ABOUT US
FocusOnDESIGN™, formerly known as OBD/DC, evolved
out of that membership. With the collaboration of several designers the organization grew with the vision: to create
a more socially conscious and culturally sensitive design community; to expand the horizons and influences of the designer; to explore new directions in design and to introduce cutting-edge ideas and technologies into the
design professions.
Mission
FocusOnDESIGN™ will provide designers of diverse backgrounds a forum for professional development, economic empowerment and social accountability by:
› Serving as a resource for educational, career, and networking opportunities;
› Providing a framework for research, publication, peer support, and mentorship;
› Acknowledging outstanding design and public service achievement;
› Promoting practices that foster a socially responsible and culturally sensitive design community;
› Acting as a catalyst for positive change in human society toward sustainability through active involvement with industry, academia and the global community; and
› Upholding high professional and ethical standards in the
design professions.
Benefits of Membership
Members of FocusOnDESIGN™ will have the opportunity to get themselves and their portfolio pieces displayed in a printed compilation and/or web page, along with biographical and contact information. Volunteer opportunities, networking, mentoring, scholarships, job referrals, career advice, a FocusOnDESIGN™
T-shirt, discount shopping portal reduced conference fees and design forums are also provided.
Sponsorship
Become a FocusOnDESIGN™ sponsor and enjoy numerous opportunities and benefi ts. As a sponsor of one or more FocusOnDESIGN™ events your company will be exposed to a diverse group of practitioners, educators and students in varied design disciplines. Our professional development series are held at the Washington Design Center. Each year we host a seminar
or symposium in conjunction with NeoCon in Chicago and NeoCon East in Baltimore. Our events attract professionals and college students from the Mid-Atlantic area, nationally and
globally. We provide student scholarships and opportunities for internships, mentoring and business partnerships.
For additional membership and sponsorship information visit the FocusOnDESIGN™ web site at www.focusondesign.org and download a sponsor package.
You do not want to miss the
Black Design Network Forum at the Neocon® Show in Chicago
Date/Time:
Wednesday, June 17 • 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Credits: 0.2 CEU, 2 LU Fee: FREE
Highlights: You are invited to hear a presentation and
join the discussion about the Black Design Network. This expanding network is comprised of leaders in design
practice and education who are dedicated to building professional and community relationships and activities
that support the interests of, and connections to, Black
designers. Come and learn how you can get involved and benefit!
Speakers: Eric Anderson, President IDSA along with other leaders in design practice and education.
Black Design Summit participants, August 2008
UIC Innovation Center
ANNOUNCING the first annual Designers421 virtual network social event, hosted by IIDA in their new Leed Gold certified Headquarters and Learning Center. Other leading sponsors of this event include FocusOnDESIGN, Motorola and others. This event takes place on Wednesday, June 17th at the close of Neocon from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of music, cocktails, refreshments and prizes.
For sponsorship opportunities, click on sponsorship in the menu bar and download our sponsorship package.
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NeoCon World’s Trade Fair
Attendee Registration
for the NeoConShow
June 15-17 Chicago
Special Event at NeoCon® in Chicago
Sponsored by Herman Miller
Presented by
FocusOnDESIGN
Change by Design: A new Paradigm for Designers
Date/Time: Tuesday, June 16 • 3:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn Mart Plaza - Sauganash Ballroom
Speaker: Charles Harrison, Industrial Designer and 2008 recipient of the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Highlights: From the designerʼs mind to reality we conceive of environments, communications and products that essentially shape the world we live in. Chuck Harrison, industrial designer & educator will provide insight into how designers can impact change in the 21st century. The first Black design executive to work for a major corporation, Harrison improved the quality of life of millions through the breadth and innovation of his designs for more than three decades. He received the Cooper-Hewitt 2008 National Design Award for Lifetime Achievement. A book signing of his insightful memoir, A Lifeʼs Design, will follow.
Charles (Chuck) Harrison
Read Chuck's Interview with The Smithsonian
Read article: Intelligent Design
Association Forum at NeoCon®
Presented by FocusOnDESIGN
ARQUITECTOS: Power of Design, Culture & Community
Date/Time: Monday, June 15 • 10:00 a.m.–12:00p.m.
Holiday Inn Mart Plaza 14th floor, Merchants Rm.
Credits: 0.2 CEU, 2 LU Fee: $25
Highlights: Arquitectos (the Society of Hispanic Professional Architects) is an example that defines the role of the architect/ designer and commitment to the design profession, education and the community. Hear the inspiration behind, innovative approach to and value of participatory methods they employ in developing partnerships across countries and design disciplines with industry and community leaders.
Speakers:Vincent Paglione, Assoc. Dean UIC College of Arch & Arts, Oscar Alba, AIA, president of Arquitectos and Edward Torrez, AIA, principal BauerLatoza Studio
  
Ed Torrez Vincent Paglione
NeoCon®, the largest design exposition and conference for architects and designers in North America, returns to the Merchandise Mart marking its 41st year. Encompassing 1.2 million square feet of exhibition space and 10 floors, NeoCon boasts more than 1,200 exhibitors, over 130 CEU, LU and
CFM/MFP accredited seminars, keynotes, luncheon programs, panel discussions and exciting networking events. For more information go to www.neocon.com. Be sure to register for the FocusOnDESIGN Association sponsored events at NeoCon
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