Presentations
“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice,
and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.” - Madeleine K. Albright
I believe if one is passionate about their field of endeavor, they have an obligation to participate in the discourse of that industry. Like Secretary Albright, I worked hard to find my voice and I have made it a point to show up and speak up on behalf of the creatives and makers that bring design to life. I advocate for knowing our own history and celebrating the visionary designers, editors, artisans and craftspeople who are central to our heritage as designers. I also look to the future and use my voice to educate, mentor, and hopefully inspire the next generation of designers.
From Corporate to Creative – The Power of Business Acumen in Interior Design
Success in interior design isn’t just about creativity, it’s about strategy. In this engaging panel, industry leaders Lorna Gross and Rasheeda Gray, both of whom have leveraged corporate experience to build thriving design firms, will join moderator Gary Inman to share insights on how strong business acumen can elevate a design brand. From translating corporate strategies into branding and operations to implementing inclusive marketing practices that attract a diverse, high-end clientele, this discussion will explore the intersection of business and creativity. In addition, the audience will learn how diverse voices are shaping the future of interior design and innovation, as well as strategies for supporting and uplifting underrepresented designers. Whether you’re an emerging designer or an established firm looking to refine your approach, this conversation will provide actionable takeaways to build a distinctive and successful design business.
Panelists: Gary Inman – Moderator, Lorna Gross, Rasheeda Gray, Traci Connell
The Art of Reinvention, Keeping Pace with the Changing World of Interior Design
Description: Interior Design, like acting, music, and fashion, requires creative personalities to continually grow and evolve as their discipline is intrinsically linked with lifestyles and cultural shifts. The ability to maintain one’s core values while remaining innovative and relevant is a delicate dance that successful designers must achieve. We’re fortunate to learn from Arianne Bellizaire, Victoria Sanchez, and Alejandra Thompson de Jordan, three phenomenal women that have navigated diverse career paths from luxury fashion houses to couture level interior design firms and chic shops while never losing their balance of life, love and endless creativity.
Panelists: Gary Inman – Moderator, Arianne Bellizaire, Victoria Sanchez,
Alejandra Thompson de Jordan
