Chicago serves as an "anchor" for architecture and design throughout the United States, according to industry experts who participated in a Dezeen discussion filmed in partnership with King Living at the company's Chicago showroom. The panel brought together prominent voices from the city's design community to explore how Chicago continues to influence emerging designers and promote inclusivity within the design industry.
Titled "Future of Furniture: Chicago," the discussion was moderated by Dezeen's US editor Ben Dreith and took place at King Living's newly opened showroom in downtown Chicago. The event featured three distinguished panelists: Cheryl Durst, CEO of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA); Norman Teague, founder of Norman Teague Design Studios; and Alison Von Glinow, co-founder of Kwong Von Glinow Design Office.
The panelists emphasized Chicago's role as a nurturing ground for young designers, highlighting the city's extensive network of design schools, rich architectural heritage, and collaborative design environment. "It's a great starter city for students and emerging professionals," said Durst. "The majesty of the city is its manageable majesty." She noted that the city encourages young people to relocate to Chicago and establish their careers in the design field.
Teague praised Chicago's educational value beyond formal institutions, explaining that the city itself serves as a learning environment. "Chicago raises designers," he stated. "The city feels like a classroom in a lot of ways." He emphasized how walking through different neighborhoods provides valuable lessons, as each area offers distinct design elements and architectural styles that designers can observe and learn from.
Von Glinow reinforced Chicago's significance in the national design landscape, describing the city as an "anchor" for great design across the United States. "It's a city that's making things and doing things," she explained, highlighting Chicago's active role in creating and implementing innovative design solutions rather than simply consuming design trends from other cities.
The discussion also addressed evolving consumer preferences and the changing role of furniture in residential and commercial spaces. The panelists noted a significant shift away from minimalist design approaches toward more expressive and layered environments. "We went through a very sterile, clinical period and furniture feels more rich and layered now," Durst observed. "The things we put around us have meaning and they tell us who we are."
Durst elaborated on how contemporary furniture design reflects increased attention to craftsmanship, energy, and longevity, with consumers becoming more thoughtful about their purchasing decisions. People are now more mindful about what they bring into their homes, considering the long-term impact and meaning of their furniture choices. Von Glinow added that her studio challenges conventional approaches, stating, "We don't always accept the 'standard' floor plan for a room, and instead ask: 'How do we make it familiar but also bring in something new?'"
The importance of inclusive design emerged as a central theme throughout the discussion. The panelists emphasized that understanding human behavior is fundamental to creating inclusive design solutions. "Understanding human beings is so important to design," Durst explained. "How do we create spaces that feel welcoming to all people? What makes a space feel inclusive?" She noted an increase in conversations around neurodiversity in design, adding, "When you design for the edges, everyone gets to win."
Teague highlighted the value of collaboration and learning from younger generations in the design process. "I'm excited to see what social design and community do in the near future," he said. "How things are made carries a lot more weight today." This perspective reflects the growing emphasis on sustainable and socially responsible design practices that consider both environmental impact and community needs.
Looking toward the future of design, the speakers discussed the influence of artificial intelligence and technology while cautioning against losing essential human elements in the design process. "Designers can't lose the human hand," Durst warned. "It's about humanity. Design is an act of optimism." She stressed that storytelling and nostalgia remain crucial elements of effective design, and that designers must maintain their craftsmanship skills even as technology advances.
The event successfully brought together Chicago's design community, fostering discussions about the city's unique position in American design culture. King Living, the event's partner, is a family-owned Australian furniture designer, manufacturer, and retailer that was founded in 1977. The company is actively expanding its presence across the United States and recently opened its third American showroom in Portland, Oregon, demonstrating the growing international recognition of American design markets like Chicago.
