OFS and IIDA host Design Your World book launch event.

OFS and IIDA host Design Your World book launch event.

by Adriana Davila & Brooke Lueken

CHICAGO, IL, March 15, 2023 - - OFS and IIDA collaborated to organize a launch event for the children's book, "Design Your World," authored by Maria VanDeman and Doug Shapiro of OFS, and illustrated by the talented Kenzie Leon Perry of Ze Haus Design Studio. Inspired by IIDA’s Design Your World education pipeline program, this book shows how interior design is not only a career choice, but a powerful tool that can improve the way people feel. The story follows Serena on her journey of discovering the power of design and how she can influence the world around her!

“I’m so excited to see all the excitement behind the Design Your World book. We’ve already heard stories about the impact it has had on young people seeing themselves in the profession and the power of taking control of one’s own life and surroundings. We hope we can continue to inspire through the story of Serena and the power of design!”
- Maria VanDeman
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Maria VanDeman, Doug Shapiro, and Kenzie Leon Perry
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Maria, Doug, and Kenzie signing books for guest

Designers, architects, students, and other guests were welcomed to the event at IIDA Chicago HQ by Maria, Doug, and Kenzie along with IIDA’s Cheryl Durst and Tracey Thomas. Guests were able to get their books signed and join in on a discussion about the impact of design and how even the smallest choices can make a big difference.

“Design Your World is a creative approach designed for BIPOC youth, exposing them to the possibility of pursuing a future career as a designer. Its mission is to build a bridge with the hope that it will close the gap of black designers' representation in an industry that is very important to me.”
- Kenzie Leon Perry
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Design Your World book
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Tracey Thomas and Cheryl Durst of IIDA
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Illustrator, Kenzie Leon Perry
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Kenzie signing books for guests
“We had multiple goals for the book as we developed the story. First and foremost we wanted it to be relatable. The struggle of main character Serena is one that many children experience— a feeling that they don’t have the power to improve or control the world around them. We also wanted to position interior design not only as a valuable career choice, but as a tool that any child can use to improve their life.”
- Doug Shapiro

A portion of the proceeds from each book sale directly supports IIDA's Design Your World program. Design Your World is an educational initiative that aims to promote equity and diversity within the design industry by offering high school students the opportunity to explore the potential of a design career.

Get your own copy to support the Design Your World education program here. Learn more about the book here. 

Hear more from the authors and illustrator on The Imagine a Place podcast:

ABOUT OFS

OFS is a family-owned contract furniture manufacturer dedicated to crafting experiences and products that contribute to places where people want to be. Founded in 1937, OFS provides furniture and logistics solutions for office, healthcare, education, lifestyle, hospitality, government, and home office markets worldwide, offering seating, tables, casegoods, and open plan products. The brands, Carolina and Bryan Ashley are OFS companies. OFS is based in Huntingburg, Indiana.

ABOUT IMAGINE A PLACE PRODUCTIONS

Imagine a Place Productions gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place Productions is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.

OFS Press Contact: Adriana Davila - adavila@ofs.com & Brooke Lueken - blueken@ofs.com