Collective Design Special Series: The State of EDI

Closing out Season Five of Collective Design, IIDA’s webinar series, we bring you a very special miniseries on the state of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the design field. We invite you to watch a trio of engaging roundtables with influential leaders in the architecture and design industry. Experts analyze the design landscape, pinpointing markers of EDI progress, signs of potential backslide, and actionable strategies to enhance EDI betterment across the industry.

The three-episode series, sponsored by Tarkett, sparks an ongoing, constructive conversation about diversity in design, as well as design’s potential to create equity across communities and the broader society.

Each episode qualifies for 1 IDCEC CEU.

Read below to learn more about episodes and watch today to experience these important conversations.

Collective Design Special Series: The State of EDI Part 1
Intersectional Design: Community, Diversity, and Sustainability

A discussion on designing for sustainability through the lens of diversity and community. We look at different approaches to community-based sustainability practice and the ways in which design can help foster equitable communities. Watch Part I.

Moderator:
George Bandy, Jr., Ind. IIDA, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Andersen Corporation

Speakers:
Lee Bey, Chicago Sun-Times Architecture Critic and Member of the Editorial Board
Maya Bird-Murphy, Founder and Executive Director, Mobile Makers
Annamaria Leon, Co-owner, Homan Grown L3C and Co-founder, Permaculture Chicago

A man with a beard and glasses smiles confidently while wearing a navy suit, striped tie, and polka-dotted pocket square outdoors. — **George Bandy Jr., Ind. IIDA**
Andersen Corporation

A middle-aged man with glasses and a closely shaved head looks directly at the camera, wearing a black turtleneck sweater. — **Lee Bey**
Chicago Sun-Times

A thoughtful person with short, natural hair and glasses gazes thoughtfully, showcased against a warm wooden backdrop. — **Maya Bird-Murphy**
Mobile Makers

A smiling woman with short gray hair and a black shawl sits outdoors, surrounded by green plants and stone walls. Warm sunlight illuminates her. — **Annamaria Leon**
Permaculture Chicago

Collective Design Special Series: The State of EDI Part 2
Inclusive Design: Nothing About Us, Without Us

We examine the current state of design for diverse populations of all types, designing inclusive spaces, and refining actionable strategies around EDI for the design industry. Watch Part 2

Moderator:
Tom Polucci, FIIDA, Director of Interiors, HOK

Speakers:
Jessica Bantom, IIDA, Global Leader of Equity, Diversity, and Belonging, DLR Group
Valerie Jardon, IIDA, Strategy Director and Principal, IA Interior Architects

A smiling man with a beard stands confidently in a formal suit, featuring a striped tie and a red pocket square, in a modern office setting. — **Tom Polucci, FIIDA**
HOK

A smiling woman with short, curly, blond hair stands outside, wearing a light blouse and dark blazer. Sunlight highlights her joyful expression. — **Jessica Bantom, IIDA**
DLR Group

Valerie Jardon HS — **Valerie Jardon, IIDA**
IA Interior Architects

Collective Design Special Series: The State of EDI Part 3
Intentional Design: Building a More Diverse Future for Our Industry

A discussion on ideas that will help cultivate greater diversity in the design industry. We will examine how to create new and strengthen existing pathways for more diversity in design, starting with efforts that empower young designers. Watch Part 3.

Moderator:
Akilah Halley, Executive Director, Marwen

Speakers:
Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, Executive Vice President and CEO, IIDA
Gabrielle Bullock, IIDA, Principal and Chief Diversity Officer, Perkins&Will
Vibhavari Jani, IIDA, Professor of Interior Architecture & Product Design, Kansas State University