As the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, we find ourselves not only honoring the legacy of design but actively shaping its future. Across decades, ASID has championed innovation, inclusivity, and well-being in the built environment — and this June, we’re bringing that conversation to the Closets Conference & Expo in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Designing with purpose: A new era of adaptability
Today’s consumers are seeking more than aesthetic beauty — they’re demanding environments that support well-being, adaptability, and longevity. In response, ASID’s upcoming Adaptive Living Guide will serve as a cornerstone resource for design professionals, offering practical strategies to meet the needs of multigenerational households, aging populations, and neurodiverse users. Whether it’s integrated lighting that supports circadian rhythms or cabinetry designed for mobility, adaptive living isn’t just a trend — it’s a design imperative.

On June 12 from 12:50 to 1:50 p.m., ASID will host Insights on Design’s Evolving Impact — a special presentation reflecting on five decades of design leadership while casting a bold vision for what’s ahead. This session will explore how designers can meet shifting client expectations and societal needs by embracing flexibility, inclusivity, and innovation. 

In our Closets Conference session, I will be joined by Perrin Graham-Jackson, chair-elect of the ASID Universal Design Committee, for an in-depth discussion on these timely topics. Together, we’ll unpack how adaptive strategies intersect with sustainability, style, and smart technology — bringing function and fashion into alignment in every space, including closets and storage.

Our conversation will also reflect key findings from ASID’s 2025 Trends Outlook, which outlines shifts in client values, economic forces, and innovations reshaping the built environment. The report reveals a growing demand for purpose-driven design, circular sustainability, and resilient materials, particularly in private residential spaces like closets, pantries, and utility rooms. These are no longer just back-of-house spaces. They’re extensions of daily life and personal identity, requiring thoughtful integration of technology, wellness features, and customization.

From upcycled millwork to AI-powered storage systems, the closet is becoming a hub of innovation. Fashion and interiors are converging, with consumers gravitating toward timeless, functional pieces that reflect individuality and a sense of grounded luxury. These preferences are redefining how we approach storage solutions.

The ASID Adaptive Living Guide ( free to ASID members and available to non-members for $150.00) and our latest research point to an exciting future where interiors are smarter, more inclusive, and deeply aligned with our evolving ways of living. We invite you to join us at the Closets Conference to explore these ideas and discover how adaptive, human-centered design can elevate every corner of the home, including the ones behind closed doors.