vijay Gupta’s mission to heal through music highlighted the profound impact creativity has on our shared human experience. As Graham put it, “Design is a team sport,” and through collaboration and creativity, both design and art will continue to shape a brighter future.
Event Photos
