Design + Build Day at Lightovation took place on January 13, bringing influential industry voices together for a timely conversation about where design is headed and why it matters more than ever. Through keynote presentations and a one-on-one discussion, Cindy Allen, Avi Rajagopal, and Lauren Rottet explored how design can serve communities, reduce environmental impact, and create spaces rooted in authenticity and purpose.
Cindy Allen, Editor-in-Chief of Interior Design, opened Design + Build Day with a powerful reminder that design is fundamentally an act of service. Reflecting on her 25-year tenure at the magazine, Allen shared how her role has always been about elevating voices that move the industry forward, while staying grounded in the belief that great design exists to support people and their communities.
One of the most defining moments of her career came early, with her first post-9/11 cover as editor-in-chief. The image featured a single chair placed on the Brooklyn Bridge beneath a Walt Whitman quote on the railing that read, “stand up, beautiful.” For Allen, the moment captured the emotional power of design, not as beauty, but as a source of comfort, resilience, and meaning during hard times.
Allen also emphasized the importance of understanding design history as a foundation for creating meaningful work. Reading old copies of Decorator’s Digest for the 90th anniversary of Interior Design magazine strengthened her belief that knowing what came before strengthens contemporary practice. Shenoted that today’s design landscape reflects a focus on wellness, sustainability, and connection to nature for spaces that feel personal, expressive, and are rooted in collaboration.
Avi Rajagopal, Editor-in-Chief of METROPOLIS, delivered the second keynote of the day with his presentation, “The Creative Power of ‘And.’” He challenged designers to more deeply consider the environmental impact of their work, underscoring the clear message: sustainability is no longer optional, and design has both the responsibility and the influence to drive meaningful change.
Rajagopal opened with a sobering reality. Buildings account for roughly 40 percent of global carbon emissions, with interiors contributing about 10 percent, in addition to the significant waste generated through construction and demolition. The design and build industry is also one of the world’s largest consumers of plastics. These figures reinforced the critical role architects and interior designers play in shaping positive environmental outcomes.
Rather than positioning sustainability as a compromise, Rajagopal shared examples where environmental responsibility strengthened both design and brand identity. McDonald’s circular design pilot projects demonstrated that global brands can fully commit to recycled and recyclable materials without sacrificing their visual branding. He also highlighted 505 State Street in New York City, the city’s first all-electric skyscraper designed for carbon-neutral living, alongside projects such as Portland’s airport expansion and Cambodia’s new airport. In each case, the strategic use of daylight, solar power, and locally sourced materials significantly reduced energy use—proving that sustainability works best when it is intentional from the start.
The themes from the keynotes came to life in a one-on-one conversation between Cindy Allen and Lauren Rottet, Founding Principal and President of Rottet Studio. Drawing from her global portfolio of residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, Rottet shared how creativity and innovation are strongest when rooted in authenticity.
She emphasized designing with location, culture, and purpose at the forefront of every project. Whether working in ultra-luxury environments or more budget-conscious spaces, Rottet noted that authenticity gives design lasting relevance. Lighting, materials, and spatial flow work together to shape how people experience a space, extending far beyond the visual.
Rottet reinforced that meaningful design isn’t driven by trends alone, but by purpose, collaboration, and a commitment to creating spaces that truly support how people live, work, and connect.
Together, the conversations at Design + Build Day made one thing clear: the future of design is embracing sustainability and authenticity, from a project’s inception to create spaces that support people, communities, and the world.
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