From the economy to international relations, Washington’s overactive news cycle provides plenty of opportunity for discussion. But do designers want to engage? This week, we asked six principals—Dani Arps, Everick Brown, Kelly Deck, Sara Ianniciello, Noz Nozawa and Stephanie Sabbe—if they participate in political conversations at the jobsite.
Aligned Values
“I do talk politics with my clients; increasingly so. For years, I’ve been fairly vocal and visible on my social media about my political beliefs, especially about social and racial justice and the U.S. history of internment camps during World War II since my family was forcibly incarcerated for being of Japanese ancestry. I’m confident there’s some self-selection with clients whose beliefs largely align with my own, and I’m also sure they feel safe sharing their thoughts on the present state of federal affairs. That said, when it comes to local matters, where more nuanced disagreements might arise, like whether or not we are fans of the current mayor of San Francisco, we keep those conversations within our personal circles.” —Noz Nozawa, Noz Design, San Francisco
Focus on the Work
“We approach our client relationships with a deep respect for personal boundaries. While design is an inherently intimate process, it does not require alignment on every topic to be successful. Our role is to create spaces that reflect how our clients want to live, not to shape or challenge their personal beliefs. Conversations naturally unfold over the course of a project, but we are mindful to keep the focus on the work and the shared goal of creating something thoughtful and lasting. That said, we do believe that design reflects values. How we source, how we build, and how we approach longevity and sustainability are all part of that. We lead with those principles in our work rather than in conversation. Ultimately, a successful project is built on trust, clarity and mutual respect, and we find that maintaining that focus allows us to navigate any differences with ease.” —Kelly Deck, Kelly Deck Design, Vancouver
Be Curious
“It depends on the client and how long we’ve worked together. I’d never initiate a political conversation, but if a longtime client brings it up, I’ll engage diplomatically. I approach it the same way I would a tough design question: Listen first, stay curious, and respond thoughtfully. The goal is to make them feel heard, not to win the conversation.” —Everick Brown, Everick Brown Design, New York
Wrong Time, Wrong Place
“Not really. Clients hire us for clarity, taste and execution—not our political takes. That said, values show up in design all the time—how a company treats people, what they prioritize and how they want to be perceived. Those are the conversations I lean into. They’re more revealing and, frankly, more useful than debating politics outright.” —Dani Arps, Artisan Design, New York
Necessary Conversations
“I live in the South and have friends and clients on both sides of the fence. If a client brings up something political, I will have the conversation. Last week, I stood in a room of a newly constructed home, and as we discussed the slower-than-usual pace of the trim install, the very conservative contractor was almost teary-eyed as he explained that his fully documented employees are scared to drive alone to the jobsite, in fear they would be detained by ICE agents and not be able to contact their families or return home for weeks. Is that political? Should that not be discussed? I don’t think so, and I do not want to work for anyone who would not have paused in the sad reality of that moment.” —Stephanie Sabbe, Stephanie Sabbe Interior Design, Nashville
Gentle Redirection
“Our work is highly personal, and strong relationships with clients are essential. That said, we are thoughtful about where we place the focus. We work with people from all over the world and are accustomed to a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds. We value that diversity, but we do not position ourselves as participants in political dialogue. Our role is to create spaces that feel considered, cohesive, and aligned with how our clients live. We aim to keep the environment professional and comfortable, gently steering conversations back to the work. The design process benefits from clarity, ease and trust.” —Sara Ianniciello, Makers Collective Design, New York
