Design Impacts

In this episode, Ana Clark sits down with Sophie Hirst — former Googler, content creator, and workplace skills advocate — for a wide-ranging conversation about navigating the early years of a career. Sophie shares the workplace “soft skills” she wishes someone had taught her sooner, from running one-on-ones and giving presentations to having tough conversations and managing emotional reactions. The discussion covers mentorship reimagined, the millennial manager/Gen Z dynamic, receiving feedback with grace, and why communication is the highest-leverage skill you can build.In this episode, we discuss: * What Sophie Teaches — Tactical, example-driven workplace skills: scripts, templates, phrases, and watch-outs you can apply at work the same day. Content currently lives on Instagram and Substack, with a self-paced course and membership community in development.* Managing Emotional Reactions — Sophie and Ana discuss pausing before responding to emotionally charged situations, projecting yourself forward, and practicing empathy by getting inside the other person’s head.* Lessons from Google — Sophie shares two formative experiences:* The budget crisis: Hundreds of thousands of dollars underspent, solved by turning to a peer rather than a manager — and learning that peers can be your most powerful network.* The “ugly baby” presentation: Hiding work out of insecurity, bombing the presentation, and a manager who responded with support instead of judgment.* Mentorship Reimagined — Why you should never ask someone to be your mentor. Sophie’s “mentorship series” concept: 10 one-hour sessions with 10 different people instead of 10 hours with one person.* Linear vs. Non-Linear Careers — How the traditional single-mentor model breaks down when career paths are increasingly non-linear, and how varied experience across design specializations creates more well-rounded professionals.* Design at Google — A sidebar on Google’s design evolution: placemaking in offices, Pixel accessory design, and the Loon project’s hot air balloons that required seamstresses.* Millennial Managers & Gen Z Reports — Debunking the “lazy Gen Z” media narrative. Sophie argues millennial managers and Gen Z employees want the same things — flexibility, boundaries, work-life balance — and the key is framing the conversation as being on the same team.* Overconfidence & Humility — Why projecting certainty makes you look more junior, not less. Senior people are comfortable saying “I don’t know.” Sophie shares specific behaviors that reveal inexperience: jumping in with answers too quickly, using overconfident language, and not asking for help.* Receiving Feedback — The top three things managers struggle with when working with young professionals:* Unrealistic expectations around speed to promotion* Lack of proactive communication* Defensiveness around feedback* The Coachability Secret — Managers find giving feedback uncomfortable. If you create a vibe that you’re coachable, they’ll keep investing in your growth. Tips: say “thank you,” take time to reflect, look for patterns, and ask for examples.* Advice for Managers — Creating psychological safety, running “style sessions” to align on communication preferences and work styles, and always explaining the why behind tasks.* Three Things Every Young Professional Should Work On:* Small things matter — Presence, energy, and how you show up (e.g., don’t run between meetings — it looks like you can’t manage your time).* Communication is your highest-leverage skill — Clarify what you think, structure your ideas, and frame them in terms of what matters to the company.* Build your personal brand early — Publish your thoughts and experiences. Sophie’s biggest regret is never posting on LinkedIn or doing media interviews during her 20-year corporate career.* Final Words of Encouragement — Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Career FOMO is real at every stage, but everyone’s path moves at a different pace.Resources mentioned in the episode:* Instagram & Substack (Sophie’s content platforms)* https://www.instagram.com/sophworkbaby/Design Impacts is a podcast by the South Central Chapter of ASID — elevating, celebrating, and educating our design community.If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved with the chapter — locally, regionally, or nationally — please reach out. Your voice shapes the chapter! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit designimpacts.substack.com

In this episode, host Ana Clark sits down with designer and author Barbara Heulat to explore the powerful intersection of interior design and dementia care.In this episode we discuss:* Barbara’s origin story: a childhood memory of visiting an “old folks home” that sparked a 40+ year career designing healthcare facilities* How becoming a caregiver for her mother (Parkinson’s-related dementia) and late husband (Alzheimer’s) transformed her understanding of design* The concept of the “silent caregiver” — how environments can calm or agitate someone living with dementia even without direct intervention* Practical design interventions: color and contrast for wayfinding, meaningful artwork, music tied to a person’s most memorable years, and toilet placement to reduce incontinence* Why caregiver health is just as critical as patient care, including Barbara’s own wake-up call after a heart attack* Building a support “team,” practicing gratitude journaling, and forgiving yourself for mistakes* Advocating for better design in healthcare settings using science-backed research* How to advocate for a loved one once they enter a care facility, including creating a personal history workbook for staff* Closing reflections on why designers are uniquely positioned to bring meaning and emotional wellbeing to dementia careResources mentioned:* Barbara’s books: Taming the Chaos of Dementia and the companion caregiving workbook Caring Through Chaos* tamingthechaosofdementia.org — books, training resources, and caregiving guides* barbaraheulat.com — podcasts and blog contentDesign Impacts is a podcast by the South Central Chapter of ASID — elevating, celebrating, and educating our design community.If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved with the chapter — locally, regionally, or nationally — please reach out. Your voice shapes the chapter! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit designimpacts.substack.com

In this episode, host Ana Clark sits down with two graduating interior design students — Emmalyn Burns (University of Arkansas) and Caitlin Dickerson (University of Central Arkansas) — for a candid conversation about their journeys through school and into the profession.In this episode we cover:* Introductions and how each student found their way into interior design* Preconceived notions about the industry (and the “HGTV” stereotype)* Balancing studio culture, Greek life, and ASID involvement* What four years of coursework looked like — from color theory to AutoCAD and Revit* Favorite student projects, including a teen wellness facility and a hand-built chair* Lessons learned about design being more than aesthetics — the human experience at its core* What excites them about entering the profession (seeing designs come to life!)* What feels intimidating about the transition from school to firm life* What students value most in a workplace: mentorship and culture* Their journeys with ASID, from first meetings to leadership roles* Advice to incoming freshmen: stay curious, build your LinkedIn early, and don’t be afraid to ask questions* Practical tips: revisiting the design process non-linearly, adding intent diagrams to portfolios, and Revit shortcuts (editing families instead of double-clicking!)Design Impacts is a podcast by the South Central Chapter of ASID — elevating, celebrating, and educating our design community.If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved with the chapter — locally, regionally, or nationally — please reach out. Your voice shapes the chapter! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit designimpacts.substack.com

In this episode of Design Impacts, host Ana Clark sits down with Kandid Scott to talk about recognizing your passion, navigating misalignment, and avoiding burnout in your career.In this episode we discuss:* Kandid’s Story — From an interior design degree to navigating the 2008 recession, sales roles, and a winding career path through flooring and furniture that eventually led her back to alignment.* Quote About Alignment — Why Kandid’s repeated “detours” into sales weren’t mistakes — they were alignment in disguise.* Passion Progression — How imposter syndrome kept Kandid from recognizing her own passion and success for years.* Passion in the Context of Work — Learning that passion doesn’t mean pushing yourself to the point of burnout.* How to Discern What Your Passion Is — A simple self-discovery exercise: if money were no object, what are the top 4 things you’d do in a day? Look for the themes.* Burnout vs. Misalignment — How to tell the difference: burnout means you’re still passionate but overextended; misalignment means something deep down just doesn’t feel right.* How to Move Past Burnout — Doing the inner work, finding a mentor, and figuring out what’s really driving the way you feel.* How to Prevent Burnout — Filling your own cup outside of work and family roles, and why that matters for your sense of identity.* How to Make Time for Self-Care — Practical, low-pressure ways to carve out time for yourself, even with a packed schedule.* Outro — Kandid’s closing invitation: “Let your freak flag fly high” and embrace your authentic self.Finding your authentic code from To Be Magnetic by Lacey Phillips: This is how you can find what truly lights you up and how you pick and choose how you spend your time, money, etc. Does it align with your authentic code. And with that- how can you find those glimmers of your authentic code in what you already do?List the top 4 things for each question. Then you find 4 overlapping themes- that is YOUR code. A fun way to get this, is to put the questions and your 4 answers for each into chatgpt. And ask it to find the 4 overlapping themes for your authentic code.1.) What do you spend most of your time doing when no one is watching in your natural habitat?2.) What do you spend the most of your money on? What do you budget for? And what do you want to spend it on when thinking about money?3.) What is your ideal day look like? Things that would be included to bring you the most joy.4.) If you were to treat yourself to something today and money was no object, what would that be?5.) When you spend time online, what do you love to learn about most? Think websites, youtube, blogs etc.6.) Think back to your childhood- what did you LOVE and care about most? Games, books, activities, or places.7.) Dreaming about the future, what do you visualize? What subjects, objects, things, people, experiences, etc do you see?8.) What things light you up the most? Hobbies, passions, activities, etc.Passion isn’t always obvious right away — sometimes what feels like a detour is actually exactly where you’re meant to be. The key is doing the inner work to recognize the difference between burnout (still passionate, just overextended) and misalignment (something deeper that doesn’t feel right), and intentionally making space to fill your own cup.Design Impacts is a podcast by the South Central Chapter of ASID — elevating, celebrating, and educating our design community.If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved with the chapter — locally, regionally, or nationally — please reach out. Your voice shapes the chapter! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit designimpacts.substack.com

In this episode, host Ana Clark sits down with Lauren Dickey, Principal and Director of Interior Design at WER Architects in Little Rock, Arkansas, and member of ASID National’s Environment, Health and Wellness Committee. Lauren shares her personal journey into sustainable design, practical strategies for implementing it in practice, and what the industry is working toward on a national level.In this episode we discuss: * Lauren’s background — How a love of the outdoors and family life led her to a passion for sustainable design, including a wake-up call when E. coli contamination blocked access to favorite kayaking spots* Sustainable design in the workplace — How WER Architects began their sustainability journey in 2020, starting with manufacturer conversations, weeding out greenwashing, and focusing on carbon emissions as an entry point* Linear vs. circular economy — What these terms mean and why transitioning to a circular economy requires collaboration across designers, contractors, and waste management* Evaluating materials — How to ask manufacturers for EPDs, HPDs, and Declare labels as documentation of product responsibility — and why asking questions moves the needle even in small markets* Wood as a sustainable material — Why “save the trees” messaging has evolved and why wood is now recognized as a regenerative, lower-carbon alternative to many synthetic materials* Getting coworkers on board — Lauren’s approach to building internal momentum, including hosting office sustainability lunches that grew from 8 attendees to the entire firm* Talking to clients — Shifting the conversation from “sustainability” as a buzzword to human health outcomes and long-term cost savings* National ASID work — An update on the Environment, Health and Wellness Committee’s efforts to update ASID’s Principles of Sustainable Design and develop an accessible circular economy guidebook for designersResources Mentioned* Perkins and Will Sustainability Resources (free download via their website search)* Gensler Sustainability Resources (free download via their website search)* Mindful Materials* Living Future Institute* WELL Building Standard / WELL AP Certification* Declare Label (by Living Future)* ASID Principles of Sustainable DesignKey Takeaways* You don’t have to know everything — start with one material category or one metric (like carbon) and build from there.* Ask your reps to connect you with their sustainability directors. They’re there to educate, not market.* If a manufacturer can’t produce documentation (EPD, HPD, or Declare label), move on.* Frame sustainability conversations with clients around human health rather than environmental impact — it resonates more.* Sustainable products don’t always cost more. Being intentional about where you use them matters.* Empower students and new designers — they’re asking the right questions from day one.Connect with the PodcastDesign Impacts is a podcast hosted by the South Central Chapter of ASID — elevating, celebrating, and educating our design community.If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved with the chapter — locally, regionally, or nationally — please reach out. Your voice shapes the chapter! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit designimpacts.substack.com

In this conversation, host Ana Clark sits down with Emily Whillock and Shawn Thompson to explore their very different paths into the interior design industry. From accidental discoveries to deliberate pivots, this episode is full of honest reflections on what it really takes to build a career in design.In this episode, we discuss: How both guests stumbled into interior design (one from pre-law, one from physical therapy)What it feels like to enter your first design job — and what no one tells you in schoolThe importance of being coachable, teachable, and willing to ask questions (the right way)Finding mentors through service and community involvement rather than formal assignmentsNavigating career pivots, setbacks, and unexpected opportunitiesWhy you should never burn a bridge — especially in a small market like ArkansasThe dangers of taking design feedback personally and learning to separate yourself from your workHow involvement in ASID opened doors, built networks, and shaped careersKey Takeaways“You don’t know what you don’t know” — real-world experience teaches what school can’tApproach your career with humility; confidence in your skills shouldn’t mean closing yourself off to guidanceWhen asking for help, show what you’ve already tried — it demonstrates drive and self-sufficiencyCareer pivots that feel like brick walls are often just speed bumps in hindsightGet involved in your local ASID chapter early — it’s the fastest way to build relationships and find mentorsConnect with the GuestsEmily Whillock, Communications Director: [email protected] Thompson, Membership Director: [email protected] with the PodcastDesign Impacts is a podcast hosted by the South Central Chapter of ASID — elevating, celebrating, and educating our design community.If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved with the chapter — locally, regionally, or nationally — please reach out. Your voice shapes the chapter! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit designimpacts.substack.com

In this episode, Ana sits down with Amanda and Lauren to dig into what advocacy really means for interior designers, from explaining your work to a family member at dinner to testifying before a state legislature. They break down the current national landscape of interior design legislation, what’s being fought for (and fought off), and how any designer can get involved regardless of how much time they have.In this episode we discuss: * What is advocacy? — Lauren’s “ripple effect” framework: from personal conversations to state and federal legislation* The three E’s — Education, Experience, and Examination as the foundation for advocating for the profession* Current legislative landscape — Recent wins (NC, WI, IL, IA, OK, NE, PA), the trend of deregulation in Florida, Utah, and Tennessee, and what’s at stake* How laws get changed — The multi-year process: building coalitions, engaging lobbyists, sponsoring bills, committee hearings, and the rules & regulations phase* The Consortium for Interior Design — Joint advocacy partnership between ASID HQ, CIDQ, and IIDA HQ working toward universal licensure* Arkansas update — Amanda shares what the South Central Chapter’s 14-person advocacy subcommittee is working on, including updating outdated state legislation and encouraging designer registration* How to get involved — Options for every bandwidth level, from 5-minute action alerts to joining a chapter advocacy committee or the National Advocacy CommitteeWays to Get Involved:* If you have five minutes — text the words interior design to 50457 or visit the Consortium’s Advocacy Action Center at www.consortiumforinteriordesign.org. (The Take Action tab will lead you to the Advocacy Action Center. You can also access the Advocacy Action Center via ASID or IIDA’s advocacy pages.)* Note that if you had signed up with any of our previous platforms (Phone2Action or Capitol Canary), you will need to update your contact information.* If you have an hour — contact the Chapter Advocacy Chair / Committee or Lauren Earley, Esq., ASID HQ Director of Advocacy, to see how you can engage locally or nationally, whether writing support letters, offering testimony, or providing other assistance. Contact at: [email protected]* If you have a year+ — get involved with advocacy efforts in your area, from standing meetings or creation and rollout of advocacy alerts and resources, or apply for service on the national Advocacy Committee.Resources Mentioned:* Lauren Earley’s Earley Morning Chats is a social media campaign in its first season (meant to have ten episodes per season), but here is the latest episode with my guest, Kristie Nicoloff. The short clips are available across HQ socials on the second or third Monday each month; as a reminder, the punchy clips are meant to spark conversations and encourage folks to learn more by reaching out and/or reviewing the resources available on Design Connection’s “Advocacy in Action” community group.Design Impacts is a podcast by the South Central Chapter of ASID — elevating, celebrating, and educating our design community.If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved with the chapter — locally, regionally, or nationally — please reach out. Your voice shapes the chapter! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit designimpacts.substack.com

Design Impacts – Episode 2 :Hosted by the South Central Chapter of ASID A Conversation with Amanda Reviere about the history of the South Central Chapter of ASIDIn this episode, host Ana Clark sits down with Amanda Reviere, Chapter Administrator for the South Central Chapter of ASID. Amanda shares her fascinating career journey from licensed interior designer to marketing and business management, and her decades-long role as the backbone of the South Central chapter. The conversation dives deep into the history of ASID, the evolution of the South Central chapter, and what makes this community so unique.In this episode, we discuss: Amanda's Background – From interior design in South Louisiana (residential, remodeling, specialty flooring) to business management, website copywriting, and marketingHer ASID Journey – Chapter membership chair, president-elect, president, National Chapter Support Team (now Chapter Leadership Team), and chapter administratorHistory of ASID – Founded in 1975 from the merger of the American Institute of Decorators (est. 1931) and the National Society of Interior Designers (est. 1957); started with ~13,000 membersHistory of the South Central Chapter – Originally the Louisiana District Chapter (first recorded president in 1978), encompassing Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas; renamed South Central in 2002Hurricane Katrina's Impact (2005) – How the chapter rallied to support displaced members, relocated the annual conference to Little Rock, secured fee waivers from national, and kept the NCIDQ prep program aliveGrowth & Evolution of the Chapter – Design communities (formerly associations, then districts), the Excellence in Design Competition's evolution from physical binders to CDs to fully digital, and how CEU programming shifted to meet members' changing needsWhat the South Central Chapter Is Known For – A reputation for being organized, collaborative, and collegial; the concept of "collaboration without competition"Legacy & Looking Ahead – The chapter's pathway from local to national involvement; members winning national awards; the upcoming ASID Gather conference in DallasEncouragement to Get Involved – Why every stage of your career benefits from ASID involvement, and how to take that first stepFamily in the Chapter – A fun look at the surprising number of family connections (mother-daughter pairs, twins, even spouses!) that have formed through chapter membershipResources & LinksASID South Central Chapter – Learn more and get involvedASID Gather Conference – Coming up in DallasNCIDQ Certification – www.cidq.orgConnect with the PodcastDesign Impacts is a podcast hosted by the South Central Chapter of ASID — elevating, celebrating, and educating our design community.If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved with the chapter — locally, regionally, or nationally — please reach out. Your voice shapes the chapter! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit designimpacts.substack.com

Design Impacts: Episode 02Hosted by the South Central Chapter of ASIDA conversation with Rachel McNeil & Emily Hill on being twins and working in the interior design industry together. In this episode, Ana sits down with twin sisters Rachel McNeil (Director of Design, L&M Office Furniture) and Emily Hill (Interior Designer, Taggart Architects) to talk about their parallel journeys in the interior design industry — from growing up creatively inclined to building successful commercial design careers on opposite sides of the industry.In this episode we discuss:Growing up creative – How Rachel and Emily knew from a young age they wanted to pursue design, and the childhood moments that hinted at where they’d each end up.Finding their path in college – Attending Harding University, discovering their strengths in commercial design, and the professors who shaped them.Entering the workforce in 2013 – Navigating a tough job market post-recession, landing first jobs, and the side hustle (Coaches’ Daughters calligraphy & signs) that kept them connected when they were nine hours apart.Different sides of the same industry – Rachel’s path through furniture dealerships and Emily’s journey from a Haworth dealership to an A&D firm, and how those experiences built skills neither expected.Advice for students and emerging professionals:Keep an open mind — your first job won’t always be your last or your best fitDon’t wait to reach out to professionals; shadow days and internships are invaluableGet involved in ASID early — it sets you apart in interviewsSales reps are a major networking resource, even if you don’t plan to stay in your current marketCollaborating as sisters – Working on award-winning projects together including ASU Newport Campus and the SAU Tech Fire Training Academy dormitory; how their complementary tools (CET + Revit) streamline the A&D and furniture dealership relationship.Being moms in the industry – Setting boundaries, managing two full-time jobs, and finding employers who support family-first flexibility.Projects they’re most proud of:Emily: The Dr. Marian G. Lacey K–8 Academy — a six-year project that won the ASID Ovation Award for Best Commercial DesignRachel: Recurring work with Practice Plus clinics and Simmons Bank, plus a gold award-winning family clinic in North Little Rock; the Searcy library project with Tony WyreDesign Impacts is a podcast by the South Central Chapter of ASID — elevating, celebrating, and educating our design community.If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved with the chapter — locally, regionally, or nationally — please reach out. Your voice shapes the chapter! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit designimpacts.substack.com

Design Impacts – Episode 1Hosted by the South Central Chapter of ASID"A Conversation with Mikayla Rea, President-Elect"In this inaugural episode, host Ana Clark sits down with Mikayla Rea, South Central Chapter President-Elect, for a candid conversation about their shared passion for interior design, professional development, and the ASID community.In this episode, we discuss:Mikayla and Ana's design backgrounds and how they got involved with ASID.What it's like to serve on the South Central Chapter board — from Student Rep to President-Elect.How the chapter is structured and what each board role does.What sets the South Central Chapter (Arkansas, Louisiana & Mississippi) apart from other ASID chapters.How the chapter has evolved post-COVID and what it means to meet members where they are.Mikayla's vision for her upcoming presidency.Why the podcast is called Design Impacts — inspired by ASID's mission that Design Impacts Lives.How to get involved with ASID at the local, regional, and national level.About the Guests:Ana Clark – Current South Central Chapter President, Harding University graduate, adjunct instructor at UCA, and host of Design Impacts.Mikayla Rea – South Central Chapter President-Elect, UCA graduate, currently working at an architectural firm and teaching as an adjunct at UCA.Connect with Us:We want to hear from you! Share your feedback, ideas, and thoughts on the chapter's direction. Reach out to Ana and Mikayla at the emails listed below.Ana Clark: [email protected] Rea: [email protected] Impacts is a podcast by the South Central Chapter of ASID — elevating, celebrating, and educating our design community.If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved with the chapter — locally, regionally, or nationally — please reach out. Your voice shapes the chapter! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit designimpacts.substack.com