International Interior Design Association’s Post

Next week entries open for the very first Design Truth awards. Before we talk about the theme for this year, this is the week in which you can meet our judges. This was about putting a team together that will all look at the work through their own individual lens. A group that is relatable, encapsulates community spirit and wants to be involved for the good - not for their own personal brand. James Wood was the first I picked the phone up to. "Entering the Industrial Design industry demands perseverance, particularly during economic hardship. Winning this award could provide crucial momentum needed to overcome barriers and establish a foothold in the field." Our winner will receive paid work experience with James and the team at Studio Wood (and nearby AETHA® Product Design) - businesses coming together to give young people an opportunity. There is no bigger endorsement than that. Entries open May 6th. _ #industrialdesign #designtruth

First time I was dismissed from the University #Design studio – and yes, it’s happened a lot 😀 , due to what they see as disruptive thinking – following this conversation: Prof 👤: Why don’t you have a bird’s eye view? Me : I’m focusing on more important views that serve my design, and there isn’t enough time for all views. Prof 👤: So you don’t think a bird’s eye view is important? Me: No, the building is not designed for birds, and humans, unfortunately, can’t fly. After that, I was out. Design standards are old and don’t necessarily fit today’s needs. Designing for #multigenerational is about following the human perspective more than what architectural academia dictates. Like I’ve said before, Multi Generational Design should be based on #human intervention, #communication, #commercial , full day journey and holistic needs and services, with #cultural flavor, and not how birds see it. #Innovation #NewModel #Design

After 3 years of post-graduation experience, I have been reflecting on my journey. Nearly a year ago, Savannah College of Art and Design published the attached video. At the time, my relationship with the profession wasn’t great. Watching it again made me think on my younger self, filled with aspirations. I hope these reflections resonate with others, spark conversations, or offer perspective. 𝟭. 𝗔𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘃𝘀. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 As a student, I was excited about designing buildings that create meaningful impact—structures that enhance well-being. As a professional, I’ve realized that while this is still important, it often takes a backseat to questions like, “How much money will this generate for the client?” or “How can we make this look more expensive while keeping costs low?” It’s a sobering reality, but one we can shift by prioritizing value-driven design. 𝟮.⁠ ⁠ 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 I once believed firms aiming to be impactful would foster supportive environments. Unfortunately, I’ve learned that some workplaces with amazing portfolios lack positive cultures, they use excuses, “That’s just how the industry is” or “If we went through it, so should you.” Personal experience with this culture cause me to doubt my skills and capabilities—impacting my well-being. This is why I now value workplace culture as much as the work itself. 𝟯.⁠ ⁠𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 As an eager designer, I assumed talent and drive would bring advancement. Instead, I’ve encountered an industry that often prioritizes tenure over talent. While experience is undeniably important, how much more dynamic could our field be if we encouraged innovative thinking and skill alongside years of experience? 𝟰.⁠ 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 I entered the profession excited to develop my design skills. While I’ve learned much from peers and mentors, I’ve realized architects are expected to master many areas beyond design. Architecture is too vast for everyone to excel at every aspect, and I believe we’d be stronger if we embraced more focused growth paths. —— Reflecting on these points, it’s not surprising that many architecture graduates switch careers. Challenges like low pay, burnout, limited growth, and unmet expectations drive this pattern. (Based on data from NCARB, NAAB, AIA, ArchDaily, and peers). I’m fortunate to work in a firm with an amazing boss and culture, but it also makes me reflect on how rare this is—and that worries me. These thoughts come from my admittedly short experience, and I know not every firm fits what I’ve described. But we can change outdated practices in the industry. We can guide architecture toward being a more fulfilling field—one that values both the people we design for and the people designing. For those who relate, I recommend Out of Architecture It comforted me to know I wasn’t alone in these thoughts. PS: Enjoy the video! It was 1.5 years in the making with a talented team (shot by Milton Walker) Thank you, SCAD, for being so good to me!

Last week at the Arena Bygga Skola 2024 in Malmö, our R&D Architect, Klaudio Muca, shared insights from the WISE Journal with a focus on neuroarchitecture – the intersection of brain research and building design. During the conference, Klaudio emphasized the need to shift from thinking in terms of "cost per square metre" to "well-being per square metre". This change in perspective opens up new possibilities to unfold how intentional design can reshape how people experience spaces and the impact it has on them. Focusing on five empirical principles, he pointed out that every design choice profoundly affects how students and teachers think, feel, and interact: Variety: By intentionally designing diverse spaces, we can adapt and optimise each environment to support specific ways of thinking – whether abstract or concrete. Atmospheres: Creating immersive environments that engage all the senses enhances memory, alertness, and comfort. Active Learning: Flexible and dynamic settings, such as circular layouts, encourage active participation. Movement: Incorporating design elements that promote physical activity makes learning more interactive and engaging. Natural Elements: Integrating elements from nature as a substantial part of the architectural design enhances users’ well-being and their ability to focus. Thank you, Forum Bygga Skola and Magnus Anclair, for a well-organised event! Explore more from The WISE Journal by following our LinkedIn newsletter Form Follows Feelings: https://lnkd.in/dJfkxKtn Each edition features an article from The WISE Journal, highlighting how architecture influences Work, Innovation, Space, and Education. #CEBRAarchitecture #WISEjournal #Neuroarchitecture

This week has arrived! It's the week that we help make Kansas City "the center of the design world." Huge thanks to Kansas City Business Journal for this article! You can read more about the "Design 7" (D7) and get tickets to the D7 Summit panel discussion, which is part of KC Design Week, at the link in the comments.

5x Dutch Design Week highlights for professionals 💡 Are you ready to discover how design can shape the future? At Dutch Design Week, professionals gather to explore innovative solutions. Here are five must-see highlights during DDW: 1. 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗯: The go-to place for professionals to connect and discuss how design can tackle tomorrow’s challenges. 2. 𝗧𝗨/𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲: A showcase of smart designs where technology and creativity merge to shape our future. 3. 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆: Experience how design power fuels fresh ideas and solutions for today’s challenges. Find all embassies together at Ketelhuisplein. 4. 𝗗𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀: Celebrating 20+ years of groundbreaking design, with a special focus on reflection and new talent this year. 5. 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: Explore how collaboration in social design can inspire new insights, especially for decision-makers working with designers. Photo by: Nick Bookelaar #CBBE #DutchDesignWeek #BrainportEindhoven

As 2024 wraps up, it's exciting to see the innovative student projects showcased on Dezeen School Shows. This year highlights twelve remarkable designs across various disciplines, from architecture to textile design. These projects tackle essential themes such as sustainability, community engagement, and the reimagining of cultural practices. Reflecting on my experiences in architecture, I remember how impactful it was to explore materiality and functionality in our designs. Seeing young designers tackle real-world issues with creativity inspires not just fellow students but the entire industry. What design principles do you think are most important when addressing social issues? 🤔 Data shows that projects emphasizing sustainability and community can have a significant positive impact on urban environments. Let's celebrate and support the next generation of designers! Which project caught your eye? Share your thoughts below. #rendimension #hugoramirezarchitect #renderings #vrtraining www.rendimension.com Full article "Twelve design and architecture student projects featured on Dezeen School Shows in 2024" Link: https://lnkd.in/g6SgFNvf

”According to the Design Council's latest research [2024], 71% of designers think the demand design for environmental impact is going to grow in the next 3 years, but only 43% feel they have the capacity to meet that.” I have seen the same in Finland and this is an important question to address. Both Planet Diplomats and Sustinaires are also working towards lowering and eliminating the barriers for sustainable digitalisation and service development.

On National Industrial Design Day, I'm casting a glance back at my thesis display - an origin point of my journey. Cheers to all my fellow Industrial Designers! Together, we celebrate the boundless creativity and innovation that fuel our profession. Here's to blending passion with purpose and shaping the future through design. #IndustrialDesign #NationalIDDay

YOUR DESIGN DEGREE IS SO VALUABLE... Let me ask you a question: What global challenge would you like to tackle with your design skills? For me, the answer is this: I am positioning planning and design in disaster-prone environments to foster adaptive resilience and wellbeing amidst unpredictable changes in human systems. How about you? As a designer, whether in Architecture, Urban Design, Engineering, or Industrial Design, you possess a unique power to solve global issues. Your skills extend far beyond creating aesthetically pleasing buildings or products. They are potent tools for addressing our world's most pressing challenges. As designers, we often find ourselves in a limbo between art and science, victims of an unfair distinction. However, we belong to a third culture—a critical aspect of our ecological system that's fundamental to why things function well for the good of humanity. We occupy a unique space at the intersection of three fundamental ways of thinking and creating: Art: The culture of self-expression and emotion Science: The culture of analysis and empirical truth Design: The culture of synthesis and practical innovation. While artists ask 'How can I express this?', and scientists ask 'How can I understand this?', we as designers ask 'How can I improve this?' Our strength lies in our ability to draw from both art and science, combining creativity with analytical thinking to solve real-world problems. Our 'third culture' approach holds great potential for addressing global challenges. In the coming weeks, we will explore and redefine what it means to be a designer in today's complex and rapidly changing world. We will explore how design thinking, can informed by both artistic vision and scientific rigor, can create more impact in our world. This will be particularly relevant for young professionals who want to harness the potentials of design beyond mere design and build just as we know it. Join me on this interesting exploration journey. #DesignForChange #thirdculture #architecture #urbandesign