HUNTINGBURG, IN, Feb. 07, 2024 - OFS continues its commitment to advancing equity in design with a series of nationwide readings of the children's book "Design Your World." Co-authored by Maria VanDeman, OFS Sales Manager, and Doug Shapiro, OFS VP of Research and Insights, the book aims to spark creativity and interest in design among young minds.
"Design Your World focuses on the importance of design and the impact it can have on one's daily life and surroundings, especially in youth," said co-author Maria VanDeman, who recently read the book at International Academy Elementary School. "When I hear their questions and see these young students connecting design to their own worlds, I know we're planting important seeds."
The heartwarming story follows Serena, a child who discovers the power of design while creating her own room. Through Serena's journey, young readers learn that they can shape their own spaces and lives, even through small choices.
OFS Resource Market Manager, Amanda Tribo, who read at Solar Preparatory for Boys in Dallas, TX, described the experience as one of the most fulfilling days of her career. "To see the focused look on the boys' faces and hear their eager questions and comments about design within their own world gave me an immense feeling of purpose," Tribo stated.
Megan Plante, A&D Market Manager in Los Angeles, shared similar sentiments after reading at Orange Coast College's Science Night in Orange County, CA. "Getting to introduce the Design Your World book to youth and see their imaginations fly as they start to design their own room is not only fun, but a great reminder of the positive impact we can have," said Plante.
These readings, held at schools and community events across the country, are part of OFS' mission to foster diversity and equity within the design industry. The initiative is supported by the International Interior Design Association's (IIDA) Design Your World program, an education pipeline program driven by the mission to build equity and diversity in the design industry by providing high school students with exposure to the possibilities of a career in design. OFS has pledged that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each book will go to further support this program, reflecting its broader mission to make a positive impact beyond manufacturing.
“As a valuable career path to shape the world around us, interior design can be an outlet for creativity and problem-solving through the art of creating functional and beautiful spaces, said co-author Maria VanDeman. “We hope to inspire children of all backgrounds and foster a more diverse and equitable world through design that works for everyone.”
"Design Your World" is now available for purchase on the OFS website or through all major retailers.
Hear more from the authors of Design Your World 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.
Media Contact:
Aaron Estabrook: OFS Media Relations and Director of Digital Marketing
Email: aestabrook@ofs.com
