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If we want authenticity, we have to initiate it.

At Allsteel, we believe in the power of authentic trust—honest collaboration in a non-prescriptive way.

This also means we are committed to use our platform to celebrate the authentic expressions, ideas, stories, and voices of others.

We value and honor the inspiration of the authentic self and believe getting to the place of true authenticity is a key goal of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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October Spotlight

National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Vanessa Palmer, Founder of MindCurate, Mindfulness + Creative Multi-Sensory Designer & Curator

Vanessa Palmer is internationally known for her work as a mindfulness trainer, multi-sensory designer, yoga/meditation teacher, creative director, self-help author, and mindful documentary filmmaker. She is passionate about pioneering the mindfulness movement into mainstream society and produced the mindful docuseries "Prana Warriors" which aired globally on Amazon Prime in 2019-2020, she also wrote and published "OM FOR THE MOM."

Vanessa's Story


“More than twenty-five years ago, after earning my Arts degree from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago and studying design in Italy, I built a multimillion-dollar fashion company selling my collections to 1,800 stores situated around the world – in two years’ time. Alongside that, came a great deal of stress; I had these extraordinarily high, manic-like moments where I’d go into overdrive to meet multiple, high-priority deadlines. I remained optimistic because that is my nature, but it became difficult to manage.

During this period, I traveled to Asia on business and unknowingly embarked on a journey that would teach me to cope with stress and ultimately change the course of my life. I all but fell onto a yoga mat, learned to breathe properly, figured out how to meditate, and discovered a formula to connect to a power greater than myself.

I came to better understand my life’s purpose and really believe I was being called to help people incorporate the art of mindfulness into their daily lives.

I subsequently sold my fashion business and opened a 5,000 sq. ft. wellness sanctuary in the heart of Chicago for individuals to seek reprieve from day-to-day stressors through meditation, yoga, and other wellness therapies.

Delving into the science of wellness, I examined mindful living and the blue zones of the world to help brands market the benefits of a holistic lifestyle, and I began and continue to lead international mindfulness and wellness retreats. It has been incredibly fulfilling to witness people live more consciously by finding joy in mini rituals, like cutting up an apple or drinking tea. The immense gratitude that comes with living in a mindfulness state is what fuels my passion.

However, life—as I knew it—took an unexpected turn four years ago. I was involved in a high-impact car accident and suffered from what was believed to be a severe concussion. I woke up the morning after and didn’t know where I was – my hands and feet were numb, and my body was extremely weak. Several brain scans later, I discovered I was born with a rare congenital condition called Chiari malformation. Essentially, this means my brain tissue extends into my spinal canal, and the swelling from the accident was causing my brain to push down into my spine, up against my skull, and blocking my cerebral spinal fluid.

I was prescribed medication to help me produce less cerebral spinal fluid and was presented with a single choice: wait six months to see how I progress or have immediate surgery to remove part of my skull – I opted to wait.

I was ordered to stay off all screens/devices for the next six months to allow my brain to heal from the shock. I developed permanent tinnitus in the process and can still hear screaming in my ears 24-7. For the first time in my life, I could relate to my little sister who lives with nonverbal autism, and growing up with her, I understood a complete change in my lifestyle and that immersing myself in a multisensory environment could help relieve my symptoms.

While there were times I struggled to get out of bed, I made a point to escape to my bathroom sanctuary when I felt overwhelmed – it became my haven. I dimmed the lights, lit candles, burned aromatherapy oil, turned up soothing music, and imagined I was somewhere else, like watching a sunset on a sandy white beach. I believe this is how I narrowly avoided brain surgery. Still, if I am consumed by too much noise or bright light, or if I smell something that doesn’t sit quite right, I grow extremely anxious and become very symptomatic.

Years earlier, while teaching mindfulness meditation, I had interviewed several employees from multiple different corporations who sat in towering cubicles all day with nowhere to go to shut down their brains. This memory profoundly disturbed me as I learned to live with my own disability, and it is what prompted the company I founded to develop and design physical spaces in the built environment that take people on soothing and meditative voyages into their deepest selves where inner-peace and calm lives. Within as little as five minutes in a wellness space, you can reduce stress and anxiety and reset your mind and body by just engaging in conscious breathing techniques.

Through a curated, eleven-sense, wellness mapping philosophy, MindCurate transforms spaces into multi-dimensional, meditative, and tranquil environments through biophilic nature design, alchemy, elements, ritual, sound frequency, visual projection, energy architecture, music, guided meditation, scent and beyond.

Wellness rooms can be implemented in residential, commercial, educational, hospitality, and urban creative spaces. In a post-pandemic world, these rooms offer businesses an appealing way to bring employees back to the workplace as they nurture human well-being and boost engagement and inclusivity. However, organizations need to also be prepared to incorporate a robust wellness strategy into their policies or the physical spaces will not be nearly as meaningful. The entire organizational culture must shift.

That is where MindCurate comes in – from live curated experiential events, mindfulness content creation, hands-on training, immersive brand activations, retreats, and the design of wellness space, our ethos is to assist in finding unique ways to acquire calm and serenity.

Mindfulness is what we all desperately need right now – in some shape or form. Simple, mindfulness meditation and breathwork techniques can help manage stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, addiction, and PTSD. Pioneering the movement into mainstream society will strengthen humanity, and make our world a more beautiful place to live in."

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MindCurate hosted the RESET Nature (shinrin-yoku) Multi-Sensory Experience at Allsteel’s NeoCon 2022 rooftop event in West Chicago.

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September Spotlight

Hispanic Heritage Month: Martin Moreno, Factory Manager, Allsteel

"It was so hot, they used to say you could cook eggs on the street; I remember walking barefoot and trying to find shade for reprieve.”

Martin Moreno, Factory Manager at Allsteel, lived in Mexicali – the capital city of the Mexican state of Baja California – until age ten. His family migrated to San Diego for a brief time and settled in Brawley, where Martin resided through junior high.

“In the 90s, it was common for companies to recruit blue-collar workers from the border cities, and my parents jumped at the opportunity to give me and my brother and sister a better life.”

The Morenos were relocated to Muscatine, Iowa when Martin was a teenager. After graduating from Muscatine high school, Martin joined the United States Marine Corps and traveled all over.

“I was eager to serve my country – I met a lot of great people and learned many life skills. When I finished my active service, I moved back home to Iowa and married my high school sweetheart.”

Today, Martin is a proud dad to two sons. He has over twenty years of managerial experience and has been employed by HNI Corporation, Allsteel’s parent company, since 2014.

As part of an HNI Belong initiative, Martin recently co-launched Somos HNI, a Member Resource Group (MRG) – translating to “We Are HNI” in English – is intended to empower HNI’s Hispanic and Latino population to reach personal and professional goals.  

“It’s essential we build a community for everyone, where employees can perform to their full potential. Somos HNI integrates inclusiveness by celebrating our members’ unique characteristics and talents.”

To honor Hispanic Heritage Month, the MRG hosted a celebratory fiesta at the American Legion in Muscatine on September 4 and invited the community to partake in a wide range of family-friendly activities including live music, food vendors, a loteria, and soccer.

“I’ll be honest, Hispanic Heritage Month never held much significance to me. However, lately, my mindset is shifting – maybe it’s my age or my exposure to the MRG, but I’m proud of my culture and it’s inspiring to break barriers and bridge the gap on stereotypes.”   

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August Spotlight

Allsteel is thrilled to have had the opportunity to recently host the IIDA Southern California Chapter in our LA Showroom for their Emerging Leader workshop.

The Emerging Leaders Program is in alignment with IIDA’s mission to advance the profession and provide meaningful resources to commercial interior designers and architects. The year-long program provides an inaugural cohort of design professionals – from Los Angeles’ most respected architectural firms – specific, intensive, once-a-month workshops geared towards young design leaders who are expanding from “doing” tasks to “leading” in their firms and the industry.

After the event, we sat down with a couple of IIDA members who contribute to the Emerging Leaders Program to learn about their personal journeys and appreciate their passion to grow the next generation of design leaders.

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Tina Giorgadze

Co-Chair, IIDA Emerging Leaders Program,
IIDA LA City Center Co-Director

Senior Interior Designer, Perkins & Will


I was living in Georgia after the collapse of the Soviet Union and life wasn't easy; growing up, leaving the country wasn’t even an option. So, naturally, I dreamt of exploring the world but my decision to immigrate to the United States, in 2002, was primarily driven by political and economic instability in the region. At the time, I was an educated Architect, and I saw an opportunity to build my life and use my full potential. 

I worked for a small construction company on the East Coast initially but eventually settled down in Los Angeles. In 2008, when the housing market crashed, design jobs weren’t readily available. I still recall responding to a small interior design firm’s Craigslist Ad – my architectural background piqued the firm’s interest, and it is there that I established myself as a healthcare-focused designer.

Creating something meaningful for people and for society is my purpose, and I’ve found great satisfaction witnessing the uncovering of young talent and the incubation of emerging professionals through the Emerging Leaders Program.

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Jorge Colón

Co-Chair, IIDA Emerging Leaders Program
Interior Design Studio Head, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)


IIDA’s Emerging Leaders Program creates a platform for designers to develop meaningful connections with their peers as they grow their professional network. Monthly workshops provide Emerging Leaders direct access to seasoned professionals who discuss topics ranging from design excellence to business development to managing teams and organizations.

I was initially drawn to the program by the quality and caliber of the programming, and by the participants. Over the past year, I have been impressed by the rich and diverse perspectives that each Emerging Leader brings to the workshops. It is clear that their enthusiasm and curiosity will advance the creative work of their respective firms.

In my own professional journey, I have (and continue to) benefit from the generosity of my colleagues and mentors. Working with this class of emerging leaders has been equally rewarding. I value our exchange of ideas and shared passion for design, and I hope that this program has provided the participants with additional insight and tools to advance their careers.

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July Spotlight

John & Wonhee Arndt, Founders of Studio Gorm

John and Wonhee’s paths crossed eighteen years ago at Design Academy Eindhoven (DAE) in the Netherlands. They were both pursuing master’s degrees and resided in the same international dormitory. When John bumped into Wonhee at a Halloween party, there was an instant (and mutual) connection. 

The two design enthusiasts exchanged basic information:

Wonhee grew up in Incheon, South Korea with a longing to become an artist; she leaned into making things by hand and went on to study sculpture at Seoul’s Kookmin University. Wonhee became highly fascinated by design shortly after earning her BFA; she attended a Dutch design exhibition where renowned professors from DAE showcased their designs. Wonhee yearned to learn from their brilliance.

John was born and raised in Wisconsin, by a family of artists and artisans. High school pottery classes inspired him to attend Alfred University in New York, where he earned a BFA in Ceramics and Sculpture. John landed in the theater/film industry right out of college – designing props, sets, and costumes. He was trained in cabinet making at College of the Redwoods (now the Krenov School), after a big move to California. While he sharpened his skills, he was left with a hunger to learn design.


After graduating, the couple founded Studio Gorm in Rotterdam and took an experimental and constructive approach to designing simple, yet thoughtful furniture and household products informed by their academic research. The couple was thriving, but within the next year, they were presented with visa challenges and needed to go somewhere to establish residency.

America was the ‘no-brainer’ option as they believed the U.S. would offer a better opportunity to create a more fulfilling lifestyle. They were unsure where to put down roots until both John and Wonhee were offered jobs at the University of Oregon to help start a new Product Design Department. They settled down in Eugene and continued to grow Studio Gorm.

The Shakers, a religious community that came to the United States in the late 1700s, have largely influenced John and Wonhee’s work. The community’s philosophies around simplicity, utility, and honesty are widely regarded as the first American Design ideologies.

John and Wonhee took the rare opportunity to travel to Hancock Shaker Village and Mount Lebanon Shaker Museum where they immersed themselves in the Shaker archives and indulged in conversation with the curators – and the idea for Furnishing Utopia was born. Afterward, the duo made it their mission to partner with several other studios to design a 32-piece collection of Shaker-inspired objects.

The global collective of creatives at Furniture Utopia explore how design values are interconnected across cultures and time. John and Wonhee continue to serve as two of Furnishing Utopia’s principal organizers to this day.

Through the years, the husband-and-wife team built a perfect blend between teaching students and conceptualizing unique projects with clients. Four years ago, John and Wonhee’s lives turned upside down when they became proud parents – it’s been their most exhilarating gig yet.

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By understanding the past, and engaging with the present, we imagine more perfect ways of living for the future.

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New American Design

In 2016, Studio Gorm was called on by our partner Corral to explore and further define an American design ethos. Corral and Studio Gorm use materials honestly to blend utility with aesthetics, and versatility with emotion. They have co-created Tuck Table, 10-Degree Table, Bowler Table, and Bowler Bowl.

Allsteel’s partnership with Corral is an extension of our passion for co-creation. Corral brings their full collection of space-defining and ancillary solutions to the Allsteel portfolio. Together, we tailor experiences to create a culture of well-being, inclusivity, and comfort.

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June Spotlight

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Adam R. Simmons, Business Development Manager, Allsteel

I grew up in a rural part of northern Georgia and am from a simple, blue-collar family. I always had a sense that I was different – I didn’t know how, or what it meant, but I knew I wasn’t like my peers. As I progressed through school, I focused on doing everything I could to feel normal, included, and even popular. I put all my energy into extracurricular activities, I became student council president, and senior class president, I played soccer, and joined every possible club – all to compensate for my difference.

I’m authentic in how I show up, which for me, is more than just words – it’s being comfortable with and expressing who I am each day and allowing others to do the same.

When considering college, I knew I needed to leave my small town and live in a city. Both to escape and maybe even disappear. I enrolled at Georgia State University, in Atlanta, and for the first time in my life, I discovered a safe space for exploration. I met people from all backgrounds and found a community that helped me understand and celebrate being LGBTQ+. 

My early twenties were a transformative time, not only professionally, but personally. I was becoming more confident in who I was but didn’t feel comfortable expressing my authenticity. Coming out was difficult. I came out to my parents first – my mother was supportive; my father, however, couldn’t bring himself to accept me. I later came to understand that for him, it wasn’t a lack of love, it was his lack of reference for what it meant for us as a family. He lacked the tools to communicate and navigate through it.

I moved to San Francisco after finishing school. It was the scariest thing I had ever done but turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. I met a professional mentor and began a successful career working for a real estate investment firm. I finally felt free to be who I was meant to be, and no longer apologized or hid.

By my early thirties, I had spent almost ten years of my career in real estate and decided to hit ‘pause’ for a bit. I was at a crossroads – while I found success in the institutional business world, I yearned to exercise my creative abilities. I had been exposed to architecture and design, fashion, art, and travel as part of my career in real estate and was captivated by the richness of people and ideas in that world. I wanted to be part of those conversations and ideas, so, I toyed with pivoting career paths. 

I took a risk and rolled the dice, and I chose to resign from my job; I chose to ’Eat, Pray, Love’, as they say and took time to travel to China, Africa, Hong Kong, and the Middle East. Through that experience, I gained an incredible worldview that didn’t exist up to that point. My perspective shifted, my priorities evolved, and I allowed myself to step out of the status quo I previously felt I had to reach, both professionally and personally. Upon my return, I changed careers and have been working in the commercial contract furniture and design industry ever since.


Fast forward to June 2022, as I celebrate turning 40, I’m in a unique position to push the boundaries of what workplaces do. I’m responsible for developing and sustaining strong relationships with key influencers from the A&D and CRE communities as well as large commercial end-users while promoting the Allsteel brand, our products, and our partnerships. I’m authentic in how I show up, which for me, is more than just words – it’s being comfortable with and expressing who I am each day and allowing others to do the same.

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my fiancé Glenn – he’s my best friend, my confidant, and I’m a better person because of him. We’re getting married next summer in Montana. I love art, culture, history, and building community in meaningful ways. I’m passionate about multiple causes and previously served on the board for the Architecture and Design Museum in Los Angeles where I led diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts

In early 2020, I realized it was time to address the unresolved issues with my dad. We hadn’t spoken for 20 years yet I wanted to try and build a relationship with him, and I knew it would require work. I packed up my two-door BMW, and I drove from Los Angeles to Georgia to reconnect with him – my missing piece. We rekindled our relationship and speak almost every day now. We learned from one another, and after all these years, our relationship is stronger than ever.

When I left Georgia for California, I said, ‘I’m done,’ and never thought I would return to the South. I never imagined my family and I could overcome our differences, but it’s what prompted me to move to D.C. Now, my family is back where we always should have been. We’re closer – both physically and emotionally. Who knew that it would take a pandemic, getting a little older, gaining a lot more wisdom, and being willing to risk it all to finally feel whole?

My story is one that I’m certain others in the LGBTQ+ community can relate to and it brings me enormous pride to share my journey. Coming
 out was tough, and it’s ongoing. For those of us in the LBGTQ+ community, our paths are rarely linear or easy. My advice for anyone struggling is to keep going. The path towards openness is so individualized; there is no timetable – no right or wrong way. Celebrate what makes you different, and don’t forget to take risks, because you never know where it will lead you.

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May Spotlight

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: Pay Wu, SLCR, President at MWBE Unite Inc. 

The business case around diversity has been proven: Diverse boards make better decisions, diverse companies are more profitable, and diverse teams are more creative. That’s why diversity – and making connections – is at the heart of everything I do.

I currently serve as President for MWBE Unite Inc., a standalone company incubated by JRT Realty – the largest woman-owned commercial real estate firm in the country. MWBE Unite is a One-Stop CRE platform supplier with a mission to advance supplier and workforce diversity.

"As a first-generation immigrant, diversifying the industry is a cause that’s intimately close to me."

I was at Cushman & Wakefield leading the outsourcing business for the East Region when I met and formed a strong bond with Jodi Pulice, CEO and Founder of JRT Realty. That was over three years ago. I learned early on that we’re like-minded, tenacious women. 

Very few people have multiple perspectives from all sides of the sector. When Jodi and I discussed starting this business, I thought, ‘If not me – then who?’  Prior to my time at Cushman, I led Americas real estate teams at TD Bank and American Express. I also have extensive experience as a real estate and workplace consultant and spent nearly a decade at Deloitte. My combined experiences over the last 25+ years have made me keenly aware of the operational difficulties that exist in our industry today.

At MWBE Unite, we’re leveling the playing field through unique simplicity; we connect and integrate minority- and women-owned business enterprises and help them scale through partnerships to deliver services across all dimensions of the built environment.

As a first-generation immigrant, diversifying the industry is a cause that’s intimately close to me. I was born in Taiwan, moved overseas, and learned to speak English at age ten, then became an American Citizen at sixteen.

My family settled in New York, in an Irish, Italian neighborhood in Brooklyn, where I experienced the ‘white flight’ phenomena first-hand. My neighbors were from Trinidad and Jamaica and my high school was extremely diverse. My parents owned a flower shop on the Upper West Side and dabbled in Real Estate through the 1980s – they taught me there’s always opportunity in any circumstance. They showed me resiliency and pure grit.

We’re all products of our upbringing and our experiences and those experiences refine over time what’s important. For me, moving the needle on diversity, and uniting big firms and diverse suppliers is especially pivotal for our industry. To evolve as a sector, we must become more innovative, more technologically enabled, and much more diverse, and I believe MWBE Unite drives progress on all fronts.

 

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April Spotlight

Corporate Social Responsibility Month: Damien Watson, WELL AP, Creative Strategist & Sustainability Lead at Insidesource

I’m a very passionate person and my passion for sustainability has been a constant throughout my life. I was born and raised in a small, rural town in Ohio and have always felt deeply connected to nature – my house was in the woods, in a forest, and I loved to explore caves and caverns, play in the dirt, and hunt for mushrooms. I co-founded an environmental club in high school where I ran recycling campaigns and encouraged my peers to pack their lunch in reusable containers. Today, sustainability is the focus of my career. 

I’m trained as an interior architect and went to college at Miami University in Ohio. I felt confined at that time and itched to get to the city where I could be a truer, more whole version of myself. After graduating, I packed up my car and drove to New York City – without a job, without an apartment – to make it happen.

"My guiding light is to advocate for sustainability and enhance well-being and equitability because I want there to be a healthy, habitable, and inclusive work for future generations."

I began working with a small residential firm doing townhouse design, which lead me to interiors. Then, I transitioned to retail design and helped a luxury retailer build out new stores across the U.S. and Canada. This company focused on using natural, high-quality materials, which excited me and made me curious about what goes into the products we use every day.

I eventually sought out an opportunity with a co-working start-up out of NY whose mission was to expand globally. I was a founding design team member and created standards for workplace environments, from the ground up. My team was agile, and my mentor encouraged me to study human-centric design, so, I became a WELL Accredited Professional and was often referred to as the ‘well-ness guru’ or ‘plant guy’ on projects. When COVID emerged, the need for thoughtfully designed spaces was magnified, and I continued to evolve spaces for the co-working company until the design team, unfortunately, dissolved in 2021.

My recent job hunt was different – I was more selective. My future employer had to be committed to protecting the planet while taking an active role within the community. That’s how I landed in the Bay Area, at Insidesource, as a Creative Strategist and Sustainability Lead. I packed up all my plants and my dog Daisy, and we drove across the country, stopping at as many national parks as possible along the way – it was an unbelievably amazing road trip.

I’ve lived in San Francisco for over a year now and have a renewed sense of empowerment to make changes for betterment. Experiencing climate change firsthand – having to close my windows and wear a mask because of the wildfires – was eye-opening. So, my guiding light has been to advocate for sustainability, and enhance well-being and equitability because I want there to be a healthy, habitable, and inclusive world for future generations.

At Insidesource, I primarily work to help Silicon Valley tech clients achieve their environmental goals; these companies are asking important questions as they become more aware of their impact and power, and I find it inspiring. When I’m not working, I love spending time outdoors. I love hiking, biking, and chasing sunrises and sunsets. I enjoy practicing yoga, spending quality time with friends, shopping at local farmers’ markets, reading, and of course, cuddling Daisy. She’s a big part of my life.

I started cycling when I moved here and met friends who encouraged me to participate in AIDS/Lifecycle
® this June, it’s a 545-mile bike ride through California’s countryside. The goal of the fundraising event, co-produced by San Francisco AIDS Foundation and Los Angeles LGBT Center, is to end the stigma around HIV/AIDS, and improve the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS by providing free medical care, testing and prevention services. As a gay man, it’s a cause that is very close to me, especially now that I’m older and fully grasp the devastating generational loss due to HIV/AIDS. Plus, I’m looking forward to strengthening the community between the generations – after all, it is esteemed relationships, and a strong community really increases our happiness.

A responsible citizen is not a passive consumer. Our identity in society is predominantly that of a consumer and our needs as people have been commercialized to the extent of overconsumption, which has become the cultural norm. Having more stuff doesn’t make us happy. To me, a responsible citizen actively works toward building community – they contribute to the common good and acquire a better understanding of the world through different perspectives, then they translate that knowledge into responsible action and empower others.  

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March 2022 Content - Story 1

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March Spotlight

Women's History Month: Erin Ruby, Founder, Erin Ruby Design LLC / Past President, IIDA NY / Founding Member, Equity Council

I moved a lot as a kid and the experience of constant change and uncertainty made me very sensitive to my environment; I was always very observant and innately understood where I felt comfortable and safe. I had architects in my family, and I thought I wanted to become one too, so, I snuck into a couple of architecture lectures during my freshman year at Virginia Tech. That’s when it occurred to me that interior design was better suited to how I operate; it allowed me to fully immerse myself in the experience of shaping environments to support the people inhabiting them.

The Interior Design program at Virginia Tech was phenomenal, and coincidentally, that’s where I met HBF’s Mary Jo Miller. MJ was an advisor to our design program, and she critiqued my thesis. Upon graduating, I sent my resume to thirty-five firms in six countries and landed my first job in Atlanta at TVS in the Corporate Interiors Studio.

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"A lot of my inspiration over the last few years has come from putting myself in uncomfortable situations and becoming more strongly connected with the community and people around me."

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This was 20+ years ago, and at first I didn’t understand the full breadth of design opportunities that corporate interiors offers. I became inspired by the strong, intelligent women who were breaking barriers by leading every aspect of the projects in that studio. When I walked into a new project meeting one day, I was shocked and delighted to see MJ. She was our new client! This series of synchronicities is what led me to design ‘stich’ – my first textile collection with HBF Textiles.

I fell in love with product and textile design while at TVS which paved my path forward. I eventually moved to New York where I worked for multiple distinguished firms before breaking out of the bubble and starting my own multidisciplinary practice. That was eight years ago. It’s been an incredible journey and I’ve been blessed to have maintained strong relationships along the way.

My partnership with HBF is just one example of synchronicity in my career. I went on to design my first eponymous collection with MJ, who now serves as V.P. of Design and Development at HBF, in 2015 - a year after my practice opened. This Neocon, we’re launching the ‘In Your Skin’ Collection – which will be the 20th anniversary of my first collection. It’s been a beautiful ripple effect.

2019 was a pivotal year for me; after being recognized as NY’s Honoree and recipient of the IIDA Leadership Award of Excellence, I started thinking more deeply about what else I wanted to do in my practice. I’ve harbored a longstanding passion for social justice and equity in design, and I began to wrestle with how to bridge my gifts with things that felt more meaningful. I yearned to work with and directly impact the communities around me.

I started what I call “equity boot camp” with an amazing program, Pathways To Equity, offered through Open Architecture Collaborative. This process was the great unlearning; taking off our expert hat and understanding that equitable design is based on authentic co-creation and collaboration; allowing us to build empathy with stakeholders so that everyone is more confident in the solutions.

In July of 2020, I began my tenure as Chapter President of IIDA NY and had the opportunity to infuse what I had been learning into the chapter. In the month prior, George Floyd’s murder had incited the largest protest movement of our time. A dear friend and former colleague of mine, Hana Getachew, Creative Director at Bolé Roade Textiles, called me and asked, “What are you going to do about it?”

We gathered a few of our colleagues and friends in the industry - Yetta Banks, Former VP of Design and Construction at Viacom, and Elsie St. Léger, IIDA NY President-Elect, and began what at that time became a weekly check-in to support one another. Initially, we didn’t know what would come of it, but we kept coming back to accountability – we wanted the industry to act.

A year later, we launched the IIDA NY Equity Council with a mission to create a more just and equitable design industry by focusing on four key pillars in the workplace: cultures of inclusion, racial diversity, and education and communication. We framed the Design Industry Pledge around these four pillars very intentionally, to provide organizations with a realistic roadmap for change. When organizations sign on to the Pledge, they complete an Assessment Survey and gather their firm's current data on diversity, communication, and education to set a baseline from which to grow and track their own progress. Results are published annually for transparency and collective accountability.

Equity Council offers programming and workshops on a monthly basis to support individuals and organizations in this work, and we feel the momentum building. We hope to seed chapters of the Equity Council throughout all regional chapters of IIDA and provide a global network of resources. Our goal is to become the go-to resource for JEDI work in the design industry. 

A lot of my inspiration over the last few years has come from putting myself in uncomfortable situations and becoming more strongly connected with the community and people around me. I also see steady improvement in gender equality and am inspired by women stepping into positions of power who are not afraid to shine their light. My favorite professor at Virginia Tech – who was a woman – always said, ‘Don’t ask for permission, ask for forgiveness.’ That has always stuck with me and has helped me navigate as a female leader.

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Erin Ruby also designed the Calm Collection for Gunlocke. Calm is a modular lounge system that offers freedom and flexibility in planning with a residential aesthetic. The gracefully proportioned interior seat and cushions offer a plush comfortable sit. The streamlined geometry of the outer frame enables ease of configuration. Modules can be used alone or combined to suit any type of interior environment, from large public spaces to collaboration areas, hotel rooms, and private offices.

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March 2022 Content - Story 2

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March Spotlight

Women's History Month: Kelly Harris Smith, Independent Designer, Founder & Creative Director of Minni

I'm many things – a designer and creative consultant, an entrepreneur specializing in natural and sustainable materials, I’m a mother, and now an author. My career path has been very serendipitous; one thing led to another and then another.

I studied architecture at Northeastern University in Boston and worked in architecture after college. For fun, I’d make things out of old t-shirts and garments, but then I fell in love with wool design felt – after researching where to get it, I established a strong relationship with a mill in Germany.

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"Women’s History Month, to me, is about the women that came before us – the women who made sacrifices for their children to live better lives."

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Not long after, I started a small textile goods design company selling bags and home goods made from the high quality, eco-friendly wool felt material, while still working in architecture. In 2008, the German mill provided an opportunity to distribute in North America which ultimately led me to become the co-founder of FilzFelt where I immersed myself in learning about acoustic qualities and natural materials like cork, cotton, and leather.

Five years ago, I founded my own design studio and I’m fortunate to collaborate with other designers and companies, including HBF Textiles and Corral. My designs are distinctive for their pattern, color, and innovative functionality. Whether designing textiles, interior architecture installations, or furniture, I begin my process with a thoughtful analysis of how people will interact with the product and the environment.

In 2018, I founded Minni, a community creative space in Boston offering art and design education to young children. It’s not just studio art – we teach children about graphic design, industrial design, textiles, fiber arts, architecture, engineering, interior design, and more. Minni empowers children to explore different processes and techniques, we give them the tools to think creatively about how to work.

I also recently co-authored “Universal Principles of Interior Design: 100 Ways to Develop Innovative Ideas, Enhance Usability, and Design Effective Solutions” with my husband. Arranged alphabetically, we present 100 concepts that are critical to a successful visualization and application of interior design. It was like writing 100 short research papers, it was intense.

I’m busy, but I’m happy, and I enjoy it. My studio, my home, and Minni are in the same neighborhood, and I’m constantly bouncing between each. I often think of my mother who taught high school math for thirty years – she’d take a nap every afternoon after school before going for a run or swim, and I think there is something to be said about carving out time for yourself – it will make your work better, and I really try to give myself that space.

March is a month of reflection for me because it’s the same month I opened both of my businesses. I filed with the city on March 7 in 2017, and then on March 8 in 2018, coincidentally on International Women’s Day. Women’s History Month, to me, is about the women that came before us – the women who made sacrifices for their children to live better lives. It’s also about pride.

For women who are just getting started in the design space, don’t be afraid to explore what inspires and motivates you. Take that pottery class, participate in the workshop you’ve been considering – fuel your creativity and take risks. Start small and don’t be afraid to try something new.

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Find joy in unexpected places with HBF Textiles UP Collection by Kelly Harris Smith. UP offers vibrant, charismatic designs with notable sustainability and high performance. 

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February 2022 Content

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February Spotlight

Black History Month: Tiana Taylor, Associate Principal, Huntsman Architectural Group

I'm originally from Hartford, Connecticut, and in high school, I loved math, science, and art. I was torn between veterinarian school and architecture as I explored career paths. I decided to work part-time at a veterinarian hospital, but I was quickly like, ‘Nope’.

While I took drafting classes in high school, I didn’t fall in love with architecture until after enrolling at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. I loved all the beautiful buildings on campus and loved working in the architecture library – it felt like this is where I’m supposed to be – it was amazing.

Growing up I didn't know any Architects personally; it was surprising to learn that some of my classmates were closely tied to architects and had already worked at firms. I, fortunately, joined the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) early on in my college career. NOMA’s mission is to minimize the effect of racism in our industry, and the IL chapter – made up of inspiring people of color – was extremely influential to me. They provided mentorship and professional development which ultimately accelerated my career.

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"I see my career as an opportunity to always be myself and be seen through a more realistic lens."

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I spent a year studying abroad in London, after graduation, where I had the opportunity to work on amazing projects at Wimberley Allison Tong and Goo. I moved to New York after that and connected with NOMA’s NY chapter. I lived in NY for eight years while working for Gensler, but ended up moving to the San Francisco Bay area, and eventually landed at Huntsman in 2012 – where I still work today.

I was vocal about wanting to be a project manager and taking on a certain amount of responsibility when I came on. I had the privilege of working with founder Dan Huntsman and took over a few of his accounts; he taught me about the business, how to interact with clients, and how to win projects.

I got intensively involved with the NOMA chapter here in San Francisco. Over ten years ago, we helped launch an initiative called Project Pipeline – this initiative allowed us to teach diverse youth about architecture. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see students of color go on to architecture school and embark on their careers. One of the students I mentor is currently interning at Huntsman.   

I’m a natural leader and Huntsman recognized that. They saw I wasn’t afraid to take on challenges. My team trusts me, and I trust them, which empowers staff to grow, and the entire organization to succeed.  When you take on a leadership role, it’s important to have time and space to recharge yourself. That’s why I’m a big promoter of self-care. When I allow myself that time to rejuvenate (travel, exercise, or massage therapy), I am a more effective leader and more creative. 

I see my career as an opportunity to always be myself and be seen through a more realistic lens. When I create connections with people who don’t have other black colleagues in their sphere, I demonstrate that people of color are educated and capable, and I break down negative stereotypes.

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January 2022 Content

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January

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This is still our shared dream today, nearly 60 years later. On January 17th, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for leading the Civil Rights Movement and his dedication to fighting for freedom and equality for the Black community. His work helped the world become a better place through peace and kindness. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech was delivered to over 250,000 civil rights supporters on August 28, 1963 from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC and was a defining moment in the civil rights movement.

As we observe MLK day this year, let us reflect on the great work that was done by this man and many others, but also focus on the continued work that we must do. January’s Life Inspired story features Visit Baltimore, a nonprofit that is setting new diversity, equity and inclusion standards in the local and national tourism and hospitality community by leading change and sparking dialogue in support of underrepresented groups while amplifying the voices of Baltimore’s majority Black city.    

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"As a predominantly Black city, Visit Baltimore has a responsibility to our industry and the community-at-large to always put diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at the foundation of everything we do."



Al Hutchinson, Visit Baltimore President & CEO

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Visit Baltimore

Visit Baltimore is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Baltimore. The 501(c)(6) nonprofit is setting new diversity, equity and inclusion standards in the local and national tourism and hospitality community by leading change and sparking dialogue in support of underrepresented groups while amplifying the voices of Baltimore’s majority Black city.

A welcoming destination for all

The company is committed to fostering an inclusive community where visitors of all backgrounds, races, genders, and abilities feel welcome. As part of this effort, they’re asking local businesses to join in by signing a Warm Welcome pledge declaring their intention to convey a respectful and welcoming atmosphere. Visit Baltimore seeks input from many local voices to authentically represent the Charm City and the intersection of people and places that make Baltimore so unique.

Expanding opportunities through career development

Nurturing emerging leaders from underrepresented communities is an integral part of Visit Baltimore’s allyship work and goal of bringing more diversity into the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. Along with their business partners Guinness Open Gate Brewery and Tourism Economics, Visit Baltimore offers two programs to expand career pathways to more diverse talent pools: 

  • The Diversity Apprenticeship Program: This 600-hour paid apprenticeship is an immersive learning experience within the travel, tourism, and craft beer industries. Apprentices shadow local tourism entities and explore various roles and career paths. Employment is guaranteed upon completion of the program, with the support of Searchwide Global. 
  • The Data Analytics Fellowship: This 600-hour paid internship provides first-hand experience working in the data, technology, and business intelligence sector within the destination marketing community. Interns receive training and professional development opportunities through academic seminars, in-depth research and analysis, plus a broad range of skills development.

Celebrating culture & honoring history

In Baltimore, a “bop” is slang for a long walk. With Visit Baltimore’s free BoP Pass you can take a journey through the streets where Frederick Douglass, Billie Holiday and Harriet Tubman once walked, learning about their contributions to history and how their fearlessness, big ideas and bold innovation informs the culture today.

Learn more about Visit Baltimore

 

We’re proud to have been selected to support Visit Baltimore’s recent office reinvigoration and provide workplace furnishings to help the company do meaningful work.

Explore Visit Baltimore's Office Space

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Authentic Insights

Interested in knowing more of the genuine expressions, experiences, and voices of others? Check out our 2021 spotlights.

HNI Belong, a community for everyone.
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Our Commitment

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), are not just core beliefs at HNI – they are operational imperatives. We value each other’s differences in experiences and ideas to solve problems and better serve our customers. Our member-owner culture is built on empowerment and accountability for all, and we are working to establish the resources and structures needed to support an equitable and inclusive workplace.