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
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
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