Perspective: Design Is Everywhere

It’s a saying that's often repeated, in wide-ranging contexts, in the arenas of tech, branding, wayfinding, transportation, city dynamics, engineering, architecture and, of course, interior design: “Design is everywhere.”

And here I have to confess: you will hear me using it, too. Not that I’m a fan of often-used expressions — I’m a diehard word nerd who prefers an original turn of phrase every time. But sometimes, a simple statement is irresistible, if it contains a big truth — and in my mind, the verifiable fact that design is, indeed, everywhere is one of those awe-inspiring, mind-opening truths that everyone should understand.

Design is a way of organizing and understanding the world; it’s a carefully calibrated story that moves us through life and helps us define our own stories; and because design is function, we notice it when it is done poorly, as well as when it is done well. (Because it has to be one or the other — there is no such thing as “no design.”)

In the right hands, design is a powerful tool for solving conflict, bringing people together, and erasing barriers; it soothes us, helps us heal.

For all of those reasons, the thought that design is all around us is a lasting source of joy, comfort, and delight for me. This summer, IIDA launched our Chicago Design Week campaign around the phrase “Where It’s At” — a nod to that particular point on the figurative (or literal, if you visited IIDA at NeoCon or Design Days) map where things are coming together, where the vibes are right, where all the interesting people and inspiring ideas are coalescing into a mix you definitely want to be a part of.

Design is everywhere, and it’s definitely where it’s at, which is the starting point for this issue of Perspective. Read on to find design on the incredible stage sets that are home to artists like Beyonce; in retail shops that set a bespoke stage for design-forward brands; and even in my own day-in-the-life at Chicago Design Week. If you’ve ever wondered, this is what my NeoCon and Design Days look like — immersed in an extra dose of design (and designers!) everywhere, loving every minute of it, and simultaneously looking forward to a quiet hotel room and a club sandwich at the end of it all. Now that’s where it’s at.

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

Es Devlin

Meet the designer behind some of the most buzzy and immersive concert experiences: U2 at the Sphere, Beyonce's Renaissance Tour, Lady Gaga at Coachella, and Bad Bunny's Most Wanted Tour. Her monumental approach can transport and delight from arenas to opera houses, and event the Olympics. Read here

An Expansion Playbook

Seven lessons from the expansion of the New Museum in New York: How to refresh a beloved institution while not loosing sight of its history — a blueprint for future-focused growth, where design solutions align with civic responsibility, creative adaptability, and spatial storytelling. Read here

Pioneers of the Future

Shirin Frangoul-Brückner of Atelier Brückner talks about immersive exhibition design, and an exhibition that "constantly invites people to take on roles, make choices, and see themselves mirrored in the narrative," the Journey of the the Pioneers exhibition at Dubai's Museum of the Future. Read here

Perspective talktalk atelier tableofcontents

Inside The World's First Net-Zero Carbon Arena

We go behind the scenes with Populus, the designers behind the Climate Change Arena in Seattle. The project redefines what it means to be sustainable through remarkable preservation strategy and groundbreaking design features that are a first of their kind in the world. Read here

Perspective sustainblefutures tableofcontents

Day in the Life with Cheryl Durst

Ever wondered how Cheryl Durst preps for Chicago Design Week? Well look no further, we give you a behind-the-scenes look at how she preps for days full of design excellence. Learn her tips and tricks for surviving the week while exploring the beauty of Chicago design. Read here

Cheryl dayinthelife perspectivetableofcontents

5 Iconic Spaces from India Mahdavi

Five defining projects don’t just reflect a career that continues to shape the international design conversation, they show that in a world often drawn to minimalism, maximalism — when done right — can be timeless, tactile, and deeply human. India Mahdavi, the Iranian-French, Paris-based architect and designer blends cultural richness with commercial clarity. Read here

India Mahdavi TOC Café de l École des Beaux Arts India Mahdavi Matthieu Salvaing 2

Adi's World

Los Angeles-based spatial designer Adi Goodrich doesn't just design interiors — she builds worlds. With a bold style and endlessly inspired details, her work transports you whether as a bespoke interior, an otherworldly set, or large-scale installation. She shares her inspirations, insights, and thoughts on collaboration for this issue's cover story. Read here

Members-Only Bonus

Adi Goodrich takes us behind the scenes in this members-only exclusive. From her dream project to her guilty pleasure, current favorite album, and even what she can't live without. Read here

Adii Goodrich Studio Daniel Dorsa — Adi Goodrich in her studio

Photo by Daniel Dorsa

IIDA Perspective Team:

Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA | Executive VP and CEO, IIDA
Cindy Dampier | Chief Marketing Officer, IIDA
Nneka McGuire | Director of Content, IIDA
Laura Botham | Senior Digital Content Manager, IIDA
Vasia Rigou | Senior Writer, IIDA
Jessica Jones | Content Coordinator, IIDA