The most decorated black interior designer of a generation.
Kia Weatherspoon, ASID, 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.
