Designer Case Study: Determined by Design

Designer Designer Case Case Study Study

N°12

Designer/ Determined

By Design

Washington DC

Founded/ 2012

An ongoing series of Case Studies featuring Designers doing pro bono work.

Š 2016/Public Architecture

Designer Case Study

Kia Weatherspoon, Allied ASID takes an inspiring approach to practice in the National Capital area. Her design practice, Determined

by Design, donates pro bono work to nonprofits through Public Architecture’s 1+ program. Kia has worked with other interior designers and mental health professionals to establish the nonprofit, Room to Rebloom, which empowers survivors of domestic violence through restorative design.

We believe design is determined by four components: concept, individuality, connectivity, and people.

House of Ruth, Washington DC

Determined by Design, LLC is a concept driven design firm. The two aspects I value the most as a designer are a strong concept and people. You can’t have one without the other. The foundation of any project is the concept, which guides every decision I make. My concepts are then formed around people and how they will experience the space. I’ve always been inspired by creating impactful spaces for people; spaces that invoke a positive and reaffirming emotion.

Designer Case Study

Offce size: 1 Pro bono hours annually: 100 Founder/President: Kia Weatherspoon Location: Anacostia, Washington DC Date founded: 2012 Type of services: Interior design, specializing in multi-family and hospitality Affiliation: Allied ASID Room to Rebloom, Washington DC

Nonprofit partners: House of Ruth Room to Rebloom Philosophy: [Interior] Design is not a Luxury. Design is a STANDARD. Fun fact: After completing a pro bono project, we completely shifted our business model and focus. determinedbydesign.com

At Determined by Design we are the craftsmen of Interior Stories.

We are committed to making well-designed spaces accessible to those who need it the most. We design spaces and experiences that immerse people into a design story that changes lives and communities.

On the nonprofit side of things, Room to Rebloom’s mission is to empower low-income women and families in the National Capital area who have been victims of domestic violence. We provide them with design services and other resources needed to create inspiring home spaces, and to help in their endeavor to rebuild their lives.

Room to Rebloom aids these women by using restorative design and revitalizing their environment to create an atmosphere of security and inspiration.

In line with the mission of Room to Rebloom, I joined the 1+ program with a goal to inspire other emerging designers to make an impact in their community. As designers, we have a commitment to make good design accessible to the community at large. This is why I am involved with Room to Rebloom, to create spaces that will have a powerful, positive and lasting impact on these women and their families.

Resources like the 1+ program are invaluable because its gives designers a starting point to give back.

Designer Case Study It wasn’t until working on these pro bono projects that I observed: the people who need access to well-designed spaces the most don’t know they don’t have it, don’t know they need it, and don’t know how to ask for it. Throughout the entire design process, the women at Room to Rebloom were constantly in awe that someone would give them access to these types of spaces—so often deemed luxurious or created for people of certain socio-economical means. Determined

by Design now focuses on affordable and supportive multi-family housing projects.

After completing the interior design of two public spaces and a corridor, Room to Rebloom felt that we could touch the entire building. We partnered with twelve local interior designers and decorators, and refreshed all the units in the apartment building, including new paint, accessories, small furniture, and linens. Room to Rebloom is now working on the next two projects, two individual residences for women and their children.

It wasn’t until one of our projects was revealed that a woman said, “When I walked into this room I realized change was possible for me.” It opened my eyes that Determined

by Design should make these types of spaces the standard for those who only imagine it as a luxury.

House of Ruth, Washington DC

Designer Case Study

We hope to educate on the importance of design to economic growth by helping business owners realize their products and services can thrive if there is a curated design experience when people come into their store.

Room to Rebloom, Washington DC

For young designers looking for advice on how to get involved in impactful projects: It’s advantageous to start small. Look at the needs of the surrounding communities, find projects that inspire you, and volunteer your time and services.

We are also starting an initiative to provide pro bono design services for small business owners and retailers in economically-challenged communities.

A small organization may appreciate something as simple as a fresh color scheme and organizational tips. The biggest impact sometimes comes from the smallest changes. These types of minor details can be the essence of pro bono design and make a positive difference.

As an ASID member, I think their partnership with the 1+ program is invaluable to communicate the potential impact of interior design to young designers. The key to any successful design venture is collaboration. This collaboration is influential because it reinforces ASID’s commitment to promote the value of design. Design value encompasses pro bono design, but it is often overlooked. ASID’s partnership with the 1+ emphasizes the importance of pro bono design to ASID’s members and the design community.

Designer Designer Case Case Study Study

1+ PROGRAM The 1+ program is a first-of-its-kind effort to encourage pro bono service within the architecture and design professions. It connects nonprofits with architecture and design firms willing to give of their time. Visit theoneplus.org PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE Public Architecture is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in San Francisco. It engages architecture firms, nonprofits, and manufacturers to commit to design for the public good through its nationally recognized 1+ program. Visit publicarchitecture.org THE SOCIETY OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS ASID is committed to advancing the profession and communicating the impact of interior design to enhance the human experience. Public Architecture supports the Society’s efforts to build awareness and opportunities for members to practice social responsibility and create positive impact through design. Visit asid.org IN PARTNERSHIP Public Architecture and the American Society of Interior Designers and its Foundation salute the Society’s members on staff at design firms who contribute over $10M in services annually to the most vulnerable communities through the 1+ program.

N°12 © 2016/Public Architecture