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IIDA NY Presents Engaging Discussion on Inclusive Design
March 6 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Marie Clapot and Valerie Fletcher Kickoff the First Installment of Pioneering Design® Series
The International Interior Design Association’s New York Chapter (IIDA NY) presents the first installment of the two-part Pioneering Design® Series — “Exploring the Impact of Inclusive Design.” This engaging discussion will be led by Marie Clapot, USA Lead Strategy Director at Tactile Studio, and Valerie Fletcher, Executive Director at the Institute for Human-Centered Design (IHCD). The event will occur on Thursday, March 6, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Industrious Penn 1 (250 W 34th St., Manhattan).
The Pioneering Design® Series showcases the power of collaboration in design, which seeks to expand perceptions, open discussion and bring innovative ideas to the design community. Clapot and Fletcher will kick off the first part of the two-part series and explore the impact of inclusive design—what it is, why it matters, and how it can transform design practices while adding value for clients. The discussion will cover key principles, best practices, and real-world applications.
Clapot, a legally blind strategist with a passion for inclusive design, brings a unique perspective to her work, focusing on making cultural spaces accessible for all. As the Director of Tactile Studio’s New York office, she leverages her deep understanding of accessibility and the Americans with Disabilities Act to reimagine spaces that prioritize inclusivity. Beyond her design expertise, Clapot advocates for greater representation of disabled individuals in leadership roles and believes that disability is a powerful creative force driving innovation.
“I’m thrilled to be part of IIDA NY’s Pioneering Design® Series and explore the transformative power of inclusive design,” says Clapot. “True inclusivity goes beyond mere compliance—it’s about creating spaces that engage and empower all individuals. I look forward to sharing how this approach can transform creative practice and inspire designers to rethink spaces through a more inclusive lens.”
Fletcher, a globally recognized leader in universal design, has been the Executive Director of IHCD since 1998. With a background in both design and public mental health, Fletcher is committed to promoting inclusive design that goes beyond legal accessibility standards. She has led global initiatives, including a benchmarking project for the Singapore government, and has received numerous honors, such as the Inclusive Design Champion award from the Helen Hamlyn Research Centre in 2022. Previously, she served as Deputy Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, further reinforcing her commitment to creating more inclusive and supportive spaces for all.
“It’s an honor to participate in IIDA NY’s Pioneering Design® Series,” says Valerie Fletcher. “With over two decades of experience in both design and public mental health, I look forward to sharing how we can use inclusive design as a tool to reimagine spaces, making them more accessible, meaningful, and empowering for all.”
Tickets for the upcoming Pioneering Design® event Exploring the Impact of Inclusive Design may be purchased here. This event will provide 1 IDCEC CEU.
About IIDA NY
The IIDA New York Chapter (IIDA NY)—an inclusive community of creative and diverse professionals, industry partners and students—celebrates design, encourages collaboration, shares knowledge and advocates for the interior design community. This professional networking and educational association provides invaluable resources to more than 700 members in 10 specialty forums with the goal of enhancing their expertise, knowledge and contacts. IIDA NY is proudly committed to design advocacy, sustainability, civic engagement, student mentorship and development, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. For more information, visit: http://www.iidany.org/.