A letter from our IIDA NE Chapter President, Nico Flannery-Pitcher:

It is typical to look forward to all the potential a New Year brings. This is especially true for 2020, which has felt so incredibly long. The Coronavirus pandemic has greatly impacted every facet of daily life, the struggle for racial justice continues, and politics were at the fore during this election year. Lives have been lost and the full economic impact of this ongoing pandemic is still uncertain.

The year ended differently than we thought it would one year ago. The year started out bright for our chapter, with celebrations and in-person events held in the first few months (Principals Roundtables, a member Ski Trip and CEU learning opportunities). Then in March, as we all scrambled to react to the coronavirus outbreak, everything switched over to virtual content. What we initially thought would be a short-term solution became the new standard. We were able to continue to connect with our members through virtual Professional Development events and added more interactive events like trivia nights, sketch & fitness classes, and coffee chats. The Design Awards looked different this year, but the passion behind the designs was still palpable and because it was so important to celebrate together we made the event free for everyone to watch.

2020 was challenging but there were also some highlights:

30 Virtual Chapter events - both big and small where knowledge was shared and connections were maintained
16 Committees in total that make all the IIDA NE magic happen
1 new Committee started: Equity Diversity & Inclusion Committee
180+ Volunteers on Committees – a huge thank you to our amazing volunteers!
2 Student Scholarships awarded to the next generation of designers
2 Legislative Bills advocating for the Interior Design profession pursued in the MA House & Senate
2300+ Instagram followers and growing

This year has made me realize the full extent of the value I feel I receive from being a member of IIDA New England and I hope others have shared in this feeling too. The Board of Directors is here to support you and we welcome you to contact us.

I have hopes for healing and recovery in 2021; for maintaining current connections and expanding to an even greater network that includes more voices representing the diverse community in which we work, learn, heal, and live.

I wish you all a Healthy & Happy New Year.
 
Nico Flannery-Pitcher
President, IIDA NE Chapter