The Conversation Continues with IIDA SoCal EDI

Artificial stone slabs are made primarily from quartz, a mineral that contains high levels of silica — often more than 90%. As the use of engineered stone has grown, so have cases of silicosis, especially in California. This serious and preventable lung disease is impacting workers across the construction, fabrication, and design industries. In this episode, Christine Peter and Kelsey Sebastian si...

The “Trauma Informed Design” discussion will address the importance of acknowledging the pervasive nature of trauma and why it is a pillar of Inclusive Design. The nuances that allow occupants to recover, regulate if needed, and foster inclusiveness and empowerment. The event will explore relationships between trauma and workplace experiences and how physical space can influence persons wellbeing....

Today on “Living Your Truth” we are thrilled to spotlight a new campaign, “I Am IIDA.” Joining us for this special episode is Justin Castillo, our Vice President of Membership. Justin will share his personal journey into the design industry — how it all began, the challenges he faced, and the ways he overcame adversity to become the best version of himself. He’ll also reflect on how joining IIDA y...

I’m excited to announce our next episode, which will delve into the pillars of sustainability, specifically examining how irresponsible overproduction, manufacturing, and development practices are impacting many neighborhoods. Our focus is on disadvantaged communities, where these practices have resulted in adverse effects on health, cultural identity, and social standing. We will: - Explore the k...

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the IIDA EDI Southern California Chapter!  We are launching a new series on our podcast,  focusing on sustainability. This endeavor has been in the making for some time, and we’re excited to finally kick it off! 🌿 Our new platform will dedicatedly support all things substantial, allowing us to dive deep into the crucial topic of sustainability. We...

We are excited to invite you to today's podcast, where we will engage in a fascinating and insightful discussion about artificial intelligence. More importantly, we will delve into the essential topic of ensuring that AI is more inclusive. Joining us is the incredibly talented Tovah Cook, who is taking on the daunting challenge of addressing not only AI itself but also the complexities and dy...

This Week on Open Mic: We're joined by Kevin Maxwell, National Manager at Cube World USA, for an inside look at how they're transforming workspaces across the country. Whether you're furnishing a new office or upgrading an existing space, Cube World USA offers turnkey solutions for projects of any size. Kevin shares practical tips, industry trends, and what sets Cube World apart whe...

Series “In My Own Words”: This episode of The Conversation Continues Podcast features Cabello Costa from Interface, who shares his journey from growing up in Brazil to building a life and career in the United States. He reflects on how his childhood memories shaped his perspective, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and the experience of overcoming language barriers. Cabello talks about...

Series “Living Your Truth”:  In honor of Women’s Month, we’re celebrating women in construction with Daniela Ortega. Daniela shares her remarkable journey from being a stay-at-home mom to founding an all-female painting business—and now thriving as a Design Coordinator at Catalina Paints. In this episode, she opens up about navigating a male-dominated industry, overcoming imposter syndrome, and di...

Series “Unspoken Words”: This episode of The Conversation Continues Podcast features Lauren Wagner and Teresa Endres from Taylor Design, who share their deeply personal journeys as cancer survivors and how their experiences reshaped their approach to healthcare design. Lauren and Teresa discuss the challenges of treatment, the emotional toll of recovery, and the gaps in patient-centered care that...

Series Open Mic:  In this special episode, we celebrate Black History Month with an inspiring conversation featuring Dr. Patience Bryant, Executive Director for Black Student Academic Success at CSUF. Patience’s journey to CSUF is nothing short of passionate and powerful, and her dedication to uplifting students is truly motivating. Tune in to hear her story and learn about the incredible programs...

Series “Living Your Truth”: This episode of The Conversation Continues Podcast features Mabel and Noelan, the creative minds behind Blooms and Poems , a unique studio that blends floral arrangements with poetry. Mabel, an interior designer, and Noelan, an economist-turned-poet, share their journey of self-discovery, artistic exploration, and entrepreneurship. They discuss how personal challenges,...

This episode of the Conversation Continuous Podcast features Chaza Toulain, a Syrian-born architect who shares her remarkable journey of cultural adaptation across three countries. Chaza recounts her experiences growing up in France, readjusting to life in Syria, and ultimately building a new life in the United States. She candidly discusses the challenges of language barriers, career rebuilding,...

In today’s episode, interior designer Weina Li shares her fascinating journey from growing up in China to building a career and life in the U.S. She openly discusses the cultural shocks, challenges of being an older student, and struggles with confidence she faced along the way. Weina offers inspirational advice about stepping out of your comfort zone, being yourself rather than seeking perfection...

Join us for an enchanting journey as we delve into the fascinating story of Cynthia Kern, an award-winning children's author who spent over twenty-five years behind the scenes at Tangram Interiors before embarking on her path to writing children's books. Through her experiences, Cynthia learned valuable lessons that shaped her second children's book, "Marky the Magnificent Fair...

Join us for a heartfelt Father's Day tribute as we delve into the world of working dads in our industry. In this special episode, we're dedicating our time to celebrating and exploring the unique experiences, challenges, and joys of fatherhood from the perspective of hardworking dads. Gain valuable insights, hear touching stories, and join us in honoring the fathers who balance career an...

A panel of experts in advocacy for interior design share valuable insights into the profession's legislative landscape and the importance of collaboration and individual advocacy. They discussed the role of interior design associations, including the Consortium for Interior Design, and explained concepts such as "reasonable regulation," title acts, and permitting privileges. The pan...

In this episode of “Unspoken Words,” we are joined by Allyn Martin , the Learning Strategy & Experience Manager of Shaw , to discuss the topic of unconscious bias. Through a thought-provoking conversation, Martin helps us understand what unconscious bias is and how it affects our daily lives. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode of "Unspoken Words" to broaden your perspec...

Part 2:  In celebration of Mother's day, 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 o...

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...

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 pr...

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...

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-...

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 enlig...