Today With Kia Weatherspoon:

Today with Kia Weatherspoon, we explore what it truly means to lead, not performatively, but fully and honestly. As the founder of Determined by Design, Kia has built a mission-driven firm rooted in the belief that interior design is not a luxury for a few, but a standard that should serve all people. In this conversation, she shares how that belief has shaped her work in affordable housing, her approach to advocacy and the way she articulates value in spaces often overlooked by the industry.

But this episode goes deeper than business and design. Kia opens up about the cost of performing leadership, the importance of honoring your own humanity and how the way you see yourself directly impacts how you serve others. This is a powerful conversation about leadership, purpose and the responsibility we carry as designers to create spaces, and businesses, that truly support the people they are meant to serve.

LuAnn Nigara and Kia Weatherspoon's Ah-Ha Moments

“The humanity you give to yourself is reciprocated in how you serve others.” - Kia

“I am my own hero.” - Kia

“Interior design is not a luxury for a few—it is a standard for all.” - Kia

More About Kia Weatherspoon:

The most decorated black interior designer of a generation.

Kia Weatherspoon, ASID, CID, IIDA, NCIDQ, D.F.A (h.c) is unafraid to take risks. Her superpower is that she jumps – defying every design stereotype as she’s moved through the industry. The most damaging - interior design is a luxury reserved for a few.

Being the child of an addict was not something that happened to her - but for her. For a long time, she strived for this yearning to be seen and in that she realized showing up as her most authentic self was her greatest strength. Understanding showing up as who you are is what makes great leaders – she doesn’t see titles and sees others as who they are. In that she goes above and beyond not to just see them – but searches for ways to elevate, celebrate, uplift and make sure their voices are heard.

Often asked what the key to her success at Determined by Design® is,

simply put the success is that she has always checked her ego and searched for humanity. She is unafraid to challenge anyone who doesn’t see the humanity and softness every person deserves. Her vehicle to doing that happens to be through interior design - founding Determined by Design®. Her voice, presence and leadership have created ripples, prompting housing developers, agencies, and industry partners in economically challenged communities to not just take notice of her work—but to do better. Her innovative approach to design for everyone is why Determined by Design® is the only interior design firm in the nation that provides Design Equity® services.

She is an advocate, educator, speaker, business owner, leader and most of

all – she is just Kia. That is enough and why she’s been recognized as the ICFF

Design of the Year, has an Honorary Doctorate from New York School of

Interior Design, the ASID National Design for Humanity recipient, the HIP

Designer for Good by Interior Design Magazine, the CREW Washington, DC Raise Your Voice Awardee, a part of the Washington Business Journal’s 40

under 40 Class and the International Interior Design Association Luna

Textile/Anna Hernandez Visionary Award recipient. She is many things but

all of them are the things that make her determined by design.

Connect with Kia Weatherspoon:

Website

Determined by Design

Instagram

1185: Kia Weatherspoon: The Cost of Performing Leadership