This spring, the Black Interior Designers Network (BIDN) welcomes Kia Weatherspoon, NCIDQ as chief development officer, filling a role that is necessary in moving the network forward to best serve Black designers at all junctions of their careers. Weatherspoon will work closely with BIDN President Keia McSwain to oversee the fruition of hallmark network programming and to further improve and expand upon partnerships with design industry supporters.
Weatherspoon is the founder of Determined by Design, a full-service interior design firm for multifamily affordable and supportive housing properties, and small businesses located in economically challenged and emerging communities. Based in Washington, D.C., Weatherspoon and her firm believes in Design Equity — elevating the standard of design for all people.
“I am a Black designer with a company committed to Design Equity and making design accessible to people predominantly of color,” says Weatherspoon. “I have volunteered for white associations for most of my career, organizations that have not properly met the needs of designers of color. It was long overdue for me to pour my time and energy into a Black association and better support the needs of Black designers.”
As a long-standing design advocate, Weatherspoon will focus on expanding upon existing initiatives as well as initiating new partnerships with industry leading brands, particularly strengthening the connection between Black students and their career path into interior design.
“The growth and development of the BIDN is a priority for me,” says McSwain. “Prayer and patience have blessed us with a qualified and beyond exceptional chief development officer. Kia’s determination and tenacity will fuel our team and propel us into a bright future where the network will succeed at its fullest potential with her support.”
Weatherspoon will assume the position of chief development officer effective immediately.
