Beauty of Impact: Design & Social Justice

As design becomes increasingly interdisciplinary and intersectional, Nina Briggs explores how these shifts transform pedagogy and practice – how paradigms of perspective, representation, narrative, and experience are interrogated and acknowledged. Ms. Briggs’s research employs an informed and holistic observation of human behavior and the layering of cultural operating systems in the making of space. This approach is working to incorporate the sensorial factors permeating the built environment and the human experience therein. Ms. Briggs believes these are the keys to unlocking future visions for just and healthy places – towards building communities of well-being and coexistence with the natural world, exercising our pleasure and responsibility as designers to ethically reshape the landscape. 

Erin Christensen Ishizaki is an urban planner and architect who partners with cities, agencies, trusts, and developers to put people first in support of strong economies and resilient environments. Erin understands the power of collaboration, with over 20 years’ experience advancing healthy housing, transit-oriented development, and high-performance districts. She knows that business success and social good are not at odds – in fact, the most successful projects use an inclusive, holistic approach to maximize investment for all. Erin’s practice actively integrates cross-disciplinary research in projects, like the widely published Mariposa Healthy Living District, and helps shape industry standards, like the EcoDistricts Protocol. Erin was recognized by the Urban Land Institute as a Global 40 Under 40 Professional.

Angelita Scott is Director and Community Concept Lead for the WELL Building Standard and WELL Equity Lead. She previously served as an Assistant Professor of Interior Design, believing that the built environment should be equitable for everyone regardless of race, gender, age, or ability. Scott has worked in the interior design profession as a university professor, researcher, and practitioner for more than 20 years. She earned a Ph.D. in interior design with a concentration on evidence-based design from the University of Minnesota, holds a DEI Workplace Certificate from the University of South Florida, and was named an inaugural ASID Ones To Watch Award Winner and Scholar. Her research takes a preventative approach to the interior environment, supporting mental and physical health for all through a social justice lens.