Design Forward: Your ASID September Newsletter Is Here

MONTHLY NEWS & UPDATES | SEPTEMBER 2025

July wrapped up with an unforgettable Las Vegas Market where our design community truly shined. From exciting showroom debuts to inspiring product launches, the energy was undeniable. A highlight of the month was the prestigious ANDYZ Awards, celebrating the creativity, innovation, and excellence of designers from across the region. Congratulations to this year’s winners and nominees—you continue to elevate and inspire our industry.

ASID National Updates

National Conference: GATHER 2025—At this year’s GATHER 2025 Conference, ASID proudly celebrated the transformative power of design by announcing its 2025 National Award winners. The annual honors recognize individuals, firms, and projects that demonstrate leadership in wellness, sustainability, equity, and community.

Awards were presented across three categories — Annual Awards, Legacy Awards, and FOCUS Project Awards — spotlighting innovation and impact across the profession. A special highlight of the evening was the debut of the ASID 50 Awards, honoring 50 trailblazers whose contributions have shaped the design industry over the past five decades.

The celebration also welcomed four new inductees into the ASID College of Fellows, acknowledged the 2025 ASID Ones to Watch awardees, and applauded the Student Portfolio Competition winners, distinguished scholars, and graduates. Together, these recognitions honored today’s leaders and shone a spotlight on the next generation of design innovators.

As ASID continues to champion the value of design, GATHER 2025 underscored the importance of community, recognition, and advancing the profession into its next 50 years.

National Awards & Competitions—Open now: Legacy, Annual, Focus, Student Portfolio, Fellows, Ones to Watch, and Pinnacle-style recognitions. These programs spotlight excellence across all levels.

Our board proudly represented the chapter at GATHER 2025, ASID’s national conference celebrating 50 years of interior design excellence. Over three inspiring days, members from every sector of the profession came together for high-caliber learning, meaningful networking, and community building. With sessions focused on honoring our past and designing the future, the event highlighted the value of ASID and the power of our profession. We’re grateful for the chance to learn, connect, and celebrate alongside so many leaders and innovators in design.

Atlanta proved to be the perfect backdrop for GATHER 2025, blending rich history with vibrant creativity at every turn. From striking murals and iconic landmarks to the lively energy of Ponce City Market, the city itself felt like an extension of the conference theme: honoring the past while designing the future. Our board had the opportunity to experience not only inspiring sessions and networking but also the culture and artistry that define Atlanta. With its colorful streetscapes, world-class attractions, and architectural icons, the city elevated the spirit of GATHER — reminding us how design shapes communities and connects us all.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Please join us in giving a warm ASID Central California / Nevada welcome to our newest members. We’re excited to have each of you in our growing community and can’t wait to connect at upcoming events!

Ryan Beams

President at Fashion Furniture & Sleep Retreat Mattress, Ryan brings leadership experience from La-Z-Boy and Ashley Furniture. He’s super excited to connect with our members and help grow the Fresno area—we’re thrilled to have his energy and expertise on board!

Katherine Bertels

A student member currently studying through UC Berkeley Extension, Katherine represents the future of design. We look forward to supporting her journey as she develops her career.

Derek Campbell

As an independent sales rep, Derek connects hospitality, retail, and design clients with some of the industry’s top brands, including John Richard, Classic Home, Kenneth Cobonpue, Oxford Garden, and more. And if you’re at an event, he’s easy to spot in his signature standout suits—a true original in our chapter

Shay Hathaway

A Licensed Interior Designer, PMP, and LEED Green Associate, Shay specializes in retail construction management, store rollouts, remodels, and visual merchandising for national brands. She brings a wealth of project management and design expertise to our chapter.

Larissa Hughes

Business Development at Bernhardt Furniture, Larissa manages relationships across Southern California, Las Vegas, and St. George, UT. Many of you may have already met her—she recently hosted the Bernhardt After Party for the ANDYZ Awards, and we’re excited to have her as part of our community.

Sarah Schwartz

Territory Manager at Prosource, Sarah has over 15 years of experience in design and flooring. Based in Reno, she partners with designers, contractors, and homeowners to deliver flooring solutions with a personal touch.

Trinidad Valdez

Outside Sales Representative for Kyle Bunting, Trinidad represents a brand known for pioneering hide rugs, wall coverings, and decorative surfaces. Based in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, he brings creativity and innovation to our region.

We’re thrilled to welcome each of you and can’t wait to see how you’ll help shape the future of design in our chapter!