"FocusOnDESIGN (formerly OBD/DC) - provides designers of diverse backgrounds a forum
for professional development, economic empowerment and social accountability."

Since 2003 FocusOnDESIGN has drawn design practitioners, educators,
students and people in related professions from cities across the U.S. and
several countries to hear presentations on topics ranging from best business
practices and new technology to the social and anthropological aspects of
design.

PROGRAMS

FocusOnDESIGN's , primary focus is on addressesing the needs of our youth for career exploration and character building. By exposing young people to design at an early age and by providing support to young adults who have selected design as their career choice, we meet the needs of our community and prepare the designers of the future to face unique challenges.

Programs & Services

›Reality Check Portfolio Workshop and Review

›Professional Development Series Workshops

›Social Networking Meet-ups

›Summer Youth Intern Program

›Career Day Mentorship Program

›Design Leader - Speaker Referral/Loaned Executive

›Designer-Activism Forum Series

›Job Referral Service

Annual Events

›Annual Black Designers' Reunion - February

›Reality Check - Bowie State University - April

›Neocon - Chicago - June

›Neocon East - Baltimore - October

›Lifetime Achievement Design Awards Gala - October

›NOMA International Conference and Expo - October

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 internationally.

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 educators affiliated with various organizations.

Black Design Summit participants, August 2008
UIC Innovation Center

NeoCon World’s Trade Fair
Attendee Registration
for the NeoCon^®Show
June 15-17 Chicago

Special Event at NeoCon^® in Chicago
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^®

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.