Disrupt, Evolve, Transform: Showcasing the Power of Design (Closing Keynote)

Frederick Marks, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Six Sigma Green Belt, is a visiting scholar at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, CA. As a licensed architect for thirty years, Frederick has a specialty in the planning and design of healthcare and laboratory science facilities. He holds degrees in architecture and business administration. Frederick is a founding member and past-president of the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture in San Diego, CA. He is an advisor to the AIA, National Institute of Building Sciences, Delos WELL Living Laboratory, ASHRAE, and Johns Hopkins University Medical Center Mind/Brain Institute.

Jill Pable seeks to elevate awareness of the potential contribution that thoughtful, research-informed design can bring to people experiencing trauma, and especially those who are unhoused. She addresses this through her research and publications that examine the effectiveness of shelter and supportive housing interior environments for the past 16 years, and also through the activities and publications of Design Resources for Homelessness, a non-profit organization that provides research-based, curated information to interior designers, architects, researchers, and others at no charge, translating evidence-based research into applicable design strategies for use in project programming. Through its research reports, summaries, and case studies of projects coast to coast, DRH enables readers to explore trauma-informed design principles, understanding interior planning approaches that really matter to those using these spaces. Spotlight reports discuss specific person types such as victims of domestic violence and families, providing designers the means to empathize with their unique situations.

Joey Shimoda creates architectural interiors that become transformative places for human delight. He masterfully weaves the ingredients of client, public and place into an inclusive and innovative experience. As a master planner, architect, interior designer and landscape designer he guides projects into places that celebrate client culture. In projects like TOMS Shoes and Bad Robot Productions the inside and outside blur to become a holistic experience. The spaces are designed to enliven their philosophy of creativity and philanthropy through an inclusive atmosphere. Shimoda further advances the profession by cultivating design through education. Through lectures, juries, and professional forums he shares his knowledge with students and colleagues. He has presented at ASID Scale X conferences, and is helping to shape a vision for the next ASID strategic plan.

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.

With over 25 years of experience, Kerrie is Creative Director for Kerrie Kelly Studio, an award-winning California based interior design firm.  She is also an author, contributor, product designer, and multi-media consultant, helping national brands reach the interior design market. Her work elevates everyday design, bridging the gap between design principles and life well lived. Kerrie has received national recognition for her expertise in interior design. Kerrie is a National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) Board Member; Fellow, Design Luminary Award recipient and Past-Chair to the National Board for American Society of Interior Designers (ASID); Houzz Advisory Board Member; and Zillow Interior Design National Spokesperson. Kerrie’s work has been featured in The New York Times, Bloomberg, Forbes, The Globe and Mail, USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.