019: Design, Community & Change: Lauri Howell on Leading Through Transitions in ASID + Industry

Today on Interior Design San Diego, host Rachel Crawford sits down with Lauri Howell, a designer, community-builder, and longtime ASID leader who has navigated big career shifts — from running her own design firm, to leading chapter boards, to her current role connecting design professionals with resources at Sunset West. Lauri dives deep into why community truly matters in design, how leadership transitions shape us, and what the future holds for designers at all stages.💡 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Lauri’s Path Into DesignLauri shares her winding journey from communications school (thanks, Mom!) to finding her people at the Art Institute of San Diego, and how her thesis project turned into her first real professional opportunity.✨ Finding Community Through ASIDHear how a single volunteer signup led Lauri into leadership — from event chair roles to chapter president. She breaks down how getting involved early can instantly transform your experience from outsider to insider.📍 Region-to-Region Design CultureLauri has worked across San Diego, Orange County, and Arizona. She reflects on the subtle cultural shifts between regions and elevates San Diego for its sophisticated, collaborative design vibe that sometimes goes under the radar.🤝 Collaboration Over EgoA core theme of this episode: design isn’t done in isolation. Lauri underscores why collaboration — with peers, industry partners, manufacturers, and clients — is the backbone of successful work and stronger design communities.↻ Leadership Lessons Through ChallengesFrom near-board-collapse moments to unexpectedly busy events, Lauri shares candid stories on resilience, pivoting, and why persistence wins in leadership and design.🎓 What ASID Needs for the Next GenLauri offers actionable insight into how ASID (and industry at large) can better serve emerging designers — from pathways to licensure to business fundamentals that go beyond cocktail-hour networking.🏡 Sunset West & Designer PartnershipsLearn what drew Lauri to her current role at Sunset West, how the brand uniquely supports designers (like no minimums and quick lead times), and how manufacturer–designer partnerships are evolving to be more transparent, educational, and collaborative.⚡ Confidence & Creative IdentityLauri wraps with an empowering message for designers: embrace your unique skill set, trust your voice, and recognize the depth of capabilities you already bring to the table.📅 Key TakeawaysVolunteer roles are career accelerators — you don’t have to wait for opportunity; step in and the community will meet you there.Leadership is about recreating spaces where others feel connected, not about titles or ego.San Diego designers are world-class — and it’s time that reputation gets louder.Emerging professionals need more than events — they need tools, pathways, and business literacy.Partnerships with manufacturers are strongest when built on education, transparency, and mutual support.Confidence in your craft is as essential as technical skills.🎯 Who This Episode Is For✔ Emerging designers or recent graduates✔ Mid‑career professionals looking to deepen community connections✔ ASID members or industry partners✔ Designers navigating leadership roles✔ Anyone curious about the intersection of design, collaboration, and growth🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned🔗 Sunset WestWebsite | @sunsetwestusaEmail: [e-mail]🔗 Connect with Lauri through ASID events and local chapter collaborations(Links via your platform)🎧 Final ThoughtThis episode reminds us that design is a collective journey — one where mentorship, community, resilience, and shared knowledge shape not just spaces, but the people who create them.Sign Up for Our NewsletterASID San Diego WebsiteLinkedInFollow us on InstagramAsk your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodesShare this podcast with a fellow designer in your communityQuestions, sponsorship or feed back: [e-mail]