The AIA and DesignPhiladelphia executive director talks all things design during this banner year.
Rebecca Johnson has designs on making the organization’s 20th anniversary year the best yet during its annual festival this fall.
With DesignPhiladelphia (designphiladelphia.org) celebrating its 20th anniversary, what are some of the milestone achievements that you’re most proud of?
There have been a lot of wonderful milestones, but the one I’m most proud of is the rebrand from the Center for Architecture and Design to DesignPhiladelphia, which really repositioned the organization as one deeply committed to the premise that design should be for—and by—everyone.
What’s on tap for the big 20th anniversary gala?
We’re bringing the Beaux Arts ball back at Lynnewood Hall. Lynnewood is an amazing mansion formally owned by the Widener family that’s in need of preservation. The public can’t access the grounds and go inside of the mansion yet, so we’re really excited to create this unique experience and opportunity for our community to experience Lynnwood.
How would you describe your design philosophy and how has it influenced the initiatives and projects you’ve led at DesignPhiladelphia?
I’m not a trained designer, so I’m not sure this a “design” philosophy, but my life philosophy is that I try to be as authentic, honest and generous as possible. I definitely have an abundance mindset and that more ideas and more partners will lead to better outcomes. This has had a major influence on our recent rebrand which brought nine design associations as in-residence partners with DesignPhiladelphia. I want all design organizations to thrive, but I think we need to do it together to see the impact on our industry and our city.
Photography by: PHIL KRAMER
