by HIGH POINT — Leadership can take many forms. Sometimes, it means making a bold business decision. Sometimes, it means asking a question others have not yet considered. And sometimes, it means being willing to learn something new — and then putting that knowledge into action.
Today, we have a powerful example of that kind of leadership in Jason Phillips.
Jason is the first CEO in home furnishings manufacturing to complete the Science in Design Certification program. By taking that step, he has positioned himself at the forefront of an important conversation for our industry. More importantly, he is not simply learning the science — he is beginning to put it into practice within his business.
Below are some thoughts that highlight the importance of the science of design that Jason has embraced.
“Design isn’t an aesthetic choice. It’s a biological intervention.” — Kay Sargent, Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors, HOK
“Architects and designers have a greater ability to improve health than medical professionals.” — Dr. Claudia Miller, Head of Environmental Medicine, University of Texas
“The future of medicine is in the home.” — Dr. Douglas Wood, Center for Innovation, Mayo Clinic
Is the home furnishings industry listening? Are we understanding the opportunity in front of us?
Science has spent decades exploring something our industry is uniquely positioned to deliver: the profound connection between our environments and our health and well-being. Increasingly, research is helping us understand how thoughtfully designed spaces and furnishings support calm, restoration and stress reduction.
That represents both an extraordinary responsibility and an incredible opportunity for the home furnishings industry and design industry.
We have an opportunity to embrace what science already knows — to understand it, communicate it with confidence and translate it into the products, spaces and experiences we create every day.
Imagine what could happen if more leaders in our industry made that same commitment. We would create an industry whose foundation is born in health and well-being.
What if the next generation of home furnishings innovation was informed not only by consumer preferences, market trends and aesthetics, but also by a deeper understanding of how design affects the human beings who live with it? What if that next generation was rooted in the work of Johns Hopkins University, The Mayo Clinic, Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics and similar institutions around the world?
That is a future worth pursuing.
So perhaps the question is not whether science belongs in the conversation about home furnishings. It is: Who will be the next CEO to learn the science that is foundational to the designs we create?
Jason, thank you for your leadership, your curiosity and your willingness to lead by example. Thank you for demonstrating what is possible when we connect the power of design with the power of science.
Your example gives our entire industry something to build on — and points toward a future where the furnishings and environments we create do more than look beautiful.
They help people feel better, live better and thrive. They improve health.
That is an exciting future. And it is one we have the opportunity to create together.
If this message has caught your attention, reach out to Mike@scienceindesign.com. In the meantime, check out scienceindesign.com.
Mike Peterson is the founder of Science in Design, an organization that is dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of science-based principles in the design industry.
