2024, A Year in Review

Written By IIDA New England Communications Committee
 
 

2024, A Year in Review
An Industry Advancing Inclusion, Wellness, Diversity & Advocacy

As 2024 comes to a close, the interior design industry reflects on concepts and initiatives that defined this past year.

Expanding the Boundaries of Inclusive Design with a Focus on Neurodiversity
In 2024, inclusive design expanded to address the diverse ways people interact with and perceive spaces. Designers increasingly considered sensory needs, integrating quiet zones, adjustable lighting, and noise-reducing materials. Spaces were created with flexible layouts to accommodate diverse working and learning styles, emphasizing universal accessibility that fosters equity for all. This approach reflects a growing acknowledgment of diverse neurological experiences, aiming to ensure everyone feels empowered and productive within a space​.

From Sustainable to Wellness-Centric Materials
While sustainability continues to dominate, in 2024, a wellness-focused interest actively promoting occupant needs, well-being, and mental health evolved. By considering lighting, air quality, thermal comfort, and connections to nature, designers addressed both environmental objectives and the health and well-being of building occupants. Thoughtfully chosen colors, strategic integration of daylighting, and biophilic design principles - such as incorporating plants and natural materials - enhanced well-being by fostering a tangible relationship between people and nature.

EDI and ESG: Design as a Vehicle for Diversity
While there is still a vast under representation of people of color in the AEC and interior design industry, the conversation continued in 2024 about the importance of diversity and how to shift words into actions. As a whole, the industry is working to foster an equality mindset that allows everyone to succeed, regardless of their background, race, or culture. Additionally, 2024 saw increased inquiry into socially equitable, ethically sourced, and forced-labor-free materials and manufacturing processes.

Advocacy for Interior Design Legislation
This year Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania passed interior design legislation. They join twenty-six other states, DC and Puerto Rico, and all Canadian provinces that have some level of legislation in place relating to the regulation and recognition of the interior design profession. While a bill in Massachusetts made its way to the House Ways and Means Committee, ultimately it was not moved forward. Legal recognition, achieved through licensing, registration, and certification helps establish and maintain professional standards that protect the health, safety, and welfare of the general public.

 
 

This year saw a design industry dedicated to driving meaningful innovation and creating a positive social impact. As 2025 approaches and these efforts continue to advance, a future where design is not only beautiful, but transformative for people and the climate will continue to evolve.

Interested in reading more about what's coming in 2025? Check out this article from Gensler, called "The 5 Trends Shaping Design in 2025".

Designer Monologues the Podcast from IIDA New England with your host Katie Corcoran Garcia is officially LIVE!! On this show, we’ll share the stories behind the design of repurposing, developing and reshaping our communities. Incubated from the minds and skills of New England’s talented design community, you’ll hear how visual inspiration can come from nature, our history, current trends and more as we take you on a story-telling journey behind design. 

Check out our latest episode here. 

Stay tuned for the next President's Message!

 
 

Be sure to check in with the IIDA New England calendar for upcoming events (both virtual and in-person) offered in our community. Here's a sneak peek at some upcoming events:

Check out the list of IIDA New England Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) Class of 2023 and the Leadership Exploration & Development (LEAD) Class of 2023!

Do you have an idea that you would like to share with the design community or see highlighted here in The Wire? Share your ideas here. 

 
 

Stay tuned for the next Sponsor Spotlight!

Follow IIDA New England on social media and visit our website to keep up with the latest and greatest!

IIDA New England Communications Committee
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