Perspective: Changemakers

Jul 19, 2022 By IIDA HQ

Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, introduces "Perspective: Changemakers," the people reinventing the way that we think, design, and live.

By IIDA HQ Jul 19, 2022

Published in Perspective

For the second digital issue of Perspective magazine, we celebrate the work of design changemakers, weaving together and amplifying stories from the individuals and groups intentionally leading change in design and beyond. We proudly highlight the many ways the community continues to significantly impact the world through commitment and consistency—from improving education to reinventing hospitality experiences and radically shifting health care environments, our industry is leading change across many vital sectors of society.

In this moment of transition, as we are venturing back out into the world for professional activities, conferences, and events, as well as seeking adventure through travel and exploration, our lives have, in many ways, regained a pre-pandemic rhythm yet so much in work and in life has been rendered radically different. Change has indeed become constant and design serves as a mirror of the cultural and societal changes of our time. The digital converges with the physical as technology transforms our spaces. Sustainable building practices continue to reshape the lived experience. Healthcare and wellness remain at the forefront adapting to new models of care. That’s just the beginning of a truly empowering time.

Reinvention is a process—one that authentically moves forward through heightened awareness, honest conversation, and meaningful connection. And changemakers are the ones who make it happen—through purposeful design, innovative ideas, groundbreaking research, and a fearless attitude. IIDA is an ever-evolving community dedicated to fostering, provoking, nurturing and instigating change. We are the forces shaping this industry’s dynamic culture and future.

And so, in this issue, we showcase and celebrate these changemakers—the bold, the brave, the resilient—those who leverage the power of design and creativity to speak up, rise up, and elevate others. Join us!

Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA
IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO

Changemakers | Table of Contents

This issue will be published through September 2022, check back biweekly for new articles!

Cover Story

Ukraine-based design studio, YOD Group shows what it means to make change when change is made for you. The firm changed priorities to support and empower their country as the war began, and strengthening their community while remaining design-focused. Read more

How to X

We visit Norman Teague at his studio in Chicago for a conversation about "How To" navigate your own path towards a fulfilling design career. He talks about his unexpected journey, his efforts to instigate greater inclusion of diverse narratives in the history of design, and the importance of creating equal opportunities in communities for equal access to art and design education or experiences. Read more

Talk Talk

Design Museum of Chicago’s Tanner Woodford and Quilen Blackwell of Chicago Eco House and Southside Blooms talk about the ways they are using design to bring change, beauty, and purpose to the world in this two-way conversation. Read more

Member Picks

IDA Chapter presidents reveal what they read, listen to, watch, and engage in to reset and unwind, as well as art that inspires, and impactful projects that have made a mark on their communities and how they think about design. Read more

Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts mural artist Michi Farias. Image courtesy of Lions & Rabbits Center for the Art.

High 5

Five projects that push boundaries to achieve change from finding new ways to design joyful experiences to creating social change, reinventing urban design, encouraging the use of public spaces by youth, and more. Read more

Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl’s School courtyard. Photos by Vinay Panjwani

Scratch Pad

What to read, watch, experience, and do this summer from an exhibition that actively responds to the climate crisis, to a visionary designer’s life, and a book that embraces architecture’s anthropomorphic qualities. Read more

Montana showroom at Stockholm Design Week. Image courtesy of Montana.

Emerging

Winners of two IIDA scholarships programs that represent the future of our industry through supporting diverse design students reflect on the importance of considering diversity in the design industry, and in the designs we create. These emerging professionals are future leaders and designers have revolutionary plans and ideas. Read more

Renew

As we rethink how to reduce waste while building, adaptive reuse projects remain an excellent solution for revitalizing existing spaces, towns and cities. We look at five projects spanning scientific research, education, housing, and workplace. Read more