Can you feel it? Our ASID 2021 Outlook and State of Interior Design Report shares that our interior design industry, business, profession, and practice show positive signs for recovery from the impact of COVID-19, emerging stronger and more adept in responding to critical issues that emerged in 2020. Health, wellness, and safety are the critical pillars of interior design and have become top priorities for individuals and institutions. Trends in understanding people and business, in general, have significant implications for designers to empathize and implement into practice.

The U.S. economy in 2020 was tumultuous, but the overall economic outlook for 2021 and 2022 is positive despite the expected slower recovery. Spending in the residential market sustained the industry overall, balancing the drop in the commercial sectors. Unprecedented times foster increased dependence on each other and our shared resources—and that is what ASID is here to do, to set you up for success.  The pandemic has re-emphasized the need for trust in data, people, and physical spaces. Interior designers have been called to serve as essential advisors, not only to respond to COVID-19, but more so to lead and activate health, safety, and welfare for all.

Designers of all backgrounds and experience connected at the ASID 2021 (FREE) Virtual Conference held online July 19-23.  This top-notch learning and development and professional networking opportunity was like no other, taking participants to a whole new level. The conference was chocked full of free CEUs, keynote presentations from leading designers, peer-to-peer networking opportunities, product showcases in our new Design Center and educational breakout sessions. Recorded sessions will be available online, in case you missed it!

Are you a Chapter Board leader? From August 9-12, 2021, you and your fellow Chapter Board leaders have the opportunity to experience a week of learning and inspiration at the ASID Chapter Leadership Conference. Participants will be provided with exclusive training to build invaluable skills for success in leadership positions. This virtual event will be pivotal in helping you to develop your collaborative thinking, build stronger working relationships, and prepare you for your new  role—all while being inspired by your industry peers and a roster of engaging events.

Are you a student or looking to mentor our emerging designers? Entering into its sixth year, SCALE: The ASID National Student Summit is the must attend event of the year for interior design students who want to move ahead of the competition and toward a successful career. September 10-12, 2021 in Washington DC, student attendees will be able to explore what it’s really like to live like a designer while learning from an impressive cast of speakers—all in support of your professional goals. Be prepared to experience, learn and network with industry leaders, partners and peers. I encourage students to bring resumes, portfolios, and most importantly, your talent, to build your network and become part of the design community. I look forward to meeting you there!

So with a robust line-up of third quarter ASID events, what will you attend? How will you engage? And how will you come out better than before as we lean into the second half of 2021?

All my best,

Kerrie Kelly, FASID, NKBA, CAPS
Chair, ASID National Board of Directors
Owner, Creative Director, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab