Embracing the Power of Women and Female Leadership in Luxury Design, Interior Decorating, and Architecture at the Pacific Design Center’s Empowered Design Summit

Organized by Women in Luxury Design (WILD) creator Jennifer Convy and co-sponsored by California Homes magazine and the Pacific Design Center, the summit gathered creative industry leaders who've paved the way for female entrepreneurs in art, architecture, and design.

Jennifer kicked off the event with a powerful keynote address, emphasizing the critical importance of women’s empowerment and collaboration in the luxury design industry. She spoke passionately about WILD's mission to expand connections and opportunities for its members, drawing from her own journey as a celebrity Interior Designer and Entrepreneur.

As the summit kicked into high gear, Jennifer first sat down COO/President of Kneedler Fauchère and Déco Off co-founder Gina DeWitt, who shared her inspiring journey as an entrepreneur and mentor in the luxury design business. Gina's collaboration with Rocky LaFleur led to the creation of Paris Déco Off, an annual gathering of international interior decorators.

Joined by Lissette Meza, a recipient of the Rocky LaFleur UCLA Design Student Scholarship Foundation, Gina underscored the importance of mentorship in nurturing emerging talent. Lissette shared her experiences designing a custom Parisian apartment in collaboration with Déco Off, highlighting the transformative power of mentorship.

The summit also explored the future of sustainable luxury with Kathryn Soter, Executive Director and founder of the Good Future Design Alliance (GFDA), making waves and creating change at the intersection of sustainable action and luxury design. Her work in design has unveiled the alarming impact of waste on our landfills, prompting her to advocate for actionable steps towards protecting our precious ecosystems. Through her compelling presentation, Kathryn inspired attendees to rethink their approach to design, urging them to prioritize sustainability as a fundamental pillar of their creative endeavors. With her visionary leadership, Kathryn continues to pave the way for a more environmentally conscious future in the luxury design landscape.

Amidst the relaxed ambiance of the luncheon hosted by Baker | McGuire Interiors Group, we had the pleasure of connecting with Jamie Nusser from J Designs, whose passion for crafting personalized spaces deeply resonated with us. Originating from Denver, Colorado, Jamie's Venice Beach-based firm is renowned for its elegant and timeless designs that effortlessly capture the essence of California living. As we engaged in lively conversation, Lisa Huh, Showroom Manager at Baker Interiors Group, joined our discussion, expressing her admiration for our improvisational strategy jam session over sandwiches. It was a moment of camaraderie and connection, underscoring the collaborative spirit and creativity that permeated throughout the event.

Through engaging networking sessions that connected us to a growing community of Phenomenal Women in leadership, design, and creative industries, I came away feeling not only deeply empowered but also inspired to chart my own journey as an emerging writer, artist, and designer in the field of luxury, media, and entertainment.

I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to Jennifer Convy at WILD for hosting this incredible event, providing a platform for women to come together, celebrate our accomplishments while learning from our challenges, and uplift the next generation of creatives in the field of interior design and beyond.

Additionally, a heartfelt thank you to Susan McFadden with California Homes for her role in creating a supportive environment where women could thrive and collaborate. Together, these leaders have cultivated a space where empowerment, creativity, and innovation flourish, inspiring us all to reach new heights in our respective fields.

Thank you for joining Luxury Lindsey on International Women’s Day to celebrate the incredible strength, resilience and creativity of Women in Luxury Design. We encourage everyone to do their part and then some to lift up and empower the next generation of girls who aspire to lead alongside their male counterparts without being diminished simply because of their gender.

Please tune into Luxury Lindsey on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram for more inspiring content from the Empowered Design Summit and beyond!

Catch you on the flip side!