A Road Well Traveled!

Last week marked the official end to my term as chair of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) National Board of Directors. Hard to believe how fast the year went, and yes, being chair surpassed all my expectations. As I reflect on a year full of growth and innovation for ASID, I am constantly reminded of the significant role our profession plays in the world at large. We impact the lives of thousands of people each and every day in the spaces we design!

Throughout the year, I was fortunate to travel to events, conferences, and meetings with some of the greatest minds in design. Along with our CEO Randy Fiser, Hon. FASID, the chair of the board is responsible for spreading the message of “Design Impacts Lives” to designers as well as the public. Communicating our value as design professionals is critical to the success of ASID and the design industry. Through these speaking opportunities, along with other events and our partner hosted board of directors meetings, I traveled from city to city for a grand total of 29,542 miles during my term! I had no idea until last week when I added it up.

In addition to reaching external audiences, I attended ASID events including SCALE: The ASID National Student Summit; The Leadership Experience: Presented By ASID; Platform – A Retreat for Design Visionaries; chapter events; and gatherings at several universities. At these events, I always got back so much more than I put in. Connecting with our members filled me with great energy, enthusiasm, and an abundance of confidence in what the future holds for ASID.

It is an honor to work with such a committed group of people on the ASID National Board of Directors, whom I thank regularly for their dedication and service to our Society. This year we’ve had many accomplishments including releasing new research like the Impact of Design Series, creating and enhancing new events focused on the impact of design, supporting the practice of design through legislation, and so much more. However, we are just a conduit. The real work is done by our gifted and dedicated staff at ASID National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. as well as each of you as members of our Society!

As I transition to my role as past-chair on the board, I can’t think of a more devoted, talented, and brilliant successor than BJ Miller, FASID, CCIM. I have known BJ for many years and I look forward to her leadership and vision for ASID and the continuation of building on the foundation of Design Impacts Lives.

Throughout the past year, I have communicated many times the importance of volunteering at the chapter or national level of ASID. I am a living testament to the positive influence the organization can have on one’s career. As I approach my 32nd year in the organization, I can confidently say, I would not be who I am today without the friends and colleagues I have found at ASID, and by the impact ASID has had on me and my career.

And for that, I say Thank You!