CELEBRATING DIVERSITY IN DESIGN
EQUITY
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DIVERSITY
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INCLUSION
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EQUITY ✴ DIVERSITY ✴ INCLUSION ✴
Welcome to the IIDA Southwest Chapter EDI & Philanthropy Blog!
Browse our stories below to learn more about our Chapter initiatives that empower diversity in the commercial interior design industry.
🌈 IIDA Southwest Chapter Shines at PHX PRIDE ! 🌈
BLOG POST | OCTOBER 2025
The IIDA Southwest Chapter proudly participated in our first-ever PHX PRIDE Parade! This event celebrated the spirit of inclusivity that inspires and drives the work we do every day — and proudly reflects the diversity that fuels our design community.
We, the IIDA Southwest Chapter, believe great design begins with diverse voices. Inclusivity drives bold ideas, stronger communities, and a more dynamic design industry. We're committed to uplifting every voice, celebrating equity, and building a future where all designers can lead, create, and thrive.
💖 A heartfelt thank-you to our T-shirt sponsor Corgan, our parade banner sponsor Airpark Signs, and everyone who joined us in the march. Your energy and pride made the day unforgettable! And shoutout to Boomer, our star parade pup with candy in one paw and pride in the other!" 🐾🎉
#IIDASouthwest #PHXPride2025 #DesignForAll #InclusionByDesign #IIDA #EquityInDesign #PrideInDesign #DiversityInDesign #LoveIsLove
✨ Celebrating Women’s Equality Day 2025 ✨
BLOG POST | AUGUST 2025
Today we’re spotlighting Kai Ekbundit — visionary designer, entrepreneur, and founder of 23 by Kai. A proud IIDA member since 2005 and member of NOMA AZ, Kai has been a driving force in Arizona’s commercial interior design scene.
Her journey is a powerful reminder of the impact women make when creativity meets purpose.
#WomensEqualityDay #InspiringWomen #DesignLeadership #IIDA
🌈 Designing with Pride | PRIDE Month 2025 🌈
BLOG POST | JUNE 2025
At IIDA Southwest, we honor the beauty of individuality and the power of inclusive design. This PRIDE Month, we celebrate the LGBTQIA+ voices shaping environments that are not only functional and beautiful—but boldly authentic.
Design is storytelling—and every identity deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated in the spaces we create.
💬 We proudly support equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of design—and we know the work is ongoing.
We’re open and listening. 🏳️🌈
#PrideMonth2025 #DesignWithPride #IIDASouthwest #IIDAEquityInDesign #LGBTQIAinDesign #PrideInDesign #InteriorDesignCommunity #InclusiveDesignMatters #ColorOutsideTheLines
Honoring Freedom, Identity, and Design
BLOG POST | JUNE 2025
This Juneteenth, we celebrate more than history—we honor the present and future voices shaping our industry. At IIDA Southwest, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of how we design and build community.
Meet Tamia Hanninen, a rising interior designer whose perspective and quiet strength remind us that inclusive design is about more than representation—it’s about care, culture, and creating space for others.
Swipe through to read about Tamia, and connect with us if you’re interested in meaningful, deeper conversations about equity and inclusion. We’re here and listening.
#Juneteenth #IIDA_SW #BlackDesigners #InclusiveDesign #EDIinDesign #DesignWithEmpathy #PhoenixDesignCommunity #RepresentationMatters #YoungDesignVoices #InteriorDesign
AANHPI Heritage Month Spotlight: Malyn Romero
BLOG POST | MAY 2025
This May, we celebrate the voices and stories that shape our industry during Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.
We're proud to spotlight Malyn Romero, IIDA Southwest Chapter President and proud Filipino designer. Through her journey—from growing up in Manila to leading our chapter—Malyn exemplifies resilience, leadership, and the power of cultural identity in design.
Swipe through to read Malyn’s reflections on inspiration, overcoming challenges, staying connected to her roots, and what it means to lead with authenticity. Let her words encourage you to embrace your voice, uplift your culture, and celebrate the stories that shape who we are as designers.
Stronger Together: Celebrating AANHPI* Heritage Month
BLOG POST | MAY 2025
We proudly honor the Asian American voices, talents, and leadership within the IIDA Southwest Chapter and the AANHPI design community as a whole. Your creativity, culture, and contributions are shaping a more inclusive and innovative design industry.
From board members to designers in every corner of the industry, your impact is seen in every space you help create. We are grateful for your leadership, your perspective, and your vision for a brighter, more inclusive future.
When we elevate diverse voices, we spark bold ideas and lasting change.
Thank you for inspiring us all. Let’s keep building a design world where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered to lead.
Have Ideas? We’re Listening.
Email Us at iidasw.edi.philanthropy@gmail.com or fill out the form below.
Janene Wong-Brehmer,
Associate IIDA
Director of EDI & Philanthropy