Collective D(esign) is a webinar series from IIDA that provide resources, information, and inspiration to the design community. These virtual sessions explore design from the lens of its larger societal impact as well as examining influencing factors and industries, offering dynamic conversations about design.

Launched in 2020, the program provided a virtual space to feel connected during an uncertain time. As the world faced a global pandemic, IIDA sought to create a way to virtually convene to think about the future of design—what could we learn from the way we shifted how we work, design, and live.

The program continues as the leading design conversation series bringing together leading voices in the industry and fascinating experts form other fields whose work influences and impacts design and our daily lives. Drawing on our vast network of inspirational membership, these conversations continue to focus on a changing world, centering equity, sustainability, innovation, how we work and more.

Season Four

Episode Four | Designing the New Work/Life

IIDA convenes design leaders to examine and explore how shifting culture, people, and real estate/space needs, impact what the new work environments look and feel like? What are the questions businesses are asking themselves, as it is no longer one-size-fits-all for office space and work environments. What does working everywhere really look like and what are the pathways to success? Watch here

Moderated by Cheryl Durst, Hon. FIIDA, Executive Vice President and CEO, IIDA; with panelists Sarah Brophy, Design Director and Principal, IA Interior Architects; Kim Rousseau, IIDA, Firmwide Corporate Interiors Practice Chair, Perkins + Will; Micki Washington, IIDA, Principal, Regional Leader of Workplace, HOK

Episode Three | Collective Design Live: Beyond Futurism

Asking the questions that help shape how we move forward, Beyond Futurism 101. A panel of futurists and design strategy leaders break down the essential components of thinking and working like a futurist, starting today. How can we all develop and utilize design thinking skills to help improve our work from design, to community, planning and also provide support for our personal lives and careers?

Registered attendees can watch the Live Collective Design Episode Presented by IIDA, Beyond Futurism on the NeoCon Hub, or register to view the programs virtually here.

Moderated by Mark Bryan; with panelists Paola Aguirre, Founder, Borderless Studio; Ryan Anderson, Vice President of Global Research and Insights, MillerKnoll; Todd Heiser, FIIDA, Principal, Managing Director, Gensler; Kaelynn Reid, IIDA, Certified Design Futurist, Kimball International; and Elise Valoe, Director of Research and New Business Innovation, Steelcase


Episode Two | The Future of Living Equitably

How can design and planning for housing and community development support racial justice and equity. Design leaders examine structural changes needed and pathways to change. This group of leaders will consider how the industry can champion change and model new practices that can shift the way our cities and communities are developed in the future. Watch here

Moderated by Jason Pugh, Principal, Global Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Gensler; with panelists Monica Chadha, Founder and Principal Architect, Civic Projects Architecture, Terry Guen, Principal and Founder, Terry Guen Design Associates, and Yiselle Santos Rivera, Principal, Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, HKS

Episode One | Future Female: Small and Mighty

Design leaders examine the growth of small women-led firms and the ways in which they are shifting the face of design. The motivation behind these small women-led firms and examining how they are changing the landscape of design. What kinds of skills and tools do small firms need to start, grow, and progress? This program qualifies for 1 IDCEC CEU. Watch here

Moderated by Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, Executive Vice president and CEO, IIDA; with panelists Anishka Clarke, Founder and Interior Design Director, Ishka Designs; Sarah Kuchar-Parkinson, IIDA, Owner and Creative Director, Kuchar; Betsy Vohs, Founder and CEO, Studio BV

Season Three

Episode Four | Sustainability: Climate Change, Equity, and Inclusion

Design leaders working at the intersection of sustainability, climate change, and equity to talk about the future of sustainable design and exploring how it impacts our firms, our communities, and our lives. This program qualifies for 1 IDCEC CEU. Watch here

Moderated by Angie Lee, FIIDA, Vice President, Head of Interior Design, Pembroke; with panelists Verda Alexander, IIDA, Co-Founder, O+A; Allison Smith, Sustainable Design Leader, HKS; Holley Henderson, Founder, H2 Ecodesign


Episode Three | Work: Place, Space, and Time

Design leaders consider what people, clients and firms need now—how to implement and embrace change while fostering connection, nurturing innovation, and empowering culture. This program qualifies for 1 IDCEC CEU. Watch here

Moderated by: Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, Executive Vice President and CEO, IIDA; with panelists Anne Gibson, IIDA, National Practice Leader, VP at NELSON Worldwide; Suzette Subance, IIDA, Managing Executive Studio Creative Director at TPG; Chris Keller, Principal Design Leader, Interiors Stantec Architecture


Episode Two | Designing for New Places and Spaces: Hospitality Takes Over

We gather brilliant minds working in this segment of the design industry to discuss the reemergence of hospitality, how it's changed, and its continued evolution. This program qualifies for 1 IDCEC CEU. Watch here

Moderated by Meg Prendergast, Assoc. IIDA, Director, Soucie Horner Interiors; with panelists Ana Ardon, Global Hospitality Leader, Senior Associate at Gensler; Nanette Milner, Director, Rockwell Group; Lauren Rottet, FIIDA, FAIA, President and Founding Principal, Rottet Studio


Episode One | Women Lead Design: New Changemakers

Three changemaking woman who are impacting equity and balance within the design industry discuss the role of women in design and what feminism means to them. This program qualifies for 1 IDCEC CEU. Watch here

Moderated by: Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, Executive Vice President and CEO, IIDA; with panelists Megan Dobstaff, IIDA, Design Director, Senior Associate, Gensler, London; Tara Headley, IIDA, Adjunct Professor, Savannah College of Art and Design

Season Two

Episode Four | Decolonizing Design: Moving Beyond 101
We shift the focus from traditional design influences to a more expansive, multi-ethnic view that examines history, values, and current trends. Watch here

Episode Three | Design Equity in Action: Growing Our Education Pipelines
We take a look at how designers and firms are breaking barriers in minority communities and the ways in which new education pipelines can grow. Watch here

Episode Two | Rethinking Space and Work-Life Balance
Designing for a hybrid workforce and a reconfigured model of what work/life balance should be. Watch here

Episode One | Adjusting: Design Through Change
How are designers, offices, companies, and communities maintaining balance during this uncertain time? Watch here

Season One

Watch all episodes here

Episode Eight | Sustainability, Wellness, and Adaptive Change
Moderated by John Czarnecki, Hon. IIDA, Assoc. AIA with panelists Sonja Bochart, IIDA and Blaine Brownell, FAIA

Episode Five | Hospitality Design Navigates Change
Moderated by John Czarnecki, Hon. IIDA, Assoc. AIA with panelists Adam Farmerie; James Lee; Margaret McMahon; Meg Prendergast, IIDA

Episode Four | Human Resources: Opportunity and the New Normal
Moderated by Cheryl S. Durst, Hon FIIDA with panelists Meg Brown; Ronda Green; Amy Storek, Ind. IIDA; Betsy Vohs

Episode Three | Design Online: The Education Community Responds to Change
Moderated by Cheryl S. Durst, Hon FIIDA with panelists Tyler Hatton, Student IIDA; Rebekah Matheny, IIDA; Jon Otis, IIDA; Meghan Webster, AIA

Episode Two | Healthcare Designers at the Forefront
Moderated by John Czarnecki, Hon. IIDA, Assoc. AIA with panelists Donald Cremers, IIDA; Tama Duffy Day, FIIDA; Manuel Hernandez, MD; Amy Mays, IIDA

Episode One | Responding to Change
Moderated by Cheryl S. Durst, Hon FIIDA with panelists Gina Berndt, FIIDA, ASID; Susan Chang, AIA; Jordan Goldstein, IIDA, FAIA; Tara Headley, Assoc. IIDA