Why “Interior Designer” is a title worth fighting for | Samantha Rose of HCM
What does it really mean to be an interior designer, and why should designers be proud to own that title?
In this conversation, we explore why strengthening the interior design profession starts with designers themselves, from pursuing credentials and getting involved to advocating for a more unified voice. We also talk about the next generation of designers, the power of mentorship and industry connection, and how thoughtful design can make a measurable difference in healthcare and the way people experience space.
It’s a conversation about pride in the profession, advocating for its future, and recognizing the incredible impact interior designers have on people’s lives.
Key insights
- Early career exploration helps designers find their path: Internships and industry exposure allow emerging designers to discover where they fit.
- Interior designers should proudly own their title: A unified professional identity can strengthen credibility and public understanding of the profession.
- Licensure and involvement strengthen the industry: Participation and advocacy help create greater opportunities for future designers.
- Good design can feel invisible: Thoughtful design naturally shapes how people feel, behave, and experience a space.
- Healthcare design can support healing: Empathetic environments centered on comfort, nature, and connection can improve the healthcare experience.
Learn More about Samantha Rose
Samantha Rose, CID, IIDA, is a Senior Associate at HCM whose work focuses on healthcare interior design and creating supportive, patient-centered environments. She is also a lecturer in Interior Design at Morgan State University and an active advocate for the profession through the Maryland Coalition for Interior Designers. Connect with Samantha on LinkedIn.
Learn more about Maria VanDeman
Maria VanDeman is the Director of Design Strategy at OFS, where she brings together design, strategy, and storytelling to create spaces that support people and inspire connection. With more than 17 years of experience in the commercial design industry, Maria has built a career spanning interior design, strategic sales, thought leadership, and advocacy for equity in the workplace. As the host of the Imagine a Place Podcast and the author of Design Your World, she is passionate about elevating the design profession and inspiring the next generation of creatives. Recognized with the 2022 HiP Leadership Award from Interior Design magazine, Maria is known for her thoughtful leadership, commitment to mentorship, and belief in the power of design to positively shape the human experience. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.
Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.
Read More about Maria in the Imagine a Place Journal
Learn more about Imagine a Place
Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives. Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.
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