06.20.23

The Conversation Continues with IIDA SoCal EDI

IIDA Southern California Chapter EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) seeks to create a more diverse industry for our future. We explore how to break glass ceilings, show that all voices matter, and explore a world where we can grow, learn, and make impactful change in our design industry. Our hope is to dialogue together, in a safe environment, about EDI in our industry, to promote meaningful, healthy, and effective transformations on how we practice and create interior design. The Conversation Continues podcast was 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 an intimate and thought-provoking conversation around EDI highlighting individuals from our industry. Come join us, and let’s continue the conversation!

Beyond Words

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone with Weina Li
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 for listeners to embrace their own unique journeys.

Take the Road Less Traveled with Jade Li
For 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)

Don’t be Afraid to Fail with Von Dominguez
For the second episode of the Beyond Words series, we invited Von Dominguez – interior designer, architect and full-time professor at Cal State Long Beach.

Multicultural Perspectives in the World of Lighting with Katherine Rentner
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.

The Beyond Words Series is sponsored by OFS Brands – Imagine a Place.

Fireside Chats

This is the trailer to explain the Fireside Chats series. Fireside Chats is an educational series about advocacy and legislative efforts in California. It will cover how you can learn more about what advocacy in our industry is, how important it is for everyone to be involved and how you can help make a difference.

Advocating for Change: Strategies and Successes in Interior Design Legislation
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. The panelists highlighted significant developments in recent years that have influenced legislation nationwide, as well as positive steps taken since the Consortium’s inception. The discussion also touched on the legislative cycle, with insights into California’s position, and extended to advocacy beyond legislation, offering actionable tips for designers to be better advocates for the profession.

Listen to this podcast to earn 0.5 CEU credits through IDCEC. For more information on obtaining credit, visit the podcast episode with detailed instructions.

The History of Legislation in California with Susanne Molina
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, FIIDA, CID, LEED AP about past, present, and future efforts to establish legislation for Interior Design. Tune in to Episode 1 of Fireside Chats!

The Life of a Lobbyist and IIDA’s Legislative Future
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.

Living Your Truth

Celebrate Women in Construction with Daniela Ortega
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 discovering confidence through creativity and community. Her story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, pursue your passion, and make a lasting impact—on your own terms. This podcast is sponsored by Taylor Design.

Unlocking Creativity and Self Discovery with Blooms and Poems
This episode 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 Nolan, an economist-turned-poet, share their journey of self-discovery, artistic exploration, and entrepreneurship. They discuss how personal challenges, including career shifts and a silent retreat, led them to embrace creativity in unexpected ways. The couple candidly reflects on the dynamics of working together, the influence of cultural backgrounds, and the importance of stepping outside comfort zones. Through their story, the episode highlights the power of self-expression, the beauty of impermanence, and the courage to redefine success on one’s own terms. This podcast is sponsored by Taylor Design.

Growing and Learning Along the Way
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 Fairy: A Disability Story of Courage, Kindness, and Acceptance.” Each delightful character in this captivating book is a reflection of the friends Cynthia has made throughout her life, highlighting the importance of authenticity in shaping our own narratives. Through her work, Cynthia inspires us to embrace our unique stories and live our most authentic lives. This podcast is sponsored by Taylor Design.

Design Dads in Motion: Juggling Career and Family
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 and family with grace and determination. Thank you to Taylor Design for sponsoring this episode.

Resilience and Grace: Cheryl Durst’s Path to Living Authentically
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. Sponsored by Taylor Design.

Design Moms in Motion: Juggling Career and Family – 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.

Design Moms in Motion: Juggling Career and Family – Part 2
In celebration of Mother’s Day, we are dedicating Part 2 of Design Mom’s in Motion to the remarkable women who excel in the roles of both designers and mothers. In Part 2, we will focus on the tools and resources these moms use to stay organized and successful in both their professional and personal lives. They will also share with us their tricks of the trade, offering valuable insights on how to master the art of multitasking.

“Living Your Truth” with Chidimma Abuka
In our first episode of Living your Truth we invited Chidimma Abuka who is Strategist at Gensler Orange County. Join us for the inspiring conversation of what keeps Chidimma moving and thriving, and how adversity has lead her to pursue her passions in life. You won’t want to miss it.

The Living Your Truth Series is sponsored by 9 to 5 Seating and Kaleidoscope Concept.

Open Mic

Honoring Black History Month with Patience Bryant
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 and resources available for students and faculty.

Benefits of Joining IIDA as a Student with Brett Shwery
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.

Be Thankful for the Journey with Christine Peter, Ind. IIDA
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.

This Industry Needs Diversity with Sergio Lechuga
Sergio Lechuga, the Director of Interior Design at HMC Architects, will be discussing the importance of diversity in the industry.

Let’s Talk Student Design Competitions with Charlene Reed
In this first episode of our series Open Mic we have Charlene Reed, the Interior Design program coordinator at Orange Coast College. She shares some insight on how a student design competition works.

The Open Mic Series is sponsored by Behr Paint.

Unspoken Words

Healing by Design: Creating a Better Future for Cancer Patients and Caregivers
This episode 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 inspired them to create the Ideal Cancer Center, a reimagined approach to oncology facilities.  Their conversation offers a compelling perspective on how personal hardship can drive meaningful change in the built environment, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of design and human resilience.

Changing the Approach to Healthcare Design with Tina Giorgadze
Come join us as we hear news ways to engage a thoughtful approach to healthcare design. Tina Giorgadze, Associate Principal of Perkins and Will, leads us on their journey as they ventured into community based design. And how this allowed the final space to speak to the real needs of the people it would serve for years to come.

Designing a Neurodiverse Workplace with Mike Goetz of HOK
This podcast is a preview to our in-person event on April 25th at the Kimball Showroom. We delve into a highly insightful and relevant topic that impacts a significant portion of the population, approximately 15-20 percent. So join us as we learn about neurodiverse design with Mike Goetz, IIDA, AIA, ASID of HOK.

“Ageism: Finding Common Ground” with Allyn Martin
Welcome to our first episode of our new “Unspoken Words” series! We had 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!

PAUSE  – Unconscious Bias with Allyn Martin
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.

The Unspoken Words Series is sponsored by: Patcraft, 3form, Formica, PLP, Pallas Textiles and Crossville.

You can find The Conversation Continues on Apple, Spotify, Google, Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts.

Skill Set with Cheryl Durst

What are the skills that inform your work, your life, your direction? Call them street smarts, emotional intelligence, soft skills, or pure grit: beyond the degrees, certifications, and resume items lies a different — perhaps more important — world of abilities. These are the skills that truly make us good at what we do, and offer clues to who we are and where we might be headed.

Host Cheryl Durst, Executive VP, and CEO of IIDA has spent a lifetime fascinated by the backstories that reveal where those foundational skills come from.

With @skillsetpodcast, she taps into those stories to uncover the not-so-apparent abilities that power success.

Ever wonder what a NASCAR pit crew chief, an orchestra conductor and a surgeon have in common? Pondering how to tap your team’s hidden talents? Considering whether your own skills might equip you for a whole other career (or a whole other life)? SkillSet explores the fascinating landscape of talent, creativity, and ability through a lens that’s set to “wide-open and deeply curious.”

Come join us — and discover your own SkillSet along the way.

This podcast series is sponsored by OFS Brands – Imagine a Place.

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