When word of the inaugural Design Walk LA came, we knew we had to jump on a plane and attend!
Led by IIDA Southern California board members, over 300 practitioners from the lively work design community in LA (and beyond) turned out – ready to walk and talk design on February 22, 2018. As Studio TK’s Jason Michael Sheply explained, the inspiration for the event came from a few sources. “The evolution of products in our market place has been specific and truly unique to LA – especially vibrant due to the resurgence of DTLA and Silicon Beach. Because of that, our idea was to create an evening dedicated to connecting people, ideas, and design under the umbrella of IIDA and the LA City Center. We wanted to embrace and bring together the design community for an evening that showcased new product design with a creative and collaborative spin between manufacturers.”
In total 27 manufacturers chose to participate with many vendors choosing to team up together, creating a variety of themes, while showcasing products that designers do not often get to see all in one place.
The planning committee visited all 14 stops and in the end awarded the Best Experience award to Interior Architects host – with Light Build Design/ Luceplan. Sheply shared, “It was a unanimous vote – as they did the best job crafting an immersive experience that blended design with product in a truly unique and exciting way. It was truly representative of what IIDA and the LACC wanted to accomplish and bring to all that attended.”
Attendees enjoyed a kick off party hosted by Gensler, and a festive wrap party hosted by iOS and Buzzispace. Wirt Design and IA also participated as stops/ hosts to manufacturers. While a date for 2019 has not yet been announced, we are already looking forward to it. The 2018 planning committee consisted of: Design Walk Chair: Monica DuPrey of IA, Sponsorships: Sheila Shenasi of Rorden Associates, with IIDA LA City Center Directors: Ali Dahl of HGA, and Jason Shepley of Studio TK.
