The Conversation Continues with IIDA SoCal EDI

In this week's episode of  Unspoken works we are fortunate to have one of the expert team members from HOK, Mike Goetz, who specializes in neurodiversity in the workplace. Employers are now recognizing the importance of designing workspaces that can accommodate neurodiverse individuals, leading to the development of more inclusive policies, programs, and procedures to support them. HOK has produced a comprehensive report on this subject, and in today's episode, we will explore how designers can assist organizations in creating physical and cultural adaptations that cater to the diverse needs of all employees, whether neurotypical or neurodivergent. So, sit back and join us as we dive into this crucial topic.https://www.hok.com/ideas/publications/hok-designing-a-neurodiverse-workplace/

In a candid and inspiring conversation, design industry leader Cheryl Durst, Vice President and CEO of IIDA, opens up about her remarkable journey of breaking barriers and living authentically. From humble beginnings as a substitute teacher to taking the helm of a major association during a financial crisis, Cheryl shares how she navigated challenges with grace, whether facing discrimination as a Black woman leader or balancing her career with raising two children.Her wisdom on practicing self-awareness, advocating for oneself, and finding the courage in your voice is thought-provoking. Cheryl's storytelling prowess shines through entertaining personal anecdotes, from dealing with disruptive airplane passengers to realizing the key differences that make her marriage strong. You'll be inspired by her ability to find humor and life lessons in every situation. The episode closes with Cheryl's powerful advice for her younger self - to breathe, know that you are enough, and continuously strive for growth. Whether you're seeking career guidance or a masterclass in living authentically, this uplifting conversation with a trailblazing voice is not to be missed.Sponsor: Taylor Design At Taylor Design we firmly believe that great design can empower people to be, and do, their best. Serving clients for over 45 years with offices across California, our practice delivers architecture, interior design, medical planning, lab planning and design strategy services in the healthcare, science and technology, higher education, and senior living sectors.www.wearetaylor.com

In this exciting episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Brett Shwery, FIIDA, the President of the IIDA Southern California Chapter. Brett gives us an inside look into the various ways that IIDA can benefit students as they embark on their educational journey. Through a range of events such as networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and portfolio reviews, IIDA provides students with invaluable chances to connect with industry professionals and gain practical experience. This conversation shows the significant impact that IIDA has on its student members and how it can shape their path in the world of design. Don't miss out on this exclusive episode as we explore the endless possibilities that IIDA offers to students.Visit http://www.iida-socal.org to learn more.

Part 1:In celebration of Women's History Month, we are dedicating a special episode to the remarkable women who excel in the roles of both designers and mothers. These 'design moms' are the epitome of multitasking, effortlessly juggling the demands of their careers and families. We are excited to shine a spotlight on their incredible stories and offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of their lives. From managing deadlines and client meetings to raising children and maintaining a household, these women have shown incredible resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering dedication. Join us as we uncover their challenges and triumphs, and get ready to be inspired by their exceptional ability to balance both their personal and professional lives.If you'd like to share your story or provide feedback, please use the following link. Your input is invaluable to us, and we appreciate your time. Thank you!Link to formSponsor: Taylor Design At Taylor Design we firmly believe that great design can empower people to be, and do, their best. Serving clients for over 45 years with offices across California, our practice delivers architecture, interior design, medical planning, lab planning and design strategy services in the healthcare, science and technology, higher education, and senior living sectors.www.wearetaylor.com

In this episode of Open Mic, we have the pleasure of delving into the fascinating journey of Christine Peter in the world of interior design. What makes her story unique is her transition from criminology to interior design. Christine shares the challenges she faced during this transition and how she overcame them with determination and perseverance. Her story is not only inspiring but also enlightening, as she offers valuable lessons and insights on what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of interior design. With her business, she has also created a platform for others to pursue their passion in this field. Christine's journey is a true testament to the power of following one's dreams and never giving up on them.

Have you ever wondered how to create change? Join us for an interview with IIDA’s lobbyist, Full Moon, as we discuss what it means to be lobbyist, how IIDA is leveraging their service, and exciting news about the impact IIDA is driving in the design industry.

Katherine, a seasoned lighting specialist based in Los Angeles, began her journey in the United States at the age of 22, where she completed her engineering degree in Miami, Florida. We discussed the unique challenges of learning and translating industry-specific jargon in different languages, and she shared how acting classes aided her in improving her public speaking skills. Katherine also offered insights into the pros and cons of her multicultural background, both in her work and personal life, making for a rich and insightful conversation. Tune in to hear more on this topic. Sponsor:OFSwww.ofs.comImagine a Place

Sergio Lechuga, the Director of Interior Design at HMC Architects, will be featured on this episode of “Open Mic”. Sergio will be discussing the importance of diversity in the industry and why it is significant. He will emphasize that interior design is not just a career for women and that diversity and inclusion are essential for fostering creativity and innovation for everyone. His career journey and experiences in the field of architecture and interior design are sure to inspire and motivate others to follow their passion and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive industry. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to learn more about Sergio’s work and the importance of diversity in the world of interior design.

EP 01 - Curious about the history of Interior Design in the State of California? Wondering why we need to advocate for our profession? Well, join us in this episode as we dive into the nitty gritty and interview Susanne Molina about past, present, and future efforts to establish legislation for Interior Design. We will talk about what a Title Act is, what the current code offers Interior Designers and where we hope to see improvement. We will talk about the national momentum that is driving change and the positive relationships we’ve built over the years.Tune in to Episode 1 of Fireside Chats!Interview with Susanne Molina,  FIIDA, CID, LEED APSenior Associate & Project Director at GenslerCurrently serving on the IIDA Advocacy Advisory Committee

"Unspoken Words" Ep-01Welcome to our first episode of our new "Unspoken Words" series! Today, we have the pleasure of hosting Allyn Martin, the brilliant Learning Strategy & Experience Manager at Patcraft and Shaw Contract. Allyn's special role involves fearlessly delving into difficult yet crucial topics that need to be understood. In this engaging episode, we explore the evolving workplace with diverse generations coexisting. How do these distinct generations come together as a cohesive team? Join us as we fearlessly confront the deep-rooted issue of Ageism in the workplace and seek to foster an inclusive and united workforce. Let's unravel the layers of Ageism together and find common ground in this enriching conversation!

In our first episode of “Living your Truth” we invited Chidimma Abuka who is Strategist at Gensler Orange County. Join us today for the inspiring conversation of what keeps Chidimma moving and thriving. And truly how adversity has lead her to pursue her passions in life and have others join her in this amazing journey called life. You won’t want to miss it.

For the second episode of "Beyond Words" series, we want to share a previously recorded podcast. We invited Von Dominguez - interior designer, architect and full-time professor at Cal State Long Beach. Von was born in the Philippines and moved to the U.S. with his family when he was 4 years old. In this episode we talked about the challenges with language and culture retention when someone moves to a new country at a young age and why mental health is becoming a hot topic in the architecture and design industry. Von also shared why he switched from biochemistry to architecture and what made him pursue the full-time design professor position at Cal. State Long Beach.  Tune in to hear more on this topic. Sponsor:OFSwww.ofs.comImagine a Place

This week join us with co-host Jazel Colemen, Amairani Gonzalez and guest speaker Charlene Reed. In this first episode of our series "Open Mic" we have Charlene the Interior Design program coordinator at Orange Coast College. She shares some insight on how a student design competition works. We will hear about the type of work a student in a design studio works on. For this research competition the students were to develop a storyline for the refugees they were designing for. They were also required to design from necessity and think about what kind of materials they should be using in a scenario like such. Tune in to hear more on this topic. -SponsorBehrhttps://www.behr.comPaint Colors | Explore, Visualize, and Buy Paint in ColorSmart | Behr

"Beyond Words" EP-01For the first episode of the “Beyond Words” Series, we invited Jade Li, our current President of the IIDA Southern California Chapter to share her personal stories. (Fun fact, Jade is the first AAPI President elected for IIDA Southern California)Jade grew up in Ha’erbin, China, and moved to the U.S. with her family at 12. In this episode, Jade shares her education, culture, and language journey in the U.S. We also discussed her career as a Commercial Interior Designer, her passion for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and what contributed to her success today. Come and join us for this fun and inspirational conversation!

This is the trailer to explain one of the five series on our Podcast about Fireside chats. This series will be an educational series about advocacy and legislative efforts in California. And how you can learn more about what advocacy in our industry is, how it’s important for everyone to be involved and how you can help make a difference. 

Welcome to the conversation continues podcast with IIDA EDI! We are excited to have you here!IIDA EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) seeks to create a more diverse industry for our future. Break the glass ceilings. Show that all voices matter and should be in the “C” suites. Embracing the true make up of the community that we design in. And allow design to be reflective of what is needed for healthy environments. The conversation continues podcast is created to serve as a platform to continue the conversation around Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in commercial interior design and affiliated industries.Each episode brings you an intimate and thought provoking conversations around EDI highlighting individuals from our industry. In this episode, we talked about who we are, why we created this podcast, and our mission for this podcast. You will also learn a little bit about our 5 sub-series within this podcast. They are "Beyond Words", "Living Your Truth", "Fireside Chats", "Unspoken Words", and "Open Mic".Thank you so much for listening, being part of this amazing community,  and most importantly being part of the change! Come join us, let's continue the conversation! If you enjoyed today's episode, we'd love it if you leave a review and rating on the podcast platform of your choice. Thank you for your support!