Living Product Expo’s Keynote Panel
September 12, 5:00 – 6:30 PM | David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Experience
The Living Product Challenge was launched with a bold vision – imagine beautiful, healthy products that makes the world a better place through their very creation. In partnership with Green Building Alliance’s Inspire Speaker Series, we are pleased to welcome three inspirational companies, Humanscale, LightArt and Mohawk Group, that have taken on this challenge and are demonstrating that regenerative products are not only possible, but good for business and transformative for the companies and the people that pursue the program. Randy Fiser the CEO of the American Society of Interior Designers will kick off the discussion by sharing the critical role that the interior design profession has in this movement to bring beautiful and healthy materials into the places we live, work and play. Avinash Rajagopal, Editor-in-Chief of Metropolis Magazine, will then moderate a panel sharing three stories of leading companies that had the courage to dream big with the Living Product Challenge.
About Our Speakers:
Jane Abernethy
Humanscale, Sustainability Officer
As an Industrial Designer, Jane spent over a decade working and leading design teams through the development of new products – from the initial concept definition, through design and refinement, and into ongoing production. Her work ranges from sporting goods to medical devices to furniture, and has been recognized internationally, including the prestigious Red Dot award. In her current role, she develops the strategic vision for sustainability at Humanscale. She then ensures its implementation by guiding the R&D team to create the most sustainable products possible; and by working with the manufacturing facilities to instill sustainability as fundamental way of operating.
George Bandy Jr
Mohawk Group, VP Sustainability and Commercial Marketing
George Bandy, Jr. currently serves as the Vice President of Sustainability and Commercial Marketing at the Mohawk Group. George provides substantial knowledge of the concepts and practices of sustainability. He believes that looking at opportunities to position environmental, economic and socially responsible solutions for customers can set the standard for other businesses to follow that will result in a brighter future for us all. George is a dynamic speaker that shares the vision for a sustainable future; covering such topics as: The Business Case for Sustainability, Health and Wellness, Innovation and Smart Design, Greening the Supply Chain, Social Sustainability, Marketing for 2020 Minds and Culture Change. In addition to his duties at Mohawk, George is the former Chairman of the Board at the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).
Ryan Smith
LightArt, President and Creative Director
Ryan Smith is President and Creative Director of LightArt, a lighting manufacturer based in the Georgetown neighborhood in Seattle, WA. Smith has and extensive background in architecture and design. His mentorship with Dale Chihuly guided him to start his own studio Grey Design with his wife Ahna Holder, which would ultimately become LightArt.
Randy Fiser
American Society of Interior Designers, CEO
Randy W. Fiser leads the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) as chief executive officer, overseeing the strategic planning, financial management, and national operations for the Society’s more than 25,000 members who work across all sectors of residential and commercial interior design. He leads the network of 47 ASID chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada to advance the profession and communicate the impact of interior design on human experience and transforming lives. Dedicated to advancing community and economic development, Fiser brings a unique point of viewabout the capacity of design to make a positive impact on health, well-being, and productivity.
Avinash Rajagopal
Editor-in-Chief, Metropolis
Avinash Rajagopal is the editor-in-chief of Metropolis magazine. He is the author of Hacking Design (Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2013) and has contributed to numerous volumes on architecture and design, including Adhocracy (Istanbul Design Biennial, 2012), Making Africa (Vitra Design Museum, 2015) and Atlas of Furniture Design (Vitra Design Museum, forthcoming). He has lectured on design history and writing at the School of Visual Arts, New York; the University of Texas at Austin; and the National Institute of Design, India.
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