United in Pride


June 29 2025

IIDA NorCal at the 2025 SF Pride Parade

This June, the IIDA Northern California Chapter once again came together to proudly celebrate SF Pride — and what a celebration it was!

As a chapter, our goal was simple but powerful: unite our community and show our unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community across Northern California. For the second year in a row, our members, allies, families, and friends gathered to march, rally, and celebrate who we are — not just as individuals, but as one inclusive design community.

A Tradition in the Making

It all began with a simple idea: what if we, as IIDA NorCal, marched together at SF Pride?

That seed of inspiration led to a conversation between IIDA member Damien Watson, IIDA Assistant VP of EDI, and Paul Fogg, IIDA VP of Philanthropy, — and just like that, the wheels were in motion. Last year was our first time walking as a chapter. This year, it was clear: this is something special, and we’re just getting started. We hope to continue this tradition year after year, building momentum, building community, and building pride.

Pre-Party With Purpose

The day kicked off at the Andreu World Showroom (shout-out to our incredible hosts!) with a vibrant pre-party. It wasn’t just a get-together — it was a gathering of allies, advocates, and families. Children painted rainbows on their cheeks, members personalized their Pride shirts, and the energy in the room was electric.

We don’t call our supporters “sponsors” — we call them Allies, and that word carries meaning. These are the people and companies standing with us in full solidarity. It was a joy to see so many faces — old and new — showing up, not just for the party, but for the purpose.

We heard from a few inspiring voices, too:

  • Paul Fogg, Regional Manager at Andreu World, gave a heartfelt welcome.
  • Kristin Guindi, IIDA SF City Center Director and Made By Pair National Brand Ambassador, gave thanks to all of our Allies and the dedicated committee behind the scenes.
  • and Damien Watson, Market Development Manager at two, delivered a fiery rally cry, getting the whole group energized and ready to take on Market Street together.

Marching With Meaning

At noon, we gathered at Folsom and Beale for our official time slot to march in the parade. From the moment we stepped off, the energy was palpable. We weren’t just walking — we were marching in protest, in pride, and in unity, representing not only ourselves, but everyone who couldn’t be there.

This wasn’t just about being seen. It was about standing up, speaking out, and showing the world who we are and what we stand for.

As a chapter, IIDA NorCal represents professionals from every corner of the design industry — from architecture firms to furniture manufacturers, large companies to small studios. But when we march together, those lines disappear. We are one chapter, one community, walking with one purpose.

Our Mission on Full Display

IIDA’s mission is to advance Commercial Interior Design as a profession — but that mission is rooted in more than just beautiful spaces. We advocate for healthy, sustainable, and equitable spaces, and that work begins with the people in them.

SF Pride gives us a chance to not only support LGBTQ+ individuals, but also to educate others about who we are, what we do, and why it matters. Many people don’t know what IIDA is, or how we impact the spaces where people live, work, and gather. Events like this give us a platform — and a very visible one — to share our story.

With many proud members of the LGBTQ+ community, this event means everything. Creating a safe and celebratory space where others can network, show their pride, and grow their confidence is what it’s all about.

Looking Ahead

We are so proud of what we’ve built, and even more excited about where it’s going. SF Pride has become more than an event for IIDA NorCal — it’s a statement. A celebration. A tradition. To everyone who joined us, supported us, or cheered from the sidelines: thank you. Your energy, love, and presence help us move our mission forward — one step, one march, one rainbow at a time.

Until next year — stay proud.

Want to get involved with IIDA NorCal or join us next year? Keep an eye on our events calendar, and follow us on social media for updates and opportunities. 🌈


Check out the full photo album for all the fabulous memories!

A Night of Costumes, Community, and Creativity


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