"Chicago is an icon of great design" says panel at Dezeen x King Living talk
Chicago is an "anchor" for architecture and design in the US, according to panellists at a Dezeen talk filmed in partnership with King Living at its showroom in Chicago, Illinois.
Titled Future of Furniture: Chicago, the discussion brought together leading voices from the city's design community to explore how Chicago continues to shape young designers and foster inclusivity within the design industry.
Moderated by Dezeen's US editor Ben Dreith, the panel took place in King Living's newly opened showroom in downtown Chicago.
Panellists discussed the city's strong network of design schools, rich architectural heritage and collaborative design scene, encouraging young people to move to Chicago and build their careers.
"It's a great starter city for students and emerging professionals," said Cheryl Durst, CEO of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). "The majesty of the city is its manageable majesty."
Norman Teague, founder of Norman Teague Design Studios, added that there is plenty to learn from simply walking through the city, citing the changes you can feel from one neighbourhood to the next.
"Chicago raises designers," he said. "The city feels like a classroom in a lot of ways."
Alison Von Glinow, co-founder of Kwong Von Glinow Design Office, described Chicago as an "anchor" for great design in the US.
"It's a city that's making things and doing things," she said.
The panel also discussed the shift in how consumers make purchases and the importance of furniture's place in the home or workplace, noting a shift away from minimalism towards more expressive, layered spaces.
"We went through a very sterile, clinical period and furniture feels more rich and layered now," said Durst."The things we put around us have meaning and they tell us who we are."
She added that furniture now reflects craft, energy and longevity, with people becoming more mindful about what they bring into their homes.
Von Glinow said her studio does not always accept the "standard" floor plan for a room, and instead asks: "How do we make it familiar but also bring in something new?"
The panel emphasised that understanding human behaviour is central to inclusive design.
"Understanding human beings is so important to design," said Durst. "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, adding: "When you design for the edges, everyone gets to win."
Teague highlighted the importance of collaboration and learning from younger voices.
"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."
Looking to the future, the speakers discussed how AI and technology are influencing design, while warning against losing the human element.
"Designers can't lose the human hand," Durst said. "It's about humanity. Design is an act of optimism."
She added that storytelling and nostalgia remain important elements of the design process and that designers can't lose their craftsmanship.
Founded in 1977, King Living is a family-owned Australian furniture designer, manufacturer and retailer. The furniture brand is continuing its expansion across the US and has just opened its third US showroom in Portland, Oregon.
The images are courtesy of Heather Baigelman.
Partnership content
This video was produced by Dezeen as part of a partnership with King Living. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.
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