Dear Carolinas,

Today marks the beginning of the ASID Chapter Leadership Conference (CLC). Each year CLC brings together volunteer leaders from nearly all of our 48 chapters for networking, strategic planning and leadership training. As a membership society, we rely (and thrive) on our chapters. And now more than ever, our relevance and longevity depend on our ability to meet challenges in the marketplace and to seize opportunities to strengthen our voice — both on a national scale and at the grassroots level.

From fundraising, budgeting and technology skills, to messaging, visioning and connecting with different generations, I’m excited about all the opportunities we will have to learn and grow in the coming days. I’m confident the planning and training will be evident to you in the programming and outreach in the year ahead and beyond, as we work to create alignment and enthusiasm around our strategic plan.

In keeping with the theme of lessons, ASID contributed new data, analyses, research and educational offerings to the profession — all in the past month.

At the end of May, ASID released the Interior Design Billings Index (IDBI), which showed increased revenue growth for the first quarter of 2014. The data show firms are being contacted more frequently about potential projects as project inquiry scores continue to remain strong. Be on the lookout for our quarterly release of the IDBI, as it provides timely information about important indicators that have the potential to impact our industry broadly.

The ASID Interior Design 2014 Outlook and State of the Industry, also released earlier this month, contains a summary of the current economic environment, demographics about interior designers working across the United States, an analysis of the economic impact of interior design on the economy, and a review of the trends affecting the practice and business of interior design. I encourage you to take advantage of the member discount to download the report and examine the results to determine how the industry’s outlook will affect each of us and our businesses.

Our presence at NeoCon explored the changing workplace, specifically as it relates to wellness. From an engaging panel discussion in the Interiors & Sources Materials Pavilion to a tour of CannonDesign’s Chicago office, it’s clear to me there is a great deal of excitement around the topic. As we make progress on our Transform research projects and explore what the future holds for the ASID headquarters workplace, the industry is making tremendous progress through evidence-based design and innovation. As a designer who has focused a great deal of my career on the workplace, I am optimistic about the future.

At Dwell on Design, ASID will once again reach out to consumers to promote the value of working with interior design professionals. Throughout the show, ASID designers will provide brief design consultations to conference attendees. ASID designers also will share information with attendees about how to find a designer, taking every opportunity to explain the many benefits of working with a professional. In the months ahead, ASID will provide additional tools to help you strengthen your business by engaging new and retaining existing clients. Further, ASID has partnered with Dwell on an exciting lineup of education sessions, presented by speakers who serve as thought leaders on a range of timely topics, including human-centric design, sustainability, and responding to the needs of emerging professionals. Follow #ASIDDwell to participate in the conversation throughout the show.

From research and content to leadership and innovation, there is so much to celebrate about the work of ASID. And during Celebration: The ASID Awards Gala, that is exactly what we will do. While today is the last day to buy tickets, I hope you’ll read more about each of our winners in the most recent issue of ICON. What’s more, I encourage you to support the ASID Foundation by participating in our auction or by making a donation. From outreach and scholarships to research and social responsibility, your generosity helps to make the meaningful work of the Foundation possible.

Mother Teresa said “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” But when I look at the passion and dedication of our volunteer leaders, not just this week but always, I’m learning that through strong partnerships and thoughtful tools, great things ARE possible for our profession. I love that ASID leads the way.

Sincerely,

Rachelle Schoessler Lynn, FASID, CID, LEED Fellow
ASID National President