Chair's Message - October 2020

A Message from Kerrie Kelly, FASID, NKBA, CAPS
Chair, ASID Board of Directors

I can’t believe I am celebrating my 30th year of ASID membership with you by serving on the National Board as your new Chair. I remember each moment of my membership and how it has evolved over three decades – first, as a student; then a graduate taking and passing the NCIDQ; and finally, a professional serving on the California Central Nevada local board.  Two highlights of my ASID career include receiving the Nancy Vincent McClelland Award and, just recently, the honor of becoming an ASID Fellow.  With ASID supporting my career throughout these stages, I have always known that our organization would be at the core of my design story, so I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to experience this next chapter with you, my ASID community.

As stated in the new ASID Strategic Plan, we are ASID – the Association that empowers members to have a positive impact on people and the planet through collaboration, design thinking, education and advocacy. When it comes to the ASID core values, our planning process has helped establish the four pillars that have defined ASID throughout its history and still hold true today. Those pillars are Design Excellence, Thought Leadership, Advocacy and Community-Driven Design.

We have two goal statements that will help us define the activities we put in place each year as we move toward our vision of an industry and profession focusing on people and the planet. As we saw this year, we are going to need to be flexible in making choices, and in doing so, understand we don’t have to do this alone. Partnering with our chapters, other associations, other related industries and industry partners is essential.

Goal #1 - Interior design will assert its value proposition through evolving practices and business landscapes with a diverse and well-prepared professional community.

This is about:

  • Expanding research on the impact of design.
  • Adding perspectives in the industry through diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Building professional competencies of members and broadening collaboration across the disciplines of design communities.

This means ASID will:

  • Partner with our members as well as other organizations to expand the understanding and value of what interior designers can do.
  • Work with our industry partners, chapters and others to amplify and celebrate the art and importance of design.
  • Position ASID as a thought leader in research, technology and culture, demonstrating the impact of design.

Goal #2 - Interior design professionals and their teams will be at the forefront of positive change in the communities in which we work, play, live, heal and learn.

This is about:

  • Raising the profile of our members as innovators, strategists and problem solvers.
  • Improving ways to make you and others aware of healthier materials, products and design solutions.
  • Partnering with those who share ASID values.
  • Engaging membership in not only public policy, but also corporate policy.

This means ASID will:

  • Strengthen its key partnerships with other industry leaders.
  • Establish a new and refreshed public visibility campaign around the profession and the value our expertise brings.
  • Evolve a model for other professionals to participate within the ASID community.

As you can see, we are all in! To our industry and profession, we invite you to join us and take action. Our strength comes from inclusivity, so make an intentional effort to:

  • Ask those you work with daily to be part of the important design conversation we are all having. This conversation includes our members, staff, students, volunteers, industry partners, educators, chapters, clients and general public.
  • Continue to collaborate, challenge, engage and serve with us. We want to bring positive change in the communities in which we work, play, live, heal and learn.

Based on what I’ve seen within ASID and across the ASID community, I know that our organization is full of the exact types of leaders we need in this moment as we adapt, problem solve and move forward.

I hope this message offers a bright spot of pride and inspiration.

Thank you so much for your continued support of the American Society of Interior Designers.

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