Dear Members,
Summer is here! Whether you have been basking in the sun and warm weather activities, or if you prefer your basking in air conditioning with a good book or show, I hope you have all been enjoying the season.
This summer has certainly had no shortage of activity, and now, more than ever, I am reminded of the importance of resilience and sustainability in design. From the recent stormy weather conditions to economic volatility, this season has brought many changing factors influencing how we practice. I urge you all to consider these factors as the role of the designer is critical in creating sustainable and adaptive spaces.
I’m excited for the upcoming ASID National Conference, GATHER: Catalyst, taking place in Denver August 11-13, where we will explore these important topics in depth. I wanted to take a moment and invite you to the conference so we can continue these conversations together.
And in the meantime, I also want to encourage you to experience the many new opportunities available to you as part of your membership.
The new Design Connection by ASID is a networking and collaboration platform that is accessible from anywhere and at any time. While ASID’s Chapters are the backbone of our association and provide invaluable local and regional connections, the new platform allows all our members to connect-beyond geographical borders. I’ve enjoyed my first few weeks participating in the forums and cannot wait for the topics of conversation and communities to grow based on what you want to discuss.
During a recent in-person conversation at NeoCon with representatives from some of the largest design firms, a common theme of employee well-being was paramount in the discussions. Our newest reports; the ASID Compensation and Benefits Report along with the ASID Talent Acquisition Report, provide valuable insight into our profession and the larger interior design industry. These tools, combined with the 2024 ASID Trends Outlook Report, released earlier this year, are free member benefits that help you run your business successfully.
I’m very proud of the work the ASID Headquarters staff have put in to increase awareness of how Interior Design Impacts Lives. From new membership types, new partnerships, and legislation success in many states, we are moving forward with an aggressive campaign to grow our membership, recognition, and protection of the right to practice. Even my firm, Tom Stringer Design Partners, just became an ASID Firm Partner. We are excited to bring all of our designers and employees into the ASID family as members and start to receive member benefits that will grow our organization's knowledge as we continue to lead as a highly qualified interior design firm committed to the idea of Design Impacts Lives. Additionally, media publications in which ASID or its members have been mentioned, quoted, or featured have increased significantly with a reach of over 6 Billion people. We are not only communicating within the built environment, but our reach is also public and global.
Integrating life as the ASID National Chair with my work as a partner in a firm has been a mix of fun and challenging moments. Design Learning by ASID has strengthened the way I do business, allowing me to engage in CEUs and resources when I have time to do so. More so, the reimagined Design Finder by ASID, a new platform to connect designers, suppliers, and clients is an exciting tool to continue to position ASID and its members as the most qualified professionals.
Lastly, I want to remind you of Design Careers by ASID. Seventeen years ago, the headhunter for my current firm found my resume on the ASID National “job finder” website, and my role with Tom Stringer Design Partners began. Our newly revamped platform takes these opportunities to a new level with job postings, career resources, and my favorite, a newly formed mentorship program connecting mentees to mentors across the country.
I look forward to seeing you in Denver and on Design Connection.
John Cialone
2024 ASID National Chair