Editor’s Letter

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

As we go to print on our second instalment of ASID New England magazine it’s hard to imagine the places we are today and remain an optimist, but that is exactly what we need-less negativity and more positive action. I believe this pause has given us a profound opportunity to think deeply about our world, our goals, and our priorities. What can we take away from the last year that could change the trajectory for our future generations?

At ASID and in interior design we have always contented that design impacts lives. Let’s face it – without people, places and buildings are merely places and buildings, void of contextual depth, energy, warmth, or life. In New England we have witnessed our bustling places around us turn into empty ghost towns, and our public centers turned to barricaded streets and neighborhoods. Like never before, many of the places in our lives have become unfamiliar spaces. But beneath the surface, the humanity that gives meaning to those places is still very much alive.

When we look for the humanity and listen for the voices that have not been heard, we bear witness to the generosity, selflessness, and empathy that unites us. The compassion and creativity of the problem solvers we are should be an inspiration and a guide to how we move forward.

Utilizing a human-centered, heartfelt approach is exactly the mindset that will enable us to mend what has been broken and design a better future.

I, for one, am awed by the willingness of our own communities and feel this could be that lesson from the past year, giving us a perspective that can spur us to action and growth. Let’s be in this moment, the fulcrum of change that shifts the trajectory of health, humanity, and justice for our world.

Continue to be safe, listen to those who are unheard, care for one another and our planet. We can shape a better world- a place driven by empathy, courage, and hope – IF we are vulnerable enough to lean into building it.

Come with me and meet some of those people within the stories and messages of our Spring 2021 edition. Let’s imagine a better place for all.

Honored to be the Editor,

April Elaine Powell, Allied ASID, LEED AP ID+C Communications Director, ASID New England