ASID'S POSITION STATEMENT ON CLIMATE, HEALTH, AND EQUITY

ASID believes that Design is an intrinsically human-centered profession and must have a positive impact on people, communities, and the environment. We recognize that the Interior Design profession has an obligation to minimize our environmental impact and move towards regenerative design. In order to advance design excellence within all professional disciplines of Interior Design and industry partners, ASID supports a focus on three tenets of design excellence: Climate, Health and Equity. 

Climate: Climate change is the biggest single threat to health and economic prosperity on the planet. Interior Design has a role in reversing the negative impacts of climate change by focusing on eliminating emissions, designing for adaptability and resilience, and reducing resource consumption while supporting a circular economy.  

Health: Both human and ecological health are essential components of a thriving society. Interior Design must create spaces that support holistic health by focusing on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of occupants, responsible material specifications and protecting threatened ecosystems.

Equity: Social and environmental equity play a vital role in the development of cohesive, safe, and resilient communities. Interior Design should be an instrument for the integration of diverse populations by creating opportunities for community cohesion that address inclusion, accessibility, and fair trade. 

The design profession must evolve to better address the pressing environmental, human health, and social challenges facing the world. By addressing the tenets above, ASID members have the power to transform the built environment. Interior Design is part of a larger ecosystem of roles, and collaboration between disciplines is imperative to drive change. ASID will support our member’s efforts through promotion of educational programs, tools, and advocacy for public policies, and endeavor to forge strategic alliances as part of a multi-disciplinary effort.

SIGN THE INTERIOR DESIGN PLEDGE FOR POSITIVE IMPACT BELOW!

ASID, IIDA, IDC, and Metropolis have come together to create The Interior Design Pledge for Positive Impact.

Interior design professionals create the spaces where people live, work, heal, learn, socialize, and play. Designers’ decisions also impact the interior design industry comprised of designers, manufacturers, dealers, contractors, consultants, tradespeople, artisans, and workers around the world.

Through this wide reach, interior designers play a significant role in reducing global carbon emissions and regenerating ecosystems to help avert the climate crisis. Interior design professionals are also in a unique position to improve people’s lives and support wellness and prosperity in our communities. 

We have a professional obligation to our peers, the public, and future generations to strive for a just, healthy, and sustainable society.