S7, E8: Designing for Inclusion: How Equity and Diversity Shape Our Spaces with Jessica Bantom

Design has the power to influence the way we live and interact with the world. When guided by principles of equity and inclusion, it has the potential to make a profound difference in people’s lives. As a designer, you create for everyone, and your work should reflect the rich diversity of the people who will use it. By embracing and respecting different perspectives, design can create spaces that are welcoming, accessible, and fair for all. From buildings to products to interiors, thoughtful design can ensure everyone feels valued and included. In this episode, we delve into how design can serve as a powerful tool to foster equality, diversity, and belonging. Our guest, Jessica Bantom, is a trailblazer in the fields of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). As an accomplished interior design consultant, speaker, and the author of Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World, Jessica equips designers with the skills and insights needed to create spaces that honor and reflect the identities of all people. In her role as Global Leader for Equity, Diversity, and Belonging at DLR Group, Jessica is driving transformative change in the design industry. She’s on a mission to enhance cultural competence among designers and to foster meaningful outcomes for historically excluded communities. Join us as we explore actionable strategies to make design more inclusive and impactful. Let’s get started! Key Highlights from the Episode: [00:01] Episode intro and who today’s guest is: Jessica Bantom [02:25] Jessica’s journey in design and what inspired her to focus on DEIB [05:26] What does her work entail as a DEI consultant? [07:50] Why interior product brands should focus on DEIB initiatives in their operations [12:51] What key actions or processes must organizations take to integrate DEIB? [17:55] About Jessica’s book and the outcomes that people can move towards [22:37] Tips on becoming a better expert with more awareness of the design process [29:15] Where to start in integrating DEIB into your workplace culture or how you design [33:45] Best ways to connect, episode wrap-up, and calls to action Notable Quotes:  As a designer, you are designing for everyone—every built environment, every type of person occupying that space or using a product—and your design should reflect that diversity. Designers don't need to know everything about a particular group to create great designs. What matters is being open to learning and listening.   You may be the expert in design, but your customers are the true experts on their own experiences and needs. You are never going to make progress on something you never talk about. Connect with Jessica Bantom Website: https://www.jessicabantom.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicabantom/ Jessica’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Design-Identity-Authentically-Diverse-World/dp/B0BXMJP98C Learn more about Thrive In Design:  Website: https://www.jdavisdigital.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/   Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/   Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.   Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog