iidanc Archives

A Call for Professional Licensure in California

Posted on June 3, 2025June 9, 2025 by Heather

June 2025

Guiding Principles for Licensure for Commercial Interior Designers in California

Licensure for commercial interior designers is essential in California. Licensure brings commercial interior design into alignment with other regulated building professions, closing a gap in industry participation and reinforcing a system built on layered trust, safety, and legal responsibility.

1. Protection of the public’s health, safety, and welfare is paramount.
California relies on commercial interior designers to create code-compliant environments in hospitals, airports, community centers, schools, and other critical public spaces. The precedent set in California is that professional practice which affects the public’s health, safety, and welfare shall have such practice be regulated by the state. Certification does not, as a statutory framework, confer legal authority to practice or take legal responsibility for a practitioner’s work. Without licensure, there is no regulatory safeguard to ensure these professionals meet enforceable standards or to protect the public. Therefore, a state-issued license is the only mechanism that fits commercial interior design practitioners, as it holds practitioners accountable under California law.

2. Commercial interior design practitioners meet the state’s threshold for legal responsibility.
The state licenses practices and practitioners whose education, examination, and experience prepare them to take legal responsibility for their work. Commercial interior designers are the subject matter experts on the work they do, which demands that they are also legally accountable for that work.

3. Commercial interior design is a distinct practice from residential interior design.
The scale of projects and risk to the public makes commercial interior design practice fundamentally distinct from residential interior design. Residential interior designers can fully participate in their industry without a license; many commercial construction and design projects require a license to bid on, submit plans for, or otherwise meaningfully engage with. A statutory distinction ensures commercial interior designers can fully participate in their work and that regulation is proportionally aligned with risk, accountability, and public trust, while not impeding adjacent professions that function adequately without a license.

4. Overlapping scope is a safety feature, not a flaw.
Overlap in professional scope is a built-in feature of California’s licensing structure. Design and construction professionals operate in shared domains intentionally, using complementary expertise to improve safety and quality. Professional regulation is founded on competency, not exclusivity. Adding commercial interior designers to this system strengthens this collaborative model by introducing another layer of qualified review and legal accountability. Modern design and construction work doesn’t need less overlap, it needs more.

5. Commercial interior design needs statutory definition, set by the experts who practice it.
To ensure public trust, commercial interior design must follow the standard of all licensed professions and define its own scope, qualifications, and standards with the oversight of subject matter experts. While collaboration with peer professions is essential, it’s not the role of adjacent professions to define another’s legitimacy or scope. True professional respect demands regulatory self-determination.

6. Legislation establishes authority and state boards clarify the details.
A licensing statute must reflect the core practice of commercial interior design and grant the authority to govern the profession through a state board. That board, composed in-part of licensed commercial interior designers, is responsible for guidance on questions surrounding scope, continuously evaluating qualifications, overseeing enforcement, and addressing contemporary issues. This is the standard model used by other regulated professions in California.

The Guiding Principles for Licensure for Commercial Interior Designers in California was ratified by the IIDA Northern California Board on June 3, 2025.

For more information or to get more involved email advocacy@iidanc.org.

2025 IIDA Student of the Year Award

Posted on May 23, 2025May 27, 2025 by Heather

May 2025

Nitya Sanjana Reddy Cheruku Named Student of the Year

IIDA is proud to recognize Nitya Sanjana Reddy Cheruku, Student IIDA, of the Northern California Chapter, as the 2025 IIDA Student of the Year—an award that honors a student member who exemplifies exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to advancing the future of interior design.

Currently pursuing her BFA in Interior Design with a minor in Ecological Practice at California College of the Arts, Nitya brings both global perspective and local impact to the field. With a prior Bachelor of Architecture from Sri Venkateshwara College of Architecture in Hyderabad, India, she blends a strong technical foundation with creative innovation.

Nitya’s dedication goes beyond the classroom. As a program assistant and materials studio monitor, she helps foster a collaborative, hands-on learning environment. She also serves as Vice President of her IIDA Campus Center, playing a key role in organizing events, mentoring peers, and connecting with the industry.

Her drive and talent have earned her a Gensler summer internship and the prestigious 2024 Angelo Donghia Foundation Senior Student National Scholarship—testaments to her potential and passion.

“Nitya represents the very best of interior design’s next generation,” said Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, Executive Vice President and CEO of IIDA. “Her leadership and dedication are shaping the future of our industry, inspiring those around her and reflecting the values we hold dear at IIDA.”

As the 2025 Student of the Year, Nitya will receive a $5,000 cash prize, generously sponsored by OFS, along with a complimentary one-year IIDA membership. She will be honored at the IIDA Annual Meeting on June 8, 2025, during the WorkLife Meetings at The Mart in Chicago. The event will also be live-streamed on IIDA’s YouTube channel for those tuning in virtually.

Please join us in celebrating Nitya’s achievement and the powerful impact student leaders have in shaping the future of design.

Pioneers in Design – Jill Dineen

Posted on May 15, 2025June 9, 2025 by Heather

May 15 2025

Event Recap

Pioneers in Design – Jill Dineen

SF Jazz, San Francisco

Read about all the details of the 2025 Pioneers in Design event!

On May 15, the Northern California design community gathered once again at SF Jazz to celebrate innovation, leadership, and the power of creativity at the 2025 Pioneers in Design event.

This year, we honored Jill Dineen, Executive Director of Leap Arts in Education, whose tireless advocacy and leadership have brought transformative arts experiences to thousands of Bay Area students. Under Jill’s guidance, Leap serves nearly 10,000 public school students annually with a range of visual and performing arts programs, architecture workshops, and its signature Sandcastle Classic—a beloved event that brings together designers, builders, and young minds in a joyful celebration of creativity.

The evening began with a lively hosted reception, as IIDA members, design leaders, educators, and students filled the SF Jazz lobby with conversation and connection. The energy in the room reflected the spirit of the event: warm, collaborative, and inspired by a shared belief in the role of design to make a difference in our communities.

2025 Pioneer – Jill Dineen, Executive Director, Leap Arts in Education

2025 Distinguished Achievement Honoree, Lunny Lundstrom (middle left) and his daughter with Corinda Wong and Melissa Pesci.

As the program opened, Lunny Lundstrom of Interface was recognized with this year’s Distinguished Achievement Award in honor of his decades-long contributions to sustainable design and inclusive interiors. His remarks set the tone for an evening grounded in purpose and impact.

Taking the stage next, Jill shared her personal and professional journey—moving between stories of her work with Leap and reflections on the essential role of the arts in education and society. A gifted speaker (and a celebrated blues and jazz vocalist in her own right), Jill inspired the audience with her vision for how design and the arts can foster resilience, creativity, and opportunity for all students and even shared her beautiful voice with the audience.

Following a thoughtful Q&A, the evening continued with a celebratory reception where conversations sparked by Jill’s message continued late into the night.

IIDA Northern California extends heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors, including our Five-Star, Four-Star, and Three-Star partners, and to our Patrons, whose ongoing support makes this event—and the broader mission of IIDA NC—possible.

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, and supported this year’s Pioneers in Design. We invite you to browse the gallery below to relive a few highlights from this unforgettable evening.

If you are interested in being a part of the Pioneers in Design committee for 2026, please reach out.

Event Photos

Full photo album

A Day of Innovation and Insight

Posted on April 26, 2025June 9, 2025 by Heather

April 2025

2025 IIDA Northern California Student Design Charette

Event Recap

Student Affairs

On Saturday, April 26, the IIDA Northern California Chapter proudly hosted its annual Student Design Charette at Gensler’s San Francisco office. This high-energy event brought together 27 interior design students from across the region for a one-day collaborative design challenge that pushed the limits of creativity, adaptability, and collaboration.

Students, many of whom had never met before, were placed in multidisciplinary teams and given just 2.5 hours to respond to a surprise design prompt. This year’s fictional brief challenged participants to reimagine a Silicon Valley office building for a tech company seeking redemption by turning its space into a vibrant, community-driven hub. The prompt asked students to explore themes of transparency, trust, and social responsibility—all through the lens of design.

The Design Process: Learning on the Fly

Working under tight time constraints, teams had to quickly align on concept direction, space planning, and presentation strategy. It was an exercise not only in design thinking but also in communication and teamwork.

“There were two major learning opportunities at the Student Charette: approaching a design problem and negotiating group dynamics within a very short period of time,” said Sally Midgley, Director of Student Affairs.

“Group members met for the first time, learning names as the time clock started. The remarkable feat of producing a design solution in this context is something you can’t truly appreciate until you’ve experienced it. Each group explored their identities and unique combination of talents to produce a delightful variety of projects. The biggest lesson? Exactly what Millie Kwong said at the end of the day: ‘Everyone has something to offer.’ To that, I would simply add—everyone has something to learn.”

After presenting their concepts to a panel of jurors, students were given one week to refine their designs individually before the final judging phase.

I really commend each team on an incredible range of ideas and design resolutions, and I hope they can take this experience and the judges’ feedback and apply it to future projects.

Jonny Bywater, Asst VP of Student Affairs

Judging Criteria: More Than Just Looks

The judging panel, made up of respected local design professionals, evaluated submissions based not only on aesthetics but also conceptual depth, storytelling, and clarity of communication. While many teams produced beautiful visuals, the winning team stood out for their clear design rationale and process documentation.

“Given the small amount of time these teams have to work on their presentations, it can be really difficult to balance good graphics with a strong, thoughtful design narrative,” said Jonny Bywater, Assistant VP of Student Affairs.

“While a few teams focused intensely on the look of their presentations, it was the thoughtfulness and reasoning behind specific design decisions that ended up being the deciding factor. The winning team certainly proved this. I really commend each team on an incredible range of ideas and design resolutions, and I hope they can take this experience and the judges’ feedback and apply it to future projects.”

Congratulations to the Winning Team

The winning team’s concept, inspired by the structure of DNA, conveyed powerful themes of interconnectivity, identity, and transparency—a response that aligned beautifully with the challenge’s intent.

Congratulations to the members of the winning team:

Ana Castaneda – Cañada College
Monce Perez – CSU Sacramento
Amy Bam – West Valley College
Sheree Poon – Cañada College
Amy Zumout – San Jose State University

Special recognition goes to Monce Perez, who has been selected to represent the Northern California Chapter at the National Student Charette, taking place at NeoCon in Chicago, June 9–11, 2025.

Thank You to Our Partners

This event would not have been possible without the generous support of Gensler San Francisco as our event host, our esteemed panel of judges, and of course, the students, whose energy, ideas, and dedication brought the challenge to life.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Student Design Charette was not only a showcase of emerging talent but also a reminder of the power of design to provoke dialogue, encourage reflection, and inspire community-focused solutions. We look forward to cheering on our chapter’s representative in Chicago and welcoming a new class of student designers to next year’s event.

Celebrating Excellence

Posted on March 20, 2025June 9, 2025 by Heather

March 20, 2025

Event Recap

2025 Honor Awards

Masonic Auditorium, San Francisco

Read about all the winners and finalists of the 2025 Honor Awards event!

A Tribute to Leadership: Honoring Sascha Wagner

This year’s Leadership Award was presented to Sascha Wagner, President & CEO of Huntsman Architectural Group. A respected voice in the industry and longtime member of IIDA, Sascha’s contributions to our community are wide-reaching—from his time as Northern California Chapter President to his leadership as IIDA International Board President. His work continues to reflect a deep commitment to creating human-centered environments that inspire.

Sascha was introduced by Brian Graham—designer, friend, and former Honor Awards co-host—whose words underscored the impact of Sascha’s mentorship and vision.

From l to R: Presenter Brian Graham, Chapter President-Elect Corinda Wong, Event Committee Chair & Host Jonathan Chow, Chapter President Melissa Pesci, 2025 Honoree Sascha Wagner

On March 20, the IIDA Northern California community gathered once again for a night that honors design excellence in our community. The 2025 Honor Awards, held at The Masonic Auditorium in San Francisco, celebrated the creativity and innovation of our region’s design professionals and students, recognizing outstanding projects across a wide range of categories.

A Night Led by the Board

For the first time, all presenters at the Honor Awards were members of our IIDA Northern California Board. Their presence on stage brought a sense of pride and purpose to the evening, reminding us that this event is truly built by our community, for our community.

And the Honors Go To…

Across all categories—HEAL, JEWELBOX, LIVE, PLAY, SERVE, and WORK (Small, Medium, Large)—this year’s winning projects pushed the boundaries of innovation, beauty, and function. We also recognized standout achievements with our CRAFT, LONG VIEW, and JURY’S CHOICE Awards. Congratulations to this year’s winners:

🏆 LIVE
Aidlin Darling Design + Studio Collins Weir — L|J Residence

🏆 JEWELBOX
JAK W — Dalida Restaurant

🏆 HEAL
TANNERHECT Architecture / KEN FULK — Muttville Forever Home

🏆 PLAY
EDG Interior Architecture + Design — Palmerio Restaurant at The Four Seasons, Cabo San Lucas

🏆 SERVE
Gensler — Mosaic

🏆 CRAFT
SmithGroup — Sunnyvale City Hall

🏆 LONG VIEW
HOK — Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg Human-Centered Computation Hall

🏆 WORK – Small
Gensler — Adobe Customer Experience Center

🏆 WORK – Medium
Blitz — Confidential Venture Capital Firm

🏆 WORK – Large
Studio O+A / TVS — Intuit Atlanta

🏆 And for the first time, our Jury wanted to give a special recognition with the JURY’s CHOICE Award that went to San Francisco’s FORGE for San Mateo Science Center.

For more information on the winners and their projects, visit our awards page.

Student Design Awards

We’re proud to spotlight the next generation of design leaders. Congratulations to our 2025 student winners:

🥇 First Place: Leta Pham — San Jose State University
🥈 Second Place: Lufan Yang — California College of the Arts
🥉 Third Place: Amy Nicole Zumout — San Jose State University

The Celebration Continued…

New this year: the first-ever Honor Awards After Party, held at Fifth Arrow in San Francisco. Presented by Principal Builders and Two, with additional support from One Workplace, Insidesource, Pivot, CRI, and NOVO Construction, the after party kept the celebration going into the night. We’re grateful to our sponsors for helping us foster connection and community—on and off the stage.

With Gratitude to Our Sponsors

The 2025 Honor Awards would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Principal Builders, for their longstanding partnership and continued commitment to celebrating design excellence in our region.

We’re also deeply grateful to all of our 2025 sponsors across every level. Your support helps bring this event to life and keeps our creative community thriving.

✨ View the full list of event sponsors on the 2025 Honor Awards event page.

Relive the Night

From the show to the after party, the 2025 Honor Awards captured the joy and momentum of our incredible design community. Browse the photo gallery and see how the night unfolded.

Thank you to our dedicated committee for putting together another extraordinary event and all of our presenters!
If you are interested in being a part of the Honor Awards committee for 2026, please reach out.

Event Photos

Full photo album including all the after party pics!

Elevating Student Success in Interior Design

Posted on January 30, 2025February 18, 2025 by Heather

January 29, 202

Event Recap

2024 StEP Part 3

Student Affairs

On January 29, 2025, IIDA Northern California hosted StEP Part 3: Student Empowerment Program in San Francisco, bringing together aspiring interior designers and industry professionals for an evening of mentorship, career development, and networking.

A Night of Professional Growth

The event kicked off with a Professional Roundtable, where students had the opportunity to engage with leading design professionals from firms such as Gensler, Huntsman, Revel, and MillerKnoll. Each expert shared insights about their career paths, industry trends, and strategies for standing out in the competitive design field. One of the most impactful moments was hearing firsthand from design professionals about the many different options available within the industry. Students realized how non-linear professional journeys often are, with many discovering that alternative paths can lead to even more valuable opportunities.

Resume & Portfolio Review + Personal Branding

One of the highlights of the evening was the Resume & Portfolio Review session, where students received one-on-one feedback on their work. In parallel, the Build Your Brand workshop guided students in refining their professional identity, leveraging LinkedIn, and crafting a compelling personal narrative to enhance their job search. Many students left with a better understanding of how to promote themselves beyond just their resumes, incorporating their unique experiences and personal stories into their branding.

Showroom Tour & Networking

The evening concluded with a showroom tour and networking session, allowing students to experience innovative workplace solutions while continuing conversations with industry professionals in a more informal setting. The networking session was particularly engaging, as students were able to strategize on how to individuate themselves and stand out to employers. It was eye-opening for many attendees who had never engaged with design professionals outside of their college professors, providing the

Memorable Moments & Impact

Throughout the evening, the energy in the room was incredibly positive. Attendees frequently applauded and laughed during the panel discussion, highlighting the engaging and insightful nature of the conversation. Several students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to better understand how IIDA and its events can support their transition to the professional world through portfolio reviews, design competitions, and networking opportunities.

The professional panel was engaging, and each connection felt personal. The evening’s sincerity made me feel welcomed as a student, leaving me encouraged, motivated, and grateful.

Sally Midgley, IIDA NC Student Director,

Key Takeaways

Many students, particularly those transitioning from other careers, found reassurance in learning that their past experiences could actually help them stand out in the industry.
Students gained invaluable knowledge about the different paths they can take within the commercial design industry.
Attendees learned that setbacks in their career journeys often lead to better opportunities, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and resilience.
The event provided expert advice on improving portfolios and resumes, along with actionable strategies for standing out in job searches.

Special Thanks

A huge thank you to our guest speakers, mentors, and volunteers who made this event possible. Your guidance and expertise provided invaluable support to the next generation of designers.

Emily Burchill
*IIDA NC VP of Student Affairs*

**Tovah Cook**
*Multidisciplinary Designer*

**Ashley Greenwald**
*Design Director*
Huntsman

**Stephen Kolacki**
*Ancillary Relationship Executive*
MillerKnoll

**Alana Makilan**
*Business Development Manager*
Allsteel

**Joyce Mizuhara**
*Project Designer*
Revel

Tiffany Patton
*Senior Creative Strategist*
Insidesource

Francisco Vargas
*Technical Designer*
Gensler

Damien Watson
*Market Development Mgr + Sustainability Lead*
Two

Helen Wright
*Associate Interior Designer*
Huntsman

This event gave students invaluable insight into commercial design opportunities and how their experiences make them standout candidates, highlighting IIDA’s support beyond the classroom. Thank you to our hosts and volunteers!

Jonny Bywater, IIDA NC Assistant VP of Student Affairs

Event Photos

2024 Legislator of the Year

Posted on November 18, 2024November 22, 2024 by Heather

November 18, 2024

Senator Angelique V. Ashby honored as IIDA California’s 2024 Legislator of the Year

The IIDA Northern and Southern California Chapters of the International Interior Design Association are happy to announce State Senator Angelique V. Ashby as the recipient of our 2024 Legislator of the Year Award. Senator Ashby is the fourth annual California legislator to receive this award, joining a cohort of remarkable past recipients. This award recognizes exemplary leadership, commitment to public service, and alignment with the values of IIDA and commercial interior designers in California.

From L to R: Adam Newton, VP Advocacy NorCal, Amanda Humphrey, VP Advocacy SoCal, Senator Angelique Ashby, Traci Godbey, President Sacramento City Center, Katy Mercer, Immediate Past President IIDA Norcal, and Yeaphana La Marr, Senate B&P Committee Consultant

Senator Ashby has long been a trailblazer. She’s the first woman in over two decades to represent Sacramento District 8, in the California State Senate, and in her short time in office, she’s already become a standout leader. Earlier this year, she was named Chair of the Senate Business and Professions Committee, a role with pivotal influence in the path forward for our profession. From her time on the Sacramento City Council, where she secured millions to support community infrastructure, to her work championing programs for women and children experiencing homelessness, she’s consistently prioritized meaningful, tangible change. Her commitment to supporting working women is especially resonant for commercial interior designers as our profession is uniquely women-led compared to other design and construction professions. Among other important legislation, she authored SCR 29 in 2023, the resolution that declared Women in Construction Week to highlight women as a vital component of the construction industry.

On Monday, November 18th, representatives from both California IIDA chapters had the honor of presenting Senator Ashby with the award at her Sacramento office. This moment wasn’t just about recognition; it was about celebrating her leadership in advancing conversations around equity and opportunity. We especially thank Senator Ashby for her engagement during the 2024 California Architects Board sunset review where the practice barriers for interior designers were highlighted and discussed as a key issue.

Congratulations, Senator Ashby. The IIDA Northern and Southern California chapters look forward to continued collaboration with the Senator’s office. To learn more about Senator Ashby’s initiatives and legislative work, or to show your support, you can visit her official website.

A Night of Costumes, Community, and Creativity

Posted on October 30, 2024December 16, 2024 by Heather

October 30, 2024

Event Recap

Design After Dark Debuts in San Francisco

San Francisco City Center

The IIDA San Francisco City Center hosted its first-ever Design After Dark event on October 30, and it was a night to remember. In place of previous events like Scene Local and Future So Bright, this new celebration brought together over 100 attendees from the design community for a festive Halloween-themed evening at Monroe SF. With costumes, entertainment, and a lively atmosphere, Design After Dark left a lasting impression and is already set to become an annual tradition.

Unlike typical industry events, Design After Dark was designed solely for connection and celebration, with no product showcases or presentations in sight.

Attendees embraced the opportunity to come together in a purely social setting, donning imaginative costumes for the night. Monroe’s dark, moody ambiance and spooky decorations set the perfect stage. The venue transported guests into an immersive and fun Halloween world with fog machines, spiderwebs, and eerie lighting.

One of the evening’s highlights was the costume contest, which kept everyone in suspense as secret judges roamed the crowd, quietly noting standout costumes. Toward the end of the night, winners were announced, and fantastic prizes were awarded. The effort and creativity put into costumes were impressive, with guests showing off outfits ranging from classic spooky characters to unique, inventive designs.

Beyond the costumes, the event featured engaging entertainment that energized the crowd. Local drag queens performed throughout the night, captivating the audience with upbeat dance numbers bringing a signature San Francisco flair to the evening. The drag show was a standout moment full of personality, creating an atmosphere of celebration and inclusivity that resonated deeply with the design community.

We wanted to give our community friends and colleagues a chance to unwind without a hidden agenda. In an industry driven by continuous hard work and deadlines, we felt this was the perfect opportunity to offer an evening off.

Kristin Guindi, SFCC Director

In addition to the drag performances, Design After Dark offered several themed surprises, including spooky cocktails crafted for the occasion and palm readers ready to reveal secrets from beyond. These touches added an element of mystery, making the night feel like a true Halloween celebration. Students and industry professionals alike mingled and danced together, with many students taking to the dance floor, eager to participate in the festivities and connect with others.

Ultimately, Design After Dark provided more than just a fun evening—it fostered a sense of unity within the design community, celebrating what makes it unique and bringing people together in a relaxed, enjoyable setting. The success of this debut event has set the stage for it to become a highly anticipated annual gathering, with attendees already looking forward to next year’s festivities.

It was incredible to see how into the costumes people got. The energy and effort everyone brought to the evening made it feel uniquely San Francisco.

Claire Grable, IIDANC Director of Social Media

Event Photos

Full photo album

Sustainable Innovation Takes Center Stage

Posted on September 26, 2024December 16, 2024 by Heather

September 26, 2024

Event Recap

2024 Design Expo

Silicon Valley City Center

The Silicon Valley City Center IIDA Design Expo, held on September 26, 2024, at Urban Blanco in downtown San Jose, was a memorable gathering that brought the design industry’s finest under one roof. This annual event, hosted by the Silicon Valley City Center IIDA Chapter, has grown year after year in both attendance and impact. With approximately 250-300 attendees, this year’s expo was the most well-attended since before 2020, showcasing an impressive range of vendors, products, and a refreshed focus on sustainable design.

Urban Blanco’s unique three-floor layout was the perfect backdrop for the event. Each floor buzzed with excitement as attendees mingled with exhibitors and explored the booths. Every 10×10 booth featured a commercial vendor showcasing cutting-edge products in areas spanning from textiles to lighting to ergonomic furniture. The expo’s setup encouraged movement and engagement, with each floor offering a unique experience—including a bar on every level and a catered food table on the second floor, ensuring that guests were well taken care of as they explored the space.

Attendees expressed how much they valued the ability to see so many new products at once, making this expo a must-attend on their annual calendar. The event’s flow allowed them to move freely, enjoying all three levels and seamlessly transitioning between booths. Vendors and guests enjoyed an open environment that was ideal for networking, making new connections, and staying updated on the latest trends in commercial design. The level of engagement this year was unmatched, with attendees spending time at each booth, connecting with manufacturers, and exploring what’s next in the industry.

One of the most notable aspects of the 2024 Design Expo was its emphasis on sustainability. The committee’s decision to focus on sustainable practices reflected an industry-wide shift toward eco-conscious design, which was highly relevant to both exhibitors and attendees. This year, each vendor completed a sustainability questionnaire, qualifying them for badges indicating their commitment to environmentally friendly practices. These badges were highlighted in an electronic guide available to attendees, serving as a resource for anyone interested in sustainable design and providing a takeaway for future reference. This commitment to sustainability sparked conversations throughout the event, as attendees and vendors alike discussed the role of the design industry in driving eco-friendly practices.

This year, we introduced a sustainability focus to the expo. We believe that the industry has a pivotal role in promoting sustainable practices, and we wanted to highlight how products, services, and companies contribute to this goal. This event was an extraordinary showcase of sustainable innovation and design.

SVCC Design Expo Planning Committee

A key highlight of the event was the opportunity to support a meaningful cause. In addition to showcasing new products, the Design Expo raised funds for Project Build, a program dedicated to promoting design education and innovation. The support for this initiative underscored the industry’s commitment not only to design excellence but also to giving back to the community. Attendees were enthusiastic about contributing to a program that inspires and equips the next generation of designers, creating a ripple effect that will be felt well beyond this one event.

For those who have been attending for years, the Silicon Valley City Center IIDA Design Expo is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of creativity, innovation, and community. This year was a resounding success, from the number of attendees to the quality of products displayed and the focus on impactful, sustainable practices. With each passing year, the expo continues to be a premier gathering for the design industry, and the 2024 event proved once again why it’s a highlight for so many professionals in the Silicon Valley design community.

Event Photos

Revisit 2024 IIDA Leaders Breakfast

Posted on September 13, 2024December 16, 2024 by Heather

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.

IIDA NC President, Melissa Pesci; IIDA CEO & Executive VP, Cheryl Durst; 2024 Leaders Breakfast Honoree, Brian Graham

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.”

IIDA Leaders Breakfast San Francisco Keynote Speaker, Violinist and Citizen Artists, Vijay Gupta.

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

Full photo album