This event is part of the BIFMA Monthly Learning Series. There is no cost to attend.

5/23/2024
When: May 23, 2024
12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
Where: Microsoft Teams Meeting
United States

The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) continue their collaboration to bring you valuable insights from industry experts with the 2024 Sustainability Trends in Interior Design. This moderated panel discussion will explore findings from Design Research by ASID featured in the ASID 2024 Trends Outlook and ASID Impact of Design Brief: Climate, Building Resiliency, & Human Health.

Almost two-thirds of Americans report experiencing an extreme weather event in the past year, and most Americans support making changes to reduce the effects of climate change, but not at the expense of altering American life. Beyond extreme weather events, interior designers now need to consider designing for warmer summers and everyday thunderstorms. Meeting client expectations while also incorporating more resilient strategies can be complex, however, the design process should adapt to respond to changes in our climate. Hear from design, research, and furniture leaders as they share strategies on how designers, manufacturers, and facility managers can address the implications of these issues.

Part of the BIFMA Learning Monthly Series, this live virtual learning opportunity is open for all to attend including BIFMA and ASID members, designers, buyers, educators, and anyone interested in sustainability in the built environment. There is no fee to attend.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• A&D Professionals
• Sales/Marketing Professionals
• Facility Managers, Owners & CEOs
• Instructors and Students
• Manufacturers of Commercial Furniture and Accessories
• Suppliers to the Commercial Furniture Industry

Panelists
Mary Ellen Mika;  Director of Sustainability; Steelcase

Mary Ellen Mika is Director of Sustainability at Steelcase Inc., where she leads a global team of over thirty people working in six countries. Her responsibilities include the company’s sustainability programs, its environmental strategy for ESG, and reporting progress to the Steelcase Board of Directors. Her team’s responsibilities span renewable energy procurement, setting science-based targets for greenhouse gas reduction, managing all compliance to environmental regulations, tracking and reporting waste, water, and energy usage, and proposing sustainability targets for product development. Her team implements the company’s ISO 14001 environmental management system and pursues product certifications for sustainability and indoor air quality.

Mary Ellen is a LEED-accredited professional and recently served on the Materials and Resources Technical Advisory Group for U.S. Green Building Council. She lends her time and expertise to initiatives at the state and local level on energy and environmental issues. She has a B.S. in Biochemistry, an M.A. in Counseling Psychology, and over thirty years of experience in environmental consulting and industry.

David Cordell, ASID Fellow, NCIDQ, LEED AP, WELL AP, Fitwel Ambassador; Practice Leader, Associate Principal; Perkins&Will

David Cordell is an associate principal at Perkins&Will. With over 20 years of experience as project designer and technical coordinator on ground-breaking projects, Cordell brings a particular focus on interior environments and their interaction with occupant health and wellness and sustainability. Cordell’s experience includes a variety of corporate, nonprofit, healthcare, and science and technology projects for clients of various sizes. For more than ten years he has been the sustainability leader for the interiors practice in Perkins&Will’s Washington, D.C. office. Cordell has worked on numerous LEED projects, several of which earned Platinum certification, including ASID’s headquarters, the first project in the world to also earn Platinum certification under the WELL Building Standard. He speaks regularly on topics related to healthy interior environments, diversity and inclusion and sustainability.

Karen McCallum, ASID, LEEP AP; Managing Director Design, Americas; CBRE | Design Collective

Karen McCallum joined CBRE Design Collective, previously Heery International, directly after graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Design from the University of Florida in 2004. Over her more than 19 years in the industry, Karen’s design expertise encompasses a variety of solutions in workplace, higher education and hospitality allowing her to bring a unique perspective to each project. Her range of expertise has proven invaluable in her day to day as Practice Lead.

In her current role as Managing Director of Design for the Americas at CBRE Design Collective, she specializes in creating thoughtful and innovative design solutions for her clients. Karen believes that by encouraging a culture of collaboration and creativity across her teams, the Design Collective can drive lasting innovation.

Moderator
Holley Henderson, LEED Fellow; Director of Strategic Partnerships and Education; Chemical Insights Research Institute

Holley Henderson is the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Education for Chemical Insights Research Institute of UL Research Institutes. Her background includes interior design, sustainability consulting and providing education for the built environment community. A frequent speaker on sustainable design issues, she has presented for many groups including Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, IFMA World Workplaces, NeoCon, Greenguard Summit, Hospitality & Design (HD) Conference, CBRE World Conference, the International Convention Center Conference, as well as, numerous professional associations, academic institutions and corporate audiences. Holley is author of the book Becoming a Green Building Professional.