Concurrents: The Importance of Gratitude

The remnants of Thanksgiving have disappeared from the fridge (or at least I hope so) and the pumpkin spice is relegated to the clearance rack (where it belongs), so it’s time to eagerly usher in the season of candles and trees. I was reminded that Thanksgiving is the best holiday of the year (in my professional opinion) because it’s centered around thankfulness, time with loved ones, football, and lots of yummy food without the pressure of obligatory gifts. For me, it’s the calm before the big holiday storm. That got me to thinking: How can we sustain the low-key, obligation-free Thanksgiving mindset and extend it into this holiday season?  One word: Gratitude!   

I’m grateful for my little family, fun and supportive coworkers, and a village of friends with whom to share life. As I type these words, I value this chance to write and express (with renewed appreciation for my high school language arts lessons).  Over the last eight columns, I’ve shared my mission to impact people along with my perspective on a NeoCon Renaissance, people as the amenity of the workplace, the craft of communication, working parent superheroes, the power of a network, and meaningful work (whew!). To wrap up 2023, I’m thankful for the passion, unity and progress of our industry that I witnessed at two recent events. 

I’m grateful for the strong voices who are encouraging meaningful dialogue, sharing personal stories, and inspiring people to think differently about equity and inclusion in our industry. Recently, I participated as a panelist in Insightful Collaborative’s “Breaking the Silence” in Miami which showcased diverse voices in design and commercial real estate from HOK, JLL, Sterling Bay, HITT Contracting, Studio Rodrigo Buelvas and OFS.  In front of a supportive and engaged crowd, we touched on many important topics like diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives of our companies, challenges of people of color in the industry, building culture and teams, best practices, and performative versus actual progress.  

I’m grateful to see current and future firm leaders engage in conversations that empower leaders and support healthy, accepting, and resilient teams.  A recent Monster poll revealed that 83% of Gen Z candidates consider a company’s commitment to workforce diversity a crucial factor when choosing an employer.  This suggests a shift in values that prioritizes company culture, genuine commitments, and uplifts all people.  As a person of color in this profession, it’s reassuring to feel the support around conversations like “Breaking the Silence” as the profession continues to make important and inclusive strides. 

I’m grateful for the recent celebration to support the future of our design profession at Florida International University’s (FIU) Interior Architecture program at their annual Festival of the Trees event.  The creativity and imagination of our industry was on full display as design firms paired with manufacturers to design and create “tree” sculptures from flooring, textiles, technology, lighting and more.  As eloquently stated by Newton Dsouza, Chair and Associate Professor of the FIU Department of Interior Architecture, “Your creative trees usher in the holiday season and represent a true collaboration between designers, vendors, students and the public to advance quality interior architecture education.”  This event powerfully showcased the value of our future design leaders as we nurture their quest for creativity, innovation and artistic expression. 

I’m grateful for these two recent reminders of industry progress as well as any event that unifies, celebrates and brings hope – whether through education, mentorship, sustainability or equity and inclusion.  Last but certainly not least, I am grateful for you!  Thank you for taking time out of your Monday to spend with me.  May you also discover an abundance of gratitude in your personal and professional journey. As we throw out (or hopefully compost) the Thanksgiving leftovers to make room for holiday treats, let’s carry the warmth of gratitude into the holiday season and beyond. 

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