Design, Housing and Social Justice

Eric Brown is a real estate and design professional with a passion for creating unique, flexible spaces for people to live their best lives. He believes that great design can enhance the experience of its users while also being efficient, sustainable and equitable. With experience in single family, multi-family, mixed use and commercial spaces of varying scales, Eric has worked with property owners, developers, consultants, vendors and other team members to successfully deliver over five million square feet of mixed-use space, including more than 5,200 residential units.

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.  

The design voice of impact and change—Kia Weatherspoon, NCIDQ, ASID, D.F.A. (h.c) has spent the last 15 years defying every design stereotype. The most damaging—interior design is a luxury reserved for a few. Her voice, advocacy for Design Equity™, and design practice have shifted the narrative, making interior design a standard for all. Kia is challenging the lack of these standards in economically challenged communities. Her presence and leadership have created ripples, prompting housing developers, agencies, and industry partners in economically challenged communities to not just take notice of her work—but to do better. 

She became the design leader, educator, business owner and speaker she never saw. In doing so she has been recognized as a recipient of the Design for Humanity National award from American Society of Interior Design, HIP Designer for Good by Interior Design Magazine, Commercial Real Estate Women Washington D.C. (CREW DC) Raise Up Your Voice Recipient and the International Interior Design Association Luna Textile/Anna Hernandez Visionary Award recipient. She also received an Honorary Doctorate from the New York School of Interior Design for her contributions to the industry. Kia is a full-time professor, sought after speaker and mentor. She truly demonstrates what’s possible when you’re determined by design.

A member of Chicago’s interior design community since 2002, Amanda Peña is an ASID Professional, a LEED Accredited Professional, and holds a degree in Interior Design with highest honors from Harrington College of Design.  After working with high-end residential design firms in Chicago from 2002-2010, Ms. Peña joined The Community Builders (TCB), where she established the company’s internal interior design practice. 

Amanda is TCB’s Senior Interior Design Manager, chairing TCB’s Design Committee and guiding design strategy, national relationships, and resource development. Project-level responsibilities include design review for each new property, guidance and standardization of architectural finishes, programming for community spaces and management functions, furniture plans and specifications, property signage review, and artwork/accessory selection and placement. She also consults with regional staff on corporate office planning.