Leaders Breakfast 2025 Highlights

Spotlight on Emerging Leadership

The Chapter also celebrated Mary Oliver, recipient of the 2025 Emerging Leader Award. Mary’s dedication to design excellence, mentorship, and community impact embodies the next generation of leadership within IIDA Northern California.

A Morning of Connection

As always, the morning began with lively networking among colleagues and partners before guests gathered for a shared breakfast and keynote presentation. The room was filled with conversation, inspiration, and optimism—hallmarks of an event that continues to honor design’s vital role in shaping our world.

Design and leadership took center stage at the 2025 IIDA Northern California Leaders Breakfast, held at the historic Westin St. Francis on Union Square. The annual gathering brought together designers, architects, and industry professionals to celebrate creativity, innovation, and community in the built environment.

Honoring Design Excellence

IIDA Northern California was proud to recognize Primo Orpilla and Verda Alexander of Studio O+A with the Leadership Award of Excellence. For more than three decades, their studio has redefined workplace design and inspired new thinking around creativity, sustainability, and the future of work. Their vision continues to shape how design influences culture, community, and the human experience.

Inspiring Ideas from the Keynote

This year’s keynote speaker, Kevin Bethune—Founder and Chief Creative Officer of dreams • design + life—shared his perspective on how human-centered design can unlock innovation and purpose. Drawing from his experience across engineering, business, and design, Kevin’s message encouraged attendees to imagine the future of design through a wider, more inclusive lens.