Concurrents: A Year of Impact with ‘Design Your World’
It’s hard to believe that we’re already in the third month of 2024! This season is particularly special because it marks the one year anniversary of a project close to my heart, the publishing of the Design Your World children’s book. Co-authored by Doug Shapiro, OFS VP of Research and Insights, and myself, it simply and powerfully showcases the positive impact that interior design can have on the world.
The story centers on Serena, a young Black girl whose journey in her school classroom and at her grandmother’s house leads to discovery and creativity. Vibrant illustrations by Kenzie Leon Perry, interior designer and creative director of Ze Haus Design Studio brought the story and mission to life. I am proud that Design Your World is an early introduction to the importance of our profession, empowers children to take control of their environment, and shows that design is accessible to all people.
From the ASID president in Michigan to an Indigenous teacher in the Pacific Northwest, from a recent design graduate in Chicago to a fashion model in LA, the impact of Serena’s story has rippled across the country. It’s deeply humbling to hear the gratitude and passion of those who have been touched by the story. The themes of agency, power, and diversity in design have helped children and adults to see themselves in Serena and take pride in our design profession that makes space for everyone.
Even a year later, to my surprise, I am still receiving messages from individuals who have just picked up the book. This heartfelt message from a former colleague in Atlanta captures the essence of Design Your World, “This explains the important work of the interior design profession in such a sweet way that all can understand. Thank you for this gift to the community.” Through co-writing this book and watching others experience it, I’ve learned that stories have the power to continually live on, and my hope is that Serena and Design Your World will impact people for years to come.
The phrase ‘Design Your World’ is more than a children’s book; it began as an International Interior Design Association (IIDA) program sparking a passion for design among teenagers. Launched in 2021, IIDA’s Design Your World program offers a thoughtfully crafted summer curriculum giving early exposure to interior design in Chicago, Miami, St. Louis, and more to come. Designed to engage underrepresented populations, the program involves students, parents, and industry professionals in its mission to promote accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity in design. The program shows high school students that they have the ability to build stronger communities through design that will serve not only themselves, but the people around them.
IIDA CEO and Executive Vice President Cheryl S. Durst explains, “Kids who never had power over anything in their lives all of a sudden have the power to create ‘better’ for themselves. Getting to ‘better’ – That’s what design does…for everyone. Our goal is for students to consider design as an accessible profession, but also to feel something- for design to prompt a reaction to their environment in a deeper way and for that feeling to create a ripple effect across the country.” As an OFS presenting sponsor and personal passion, it’s been a treat to watch the IIDA’s Design Your World program turn curious students into talented design dreamers. I invite you to join me in sponsorship and support of this incredible program, where together, we will feel the positive impact these future designers will make on the world around them.
Reflecting on this one-year milestone, I am so proud to be a small part of ‘Design Your World’—both the book and the IIDA program. United by a shared namesake, mission, and inspiration from Cheryl Durst, these initiatives will help launch the next generation of dreamers and designers from every corner of our communities. Just as Serena’s journey has inspired countless others, let’s all commit to empowering, inspiring and advocating for our profession. Design is for everyone. Let’s continue to do the work to make that happen, together.
Maria VanDeman, NCIDQ, IIDA, is an accomplished workplace advisor at OFS, interior designer, published children’s book author and advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. With a passion for helping people and designing for human needs, Maria strives to make a positive impact on the world through her work and mentorship. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mariavandeman
