Influencer of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso, a true idiosyncratic artist, was undaunted by the world of art’s status quo. He repeatedly took the road less travelled & went against conventional thinking patterns. He pursued his calling & followed his muse; the greatest art, that answered to no one; yet inspired everyone!
The last decade has led to a transformative reconsideration of spaces & has been a time defined by a convergence of trends by designers & artisans. The new contemporary is about authenticity & celebrating nature. Design vernaculars are not dictated by eras or styles, it’s reality-centric & preeminent with focus on what matters most.
Let’s focus on being history-makers rather than historians; let’s take the road less travelled and create a more authentic magnum opus that is celebrated for individuality & essence of uniqueness. Uncommon perspective, relentless drive & a focused vision empowers us to see possibilities & potential beyond the ordinary.
In our creative pursuits as designers, intentionally stopping for moments to look around us to find the extraordinary & inspiring our souls to break through the conventional, to create masterpieces in our own distinct element & ethos.
Let’s look at the world around us with compassion & an inspired light; illuminating the paths we walk on to bring unity & acceptance in our hearts; celebrating life.
Continuing the quest to unite & integrate the ideas of the forward-thinkers, breaking down barriers & contributing to an evolving conversation for a new & inspiring way forward for our chapter.
Carpe diem,
AMBER KHAN ASID Arizona North President
APRIL
April Chapter Meeting
Thursday April 17, 2025 5:30PM-8:00PM (Location TBD)
MAY
Concepts & Cocktails
Wednesday May 7, 2025
5:30 PM-7:30 PM (Location TBD)
May Chapter Meeting
Thursday May 15, 2025 5:30PM-8:00PM (Location TBD)
Submit Date: May 15
Submit to: administrator@azn.asid.org
Topic: The Role of Technology in
2024– 2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President AMBER KHAN
ASID Associate president@azn.asid.org
Amber Khan is a design maestro, traveler, holistic lifestyle practitioner, and an artist with a vision fostering wellness, helping achieve high vibrational lifestyle through wellness-inspired intentional design. With 23 years dedicated to design, Amber honors our Earth, biophilia, biomimicry and nature’s cycle, using this to help achieve mindfulness and serenity in our surroundings.
President-Elect
APRIL EZI, IIDA, ASID, NCIDQ ASID Allied president-elect@azn.asid.org
Having 20 years of experience in the design industry, April Enzi combines creative vision with expertise in all her projects. She earned her Interior Design degree with honors in just three years, receiving Best Portfolio. April is the founder of Blacklist—a bold, innovative design brand. A passionate advocate for the profession, April’s #morethanpaint mantra reflects her commitment to impactful design as she steps into her role as ASID AZ President Elect.
Director at Large
AMANDA PIENTA-ASLAM
ASID Industry Partner at-large@azn.asid.org
Amanda Pienta-Aslam serves as the Director at Large for the ASID Arizona North Chapter, playing a vital part in supporting the chapter’s mission, fostering collaboration among industry partners and promoting education and industry standards. With a passion for design and leadership, Amanda works to enhance the chapter’s outreach, connecting industry partners with valuable resources and opportunities within the design community.
Finance Director
GRETCHEN PALMER ASID finance@azn.asid.org
Gretchen Palmer is the owner and principal of PHG Design & Development, a boutique design/ build firm in Scottsdale. Her project portfolio encompasses luxury residential, planned community development; production and age-restricted housing; and a diverse range of offices, restaurants, clubhouse and recreational facility projects. Gretchen is a member of the NKBA, has served as a member of the Scottsdale Building Advisory Board, and supports numerous philanthropic organizations.
Communications Director
ANGELICA DELA ROCA Allied ASID communications@azn.asid.org
With a bachelor’s in interior design, Angelica has spent the past few years building a strong foundation by exploring different industry trades and immersing herself in the design community. An ASID member since her student days, she is now committed to giving back as the ASID communications director, where she works to amplify the voices of the community members and to contribute to the organization’s growth.
Professional Development Director
BETH COCHRAN
WELL AP, ASID Allied at-large@azn.asid.org
Beth Cochran, WELL AP, is the founder and editorin-chief of Piper Republic, a multi-media publishing company delivering wellness and sustainable design-focused content to the design community. She explored extensive studies, including journalism & mass communications, sustainable design, and interior design. As professional development director, she aims to create programming that fosters personal and professional growth for members through engaging content.
Membership Director NICOLE THOMAS
ASID Industry Partner memebership@azn.asid.org
Nicole Thomas is an Arizona native and has been in the building and design industry for 23 years working in both retail and distribution. For the past six years, Nicole has served as an outside sales rep for Bedrosians Tile and Stone. She loves all stages of construction and has come to be known for her vast knowledge of the industry and willingness to lend a helping hand. Nicole looks forward to continuing to deepen her connections within the design community for many years to come.
Chapter Administrator LEANN FERNALD
ASID Industry Partner admin@azn.asid.org
Ornamentation LLC founder, Leann Fernald, is a self-taught artist and designer. She has been practicing her craft in the Valley since 2003. Her scope has quickly expanded to include design and custom fretwork services. As our new Administrator, her focus is connecting with current members and industry partners while fostering those relationships.
ASID ARIZONA NORTH CHAPTER
PO Box 14798 Scottsdale AZ 85267
602.569.8916
Info@azn.asid.org www.azn.asid.org
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
ANGELICA DELA ROCA, ASID ALLIED
Editorial Staff
EDITOR
TRISHA NEVADO
ASID STUDENT MEMBER
PROOFREADERS
ANGELICA DELA ROCA
ART DIRECTOR
LINDA LONGMIRE
ADVERTISING SALES
RICK EMRICH, Marketing Rep for
ASID Arizona North Chapter 602.540.9281
Desert Design Magazine is published by the Arizona North Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Editorial content and the Desert Design Magazine title are controlled and owned by the Arizona North Chapter of ASID. Reproduction of this publication in whole or in part, in any form, is strictly prohibited without the written permission of the Arizona North Chapter of ASID. The Arizona North Chapter of ASID assumes no responsibility for the validity of advertisers’ claims or statements made in published items.
Student Representative to the Board
KRISTI KRIENER
ASID Student studentrep@azn.asid.org
Kristi Kriener is currently working towards her Residential and Commercial Design Certificates at Scottsdale Community College driven to pursue a career specializing in therapeutic, traumainformed, and biophilic design. She aims to use her psychology background to design spaces that nurture and heal those who use them. On the days she is free, Kristi enjoys spending free time with her husband and three young adult children.
Trends shift, technologies advance, and client needs evolve. ASID is the GPS that helps designers navigate these changes, ensuring they stay at the forefront of the industry. We continuously track the evolution of design, using these insights to shape our chapter meetings, CEUs, and resources. Our goal is to equip our designers and industry partners with the knowledge and tools they need to not only meet but exceed their clients’ expectations.
At the heart of everything we do is our community, our members. When my team and I stepped into this role, we were committed to finding new and meaningful ways to communicate this mission. Beyond that, we are focused on amplifying our members’ voices, sharing their stories, insights, and inspirations to strengthen our network and elevate the impact of design.
To bring this vision to life, we’ve been developing creative ways to feature more of you on our media platforms. Our latest initiative is all about showcasing the diverse perspectives and pathways within design. Whether through interviews, interactive activities, or real-time engagement at events, we want to highlight what matters most to you as our members. Your ideas, your experiences, and your impact.
And with that, our social media campaign was born. We asked ourselves: How can we engage our members more deeply? How can we highlight their day-to-day work, their talents, and their contributions to the design world? Whether you’re an industry partner, designer, student, or artist, we want to showcase the richness of our community which is to inspire and evolve together. This social media campaign will be known as “ASID AZN: My Design Life”
So, keep an eye out for our team at events! We’re here to tell your stories and make sure our platforms reflect the vibrant voices that make up ASID Arizona North. We can’t wait to share what our communications committee has in store this year!
Stay connected with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube @asidaznorth!
Angelica
ANGELICA DELA ROCA Communications Director
ASID grow. advocate. elevate.
Rachel Simons, ASID
Anita Lang, ASID, IMI Design
NOV
CHAPTER MEETING
TOPIC: Hand Intelligence: The Revival & Preservation of Skilled Artisans
HOST: Lux Kitchen and Bath Gallery
All hail the revival of handcraft and skilled artisanship!
Last November, our chapter gathered at Lux Kitchen and Bath Gallery for an inspiring panel discussion titled “Hand Intelligence: The Revival & Preservation of Skilled Artisans.”
During the discussion, led by Kelly Pesellin, publisher of Modern Luxury Interiors, a panel of esteemed artisans and designers––including Anita Lang, Leila Parnian, Alfonso Verduzco, Vincent de Sarthe, and Laura Madden––shared their perspectives on the significance of handcrafted elements in modern interiors.
The discussion began with an exploration of the historical
importance of hand craftsmanship in design. Panelists emphasized that traditional techniques not only add aesthetic value but also imbue spaces with cultural and historical narratives. They highlighted how handcrafted pieces serve as tangible connections to heritage, offering depth and authenticity that massproduced items often lack.
A significant portion of the conversation addressed the challenges faced by artisans in today’s fast-paced and technologydriven world. The panelists noted a decline in the number of skilled craftspeople and the diminishing appreciation for handcrafted work. They discussed the impact of globalization and industrialization, which have led to a preference for cheaper, machine-made products. This trend threatens the survival of traditional crafts and the livelihoods of artisans.
In response to these challenges, the panelists advocated for a renewed commitment to supporting artisans through education and collaboration. They suggested that designers can play a pivotal role by incorporating handcrafted elements into their projects, thereby creating demand for artisanal work. By doing so, designers not only enhance the uniqueness of their designs but also contribute to the preservation of valuable skills and traditions.
The discussion also touched upon the environmental benefits of handcrafted items. Panelists pointed out that many artisans employ sustainable practices, using locally sourced materials and traditional methods that result in lower carbon footprints compared to mass production. They emphasized that choosing handcrafted pieces aligns with the growing movement towards sustainability in design.
Audience engagement was
Concepts & Cocktails
For this Concepts & Cocktails event, ProSource prepared beer, wine and a huge charcuterie board for guests to enjoy. Amanda Pienta-Alsam
(Alyshaan Fine Rugs) spoke about what it looks like to have a great partnership between a designer and an industry partner and how to build relationships. It is quite simple to unintentionally or intentionally create a bad relationship and we all know what that often looks like. But what does a good one look like and what are the things you look for in a good relationship? Is it trust, is it knowledge, is it timeliness, or is it authenticity?
We chatted about how at Alyshaan Fine Rugs, we allowed our designers to send us their designs and that we were able to play pre-selects for them to save time, in turn fostering trust. In these collaborations, a respectful and balanced approach is essential. We try our best not to overstep when working with designers and clients.
BY AMANDA PIENTA-ASLAM ALYSHAAN FINE RUGS “Walk on Art”
NOVEMBER
TOPIC: Collaboration and Partnerships between Designers and Industry Partners
HOST: Prosource Phoenix
DEC
CASID ARIZONA NORTH Holiday Party 2024
elebrating the season and its joy; our holiday party was held at North Italia; Bar North amongst the illuminating festivities of Kierland and Scottsdale Quarters.
A glamourous evening; with champagne & holiday cocktails; a reunion-filled room with smiles and laughter, dressed to impress, and a dazzling look of glimmer & style.
Great Italian menu, rich hors d'oeuvres, festive ambiance, embellished décor, vintage music and our chapter members to steal the spotlight at an event that was curated to celebrate them.
Celebrating the season of giving, our silent auction for Autumn House Charity was a huge success. We give many thanks to our Industry partners and sponsors for helping us bring together a spectacular evening for our ASID members.
BY AMBER KHAN ASID ARIZONA NORTH PRESIDENT
CUSTOM MADE THE DESIGNER COLLECTION for you.
Introducing the critically-acclaimed Designer Collection in Brass by award-winning luxury designer Richard T. Anuszkiewicz.
JAN
CHAPTER MEETING
TOPIC: WELL BEING
HOST: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
January was all about well-being! But this time, we flipped the script.
The January chapter meeting wasn’t about how to create wellness spaces for clients. Instead, it focused on how we can prioritize our well-being. Recognizing that designers often prioritize the needs of clients and projects above their own well-being, the event was a reminder to take intentional steps toward self-care and healthy living. Held at the beautiful Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery in Scottsdale, the evening offered nourishment in every sense—from thought-provoking discussions to a nutritious spread from Pita Jungle.
Chapter President Amber Khan opened the event by emphasizing the importance of wellness as a foundation for success.
“To do our best work and build the future we each desire, we must focus on prioritizing our well-being,” she said. This set the tone for a program packed with practical insights and wellness inspiration. Expert speakers then guided us through a variety of approaches to help instill healthy habits and reduce stress:
Shana Pena, founder of The Healing Collectiva kicked off the program with a therapeutic sound bath––an immersive experience designed to calm the nervous system and foster mental clarity.
Alessia Citro, author of Higher Self Habits delivered actionable strategies for creating intentional habits that
can lead to transformative change. She also described why women have to approach habit creation differently from men, and provided some tips to achieve that.
Dr. Patti Gonzalez, founder of Innate Roots discussed the biology of stress and demonstrated techniques to work with the lymphatic system to promote relaxation and overall well-being. She also got us moving, leading us through a six-point “tap, rub, circle” technique to get our lymphatic system flowing.
Brittany Bejarano, CNP, CPT and founder of B-Fit
Naturally shared how chronic inflammation, often driven by stress, can be managed through natural Ayurvedic supplementation and simple daily activities that help re-regulate the nervous system. She also shared a few simple changes that can make a big impact, such as making sure you’re getting good sleep between 12 and 2 a.m., cooking with ghee instead of olive oil, and eliminating or reducing caffeine intake.
There were so many takeaways from the evening to inspire a healthy and prosperous 2025! Now, we’re looking forward to continuing the journey toward wellness and creative growth throughout 2025!
To catch the full replay of the January meeting, visit our YouTube channel!
BY BETH COCHRAN WELL AP, ASID Allied Professional Development Director
Concepts & Cocktails
SJANUARY
TOPIC: What sets your business apart?
HOST: Villagio Tile and Stone
tarting the year with our monthly Concepts and Cocktails event, Villagio Tile prepared charcuterie boards, beer, wine, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and trays of vegetables and fruit. To kick off the event, Garrett Tidwell from Villagio Tile and Stone spoke about the history of the company in addition to great items you can find in their showroom.
Amanda Aslam from Alyshaan Fine Rugs then spoke about setting your business apart in the day and age of the Internet, reverse-searching images, and how people can easily shop at major retailers like Home Depot or Amazon. How can you talk through value with clients and designers so that they understand your pricing and why it would cost more?
These conversations can be hard and can be unconventional, and you often wonder how you can ensure that you have answers for clients and designers. However, with the right planning and preparedness you’re more likely to have the right answers. With so many different designers in town, what sets you apart? Is it your customer reviews? Is it your own designs, is it your website? Is it referrals as an industry partner? Is it your white glove service? Is it your designer discounts? Or is it the relationships that you’ve built?
BY AMANDA PIENTA-ASLAM ALYSHAAN FINE RUGS “Walk on Art”
IP Spotlight
CFM
C
ontract Furnishings Mart (CFM), founded in the Pacific Northwest, has been providing contractors, designers, and trade professionals with flooring, tile, carpet, cabinetry, and countertop materials since 1981. We have expanded from a single location with two salespeople in Portland, OR, to now encompassing 18 stores across Oregon, Washington, and Arizona. CFM is excited to extend our services to the Phoenix Metro area through our showroom in Chandler, AZ. and our new showroom located in North Scottsdale at 9378 E. Bahia Dr.
Locally, the CFM Chandler sales team is represented by Jeff Moen, Jacquie, Ethan and John. Our new sales team in Scottsdale is represented by Michael Meehan, Erika, Toni and Isaiah. Both teams bring extensive knowledge in the flooring industry and we firmly believe that our exceptional customer service and unmatched material selection is the cornerstone of our success, and yours.
Within our extensive showroom, our professional sales team collaborates with you and your clients to select the finest products for their needs, conveying cost savings, and providing complimentary storage of your materials in a single location, until the project is ready to install. We eagerly anticipate evolving into your dependable one-stop flooring store for all your material selections. For more information, visit us at cfmfloors.com
EMSER TILE
Michelle Osborne is the Sr. Design Trade Manager in Luxury homes and outdoor for the west coast for Emser Tile based in Scottsdale, Arizona. She was the first at Emser to take on this title and instrumental in its spread and success as a company-wide position. In 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, Michelle achieved Emser’s prestigious President’s Club status and has been the key to driving many record breaking months in Scottsdale. Her tenacity and determination drive results and her customers appreciate her hands-on approach, communication and willingness to go above and beyond. With a keen eye on design and a unique ability to manage her book of business, she continues to go after and land big opportunities.
Emser Tile is the largest, privately held designer and marketer of tile and natural stone products for interior and exterior in the United States. Our principal offerings include an extensive line of ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, cladding, pavers, pool tiles and decorative products to service the design and product needs of our customers. The company’s products are used extensively in new home construction, remodel applications as well as commercial projects including multi-family housing, hospitality, shopping centers, office buildings and educational facilities. For more information, visit us at www.emser.com
MONTERREY TILE
Since 1988, locally owned Monterrey Tile has been known for selection and value; and since 2019 as an importer and distributor of design and architectural elements. With the addition of the brands Landmark, Atlas Concorde, Milestone USA, American Glass Mosaic, Forest Elements and Del Conca USA, we’ve built a solid foundation of products that are MADE IN AMERICA. In addition, we recently added lines from Anthology Tile and Walker Zanger; who together have over 3,000 items to peruse.
Thanks to you, we’ve outgrown our slab warehouse in Chandler and opened a brand new facility near I-10 and Sky Harbor that has an even broader selection of natural stone, quartz and solid surface slabs, as well as an upscale designer showroom.
We have an array of divisions of the company that many are not aware of:
• Designer Showrooms in Gilbert, Tolleson and Phoenix
• Contractor Tool & Sundries sales in Gilbert, Chandler and Tolleson
• Retail Distribution to over 180 dealers from Flagstaff to Tucson
• Indoor Showplace in Phoenix with thousands of slabs of marble, granite, quartzite, travertine and limestone as well as LX Viatera, Hi-Macs and Vita Bella Quartz.
• Manufacturing division where we make custom medallions, mosaics, trim and pool coping.
In the six years that have passed since changing our route to market from retail to distributing wholesaler to the trade, Lisa Giacomino, Jeffrey Bennett and the recent addition of Patti Lundberg have assisted architects and interior designers across Arizona find just the right thing for their projects. From a single room remodel to hotels, restaurants and medical facilities, this trio of “A+D Solution Providers” have over 50 years of experience between them to locate almost any tile or stone you need. When you want Arizona style, call Monterrey Tile. 480-855-9988. MonterreyTile.com
PREMIER LIGHTING
K
en Ross is the Regional Retail Sales Manager for Premier Lighting. He is a former electrician and has been in the construction and lighting industry for over 30 years. Since 1978, Premier Lighting has been a distinctive, award-winning lighting showroom offering the finest in full scale lighting services to custom home builders, architects, interior designers and homeowners. With the most experienced and knowledgeable lighting professionals in the industry, Premier and its team - Brandy Levy, Norma Jean Byrd, Charles Peniston, Dan Mercado and Ken Ross - have proven that success is defined by winning styles, customer service and follow through. Considered the best in the industry, the Premier team will make your decor dreams come to life with amazing lighting, custom fixtures, mirrors, art, fans and home accessories. In Tucson, visit our team - Linda, Javier, Ken and Kassie at our Northside Lighting showroom, which is part of the Premier Lighting family. For more information, visit us at shoppremier.com
REECE BATH + KITCHEN
Kristina Bedoe is the showroom manager of Reece Bath + Kitchen in Scottsdale. She has been in the home furnishing industry for over 20 years. Kristina began her career in the lighting industry and has loved it ever since! She has been very fortunate to expand her knowledge to include plumbing and appliances.
Reece Bath + Kitchen, has perfected the home customization experience. The showroom lets you explore an assortment of quality bath and kitchen brands, while expert consultants provide the right amount of guidance at every step. The home customization experience should bring the customer’s dream design to life, and be a pleasant and fulfilling process along the way. We offer a wide array of the top vendors in plumbing and appliances for you to choose from. Visit the Scottsdale showroom and our new showroom opening on Feb. 20 in Gilbert at 2494 S. Recker Rd. to discover all of the ways Reece Bath + Kitchen works for you and your clients.
BARBARA’S PICKS & CLICKS
Barbara’s Picks & Clicks is an Online Resource Directory recommending the “best of the best” companies and craftspeople in design and lifestyle. Barbara’s Picks began as a passion project of mine, and I’m thrilled that it has become so successful in fostering a community of successful businesses I’m proud to have handpicked. Barbara’s Picks has become a recognized and valuable resource as a design and lifestyle community on-line directory.
I use my expertise in design and lifestyle to further promote our members. I write for several monthly magazines, newspapers, and newsletters. I have been voted a Top Interior Design Firm in “Ranking Arizona” from 2022 - 2025. All this influence and visibility is a huge benefit for the P.R., marketing and integrity of Barbara’s Picks and its members. Additionally, the exposure of our online directory provides countless referrals, connections, and resources to help grow our members’ businesses. Barbara’s Picks is active on all relevant social media platforms, creates engaging content for frequent email marketing, and is present at industry functions and consumer events.
We also provide events, lectures, and classes for the consumer. We also promote and conduct luxury tours, bringing consumers and design professionals to our members’ showrooms. I invite you to join our elite members!
Barbara Kaplan, Allied ASID
Please visit our website at www.BarbarasPicks.com
JANET PRISET SANDINO FINE ART CONSULTING
Janet Priset Sandino has been in the Valley for over 37 years, having worked for two art galleries, ART-TALK Newspaper and Steinway Pianos. Along with her extensive experience, her education, a B.S degree in Fine Arts and a M.S. in Art Education, has helped her tremendously in the art world today.
For the last six years she has been an independent art consultant working with residential, commercial and hospitality clients. In addition, she collaborates with interior designers, architects and developers to source all genres of artwork, including painting, sculpture, fountains, glassworks, photography, giclees on metal/acrylic, and bespoke commissions.
In recent times with new projects, many designers don’t have the time to resource artwork, especially when there’s a specific need – to which Janet will research, select and curate artwork along with framing and installation. With her extensive network of artists, galleries, wholesalers, and associations, she provides ideas and choices from local, national and international artists. Whether looking for a “piece” that a client saw somewhere, or an “out of the box” idea, Janet is the person to contact. Her time is devoted to finding the best artwork, with great pricing, for all her clients with impeccable taste and quality. Her end goal is to always please her clients by finding the perfect work of art!
To get in touch, her email is janetpsandino@gmail.com
NEW MEMBERSHIPS
DECEMBER 2024 - JANUARY 2025
NEW MEMBERS
• Janet Sandino Affiliate Member
• Karen Romersa Affiliate Member
• Lorelei Martinez Student Member
• Jessica Lopez Marquez Student Member
• June Zyontz Student Member
• Shandiin Lake Practitioner Member
• Taylor Tennyson Practitioner Member
NEW IPS MEMBERS
• Katya Huffington The Tile Shop Industry Partner
• Kristy Stevenson DuChateau Industry Partner
• Hamza Alihodzic Cambria Industry Partner
• Haley Gillette Cambria Industry Partner
• Ray Lonsway Cambria Industry Partner
• Emily Maduros Cambria Industry Partner
• Catherine Donimari Wilsonart LLC Industry Partner-National
To find out exactly what MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS include go to our website: www.azn.asid.org
FIND A PRO DIRECTORY & FIND AN IP DIRECTORY at asid.org
• Jacky Ulloa Benjamin Moore & Company Industry Partner-National
• Phillip Weitlauf PCW Designs Firm Partner
Belongingness approach to design
By TRISHA NEVADO, ASID Student Member
n individual-centered approach to design is not anything new for designers. This approach is essentially the core purpose and a fundamental standard in design. We have recognized through new and extensive research that our environment plays a vital role to our whole-being.
However, it is worth knowing that diversity and inclusivity does not always equate to feelings of belonging. Although good intentions are at hand, belonging occurs at a much deeper level and notwithstanding the fact that diversity and inclusivity are crucial, it is the sense of belonging that truly makes a difference. But to further understand this, we must first know the difference.
Cambridge Dictionary(n.d.) defines inclusivity as “the fact of including all types of people, things or ideas and treating them all fairly and equally.” Diversity and inclusivity are essential elements that should be present in various settings, including public spaces, schools, and workplaces. However, as previously mentioned, it’s important to recognize that while a space may be inclusive, this does not automatically create a sense of belonging. In her book, Design for Belonging: How to Build Inclusion and Collaboration in Your Communities, Susie Wise defines belongingness as “...being accepted and invited to participate; being part of something and having the opportunity to show as yourself” (2022). She also further explains in the book how belonging is a feeling and is not something you can design but rather something you can achieve by using “levers” as tools to set the stage so that the sense and feeling of belongingness can emerge.
To further explore belongingness, in a study published by authors from the Routledge Taylor & Francis Group (2024), the authors discuss and have found on their research how a sense of belonging particularly in the local community positively impacts health with their findings indicating a health gain of 0.066 on the health utilities index scale and a 7.4% increase in the probability of reporting good health across various health measures. This further emphasizes evidence showing how a sense of belonging enhances mental health and well-being.
Coincidentally, the Thoma-Holec design firm is collaborating with Acanthus Senior Living on a project to blend senior living communities with Catholic church grounds, aiming to create an environment that harmonizes spiritual and residential life, therefore fostering a sense of belonging for senior residents. We have had the opportunity to speak with Laura Pask, one of the interior designers on the project, to learn more about their process. When asked about creating a space that supports senior residents’ well-being, with elements like biophilic design, natural light, and sensory experiences incorporated to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness, Laura emphasized;
“When we do our design, we incorporate ‘well’ principles…we want to look at what activates residents’ minds, how are they involved with the community, how are they moving in the space…how they access the outdoors and natural light are important..”
“...We refer to them more as communities instead of senior living centers because we see them as their homes not the f-word [facilities]...we are looking to create spaces that are meaningful, that are purposeful, and that are active.”
In learning more about Acanthus, we noticed that some of the churches associated with this project also have schools. With that in mind, this senior living center exists within a multi-generational environment. Considering that, we asked Laura how the presence of schools on parish grounds impact the design and what role these schools play in fostering interactions between seniors, students, and the broader community;
“Even without a school component, most senior living communities have an intergenerational component by nature. Families bring their children, they interact, get involved with programming, they might have different events that they do…”
“...With the schools present on some of the parish grounds, this could potentially bring more interaction to the community which is great, that the church itself is not acting as the operator for the community but they will certainly have an influence in the programming…”
When asked about design decisions that enhance mobility and independence for residents in senior living spaces, how materiality, wayfinding, and spatial planning go beyond ADA standards to create truly inclusive environments, Laura shares how they cued different floors various color palettes or arts that accommodates the residents’ wayfinding. They have also thought about equipping spaces with furniture that go beyond the ADA standards which included considerations to the density of foam, non-glare finishes, coefficient of flooring, low pile memory care, and minimal patterns. This project is crucial because it fosters a sense of belonging for senior residents, who are often overlooked or not fully engaged. It aims to create an environment where they feel included and valued, improving their overall wellbeing and connection to the community.
This project appears to be highly promising and has the potential to make a significant impact on both designers and local communities. We asked her and her team to share their key takeaways from the experience, Laura shares;
“...We use evidence-based designs, we go into our previously completed projects and we ask questions, we chat with residents, what’s working? What’s not? What do you like? We really want to understand…we’re able-bodied adults right now, we want to understand what it’s like?”
“We’ve actually gone into our communities, we’ve stayed the night, we’ve looked through the lens, as good of a lens as we can, what the residents see, feel, touch, and hear, and try and apply those to upcoming projects and learn from them…that became a standard we’ve created with all of our communities…”
We truly cannot wait for this project to blossom and we hope this sparks a movement that not only prioritizes diversity and inclusivity but also focuses on creating spaces where people truly feel and see they belong.
If you’d like to know more about Acanthus Senior Living, visit their website at acanthusfund.com
If you’d like to know more about Laura Pask and Luann Thoma-Holec’s team, visit their page at thoma-holecdesign.com
Laura Pask
Luann Thoma-Holec
2025 SPONSORS
Alyshaan
Sameer Aslam 480-607-4955 • sameer@alyshaan.com
SPONSOR
Modern Luxury Scottsdale/Interiors
Kelly Persellin 520 576-8796 Kpersellin@modernluxury.com
Monogram
Dan Huggins 480 261-1187 Daniel.Huggins@geappliances.com
• We have competitive rates for digital ads in both full and half page sizes.
• Industry Partners looking for more direct exposure to our members ask for more information on our E-blast packages.
ProSource EJ Lefrebvre 602 612-5240 Ejl@pswaz.com
What an exciting year it has been with ASID! The Colormix 2025 Sherwin-Williams Color Capsule of the Year was, for some students, their first exposure to the professional chapter and it was a hit! We had student volunteers and attendees enthusiastically embracing the opportunities and networking for fun at the Scottsdale Design Center, learning about the long history of ASID and the Sherwin Williams 2025 colors! The chapter meetings and our holiday party brought us together again to learn about local artists and how to de-stress and take care of ourselves.
Have you been working hard on a project you would like to have considered for an award and cash prize? Now is your time! The Design Excellence Award competition is underway! Submit your project for review and a chance to be recognized at the 50th Anniversary Gala in August and be awarded cash prizes! See the ASID Arizona North website for details! We would love to see your work! Even submitting your work for a design competition is noteworthy on a resume’!
What are the “DON’T MISS” things happening with ASID for students this spring? Design Edge is coming to Phoenix on March 27th & 28th at the Phoenix Convention Center. It’s like having mini–Highpoint Market right here in Phoenix! If you would like to be there, reach out, and we will get you connected!
Mark your calendars for Career Day Friday, April 4! This event will be held at the Helios Center in Phoenix at 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. There will be awesome speakers lined up to teach about setting up your social media professional profiles and negotiating wages. You will hear from a variety of professionals in the interior design industry and how they apply their skills in the workforce. A job fair will feature companies who are looking for interns or hires – so bring your resume’ if you are looking for a job! Professional headshots will be available, as well, which we highly recommend for everyone. The event is free of charge to all ASID students, but there are limited seats available. Register as soon as you can!
Join us on Thursday, April 17th at 5:30 p.m. for the ASID AZ North chapter meeting where we will be celebrating our graduating student members from NAU Flagstaff, NAU Scottsdale, Scottsdale Community College, Phoenix College and ASU! Look for upcoming details about this meeting from ASID!
Students – if you know anyone graduating who is not a student member of ASID already, encourage them to join before they graduate! It’s $49 to join, but then after they graduate, for the next 5 years, they get a big break on dues for a professional member. It’s worth it!
This year we’ve had a record number of student members involved with ASID activities and initiatives. Would you like to get more involved, work with professionals in the interior design industry and have fun, too? There are opportunities for you! You can volunteer to help at events, like set-up or registration. The graphics art team is looking for help, as well! They do our social media and graphic arts. We have a team of students who are working on a high school outreach workshop. If you want to get more involved, reach and we’ll connect you!
THANK YOU for being a student member of ASID! You are our future design leaders! Please contact me if I can help you in any way – studentrep@azn.asid.org. Take care!
