Kirsten George is an interior designer, organizer, and educator with experience in corporate, retail, higher education, hospitality and multifamily residential. She has taught interior design classes for Moore's Continuing Education program.
She is in the process of obtaining both her NCIDQ license and LEED certification. Her goal is to design in ways that focus on accessibility, sustainability, social justice and bringing as many voices to the design process table as possible. She talked with Meg Wolensky, Continuing Education program manager.
What brought you to Philadelphia?
I moved to Philadelphia for an interior design position at a local architecture firm after graduating from Florida State University. I did not know anyone and had only spent a couple days in the city apartment hunting, but I knew in my gut that Philly was the right place for me. I was drawn to the city's art, food, walkability and character. I continue to be amazed by Philly's heart and have met the most remarkable people while living here.
What have you been feeling inspired by?
I have been feeling inspired by the concept of speculative design. I was very excited to see that the Philadelphia Museum of Art had a temporary exhibit on speculative futures. It is both exciting and challenging to consider ways that we can better plan and design products, systems, environments, and relationships for folks in the future. I believe it is imperative to design progressively, and it is inspiring to see the ways that this way of thinking applies to other types of design. We open up ourselves and our realities to so much more potential good when we think outside of the boundaries of what feels realistic or familiar in a current context.
What’s your biggest creative career achievement?
My biggest career achievement has been co-founding and organizing the Philadelphia node of Design Justice Network. While this is something I work on in my personal time, it has been a highly educational and motivating experience for me. I have enjoyed discussing design justice concepts and principles with designers of varied fields in Philadelphia and exploring how we might facilitate design within our communities to make improvements upon our neighborhood, our city or even the world. There is so much need in Philadelphia and I look forward to finding new ways for the local DJN members to design for and with our communities.
What do you love about working for Moore College of Art & Design?
I love talking about design. It is often presented as this very one-dimensional, aesthetically-focused concept, and I enjoy having the opportunity to speak to new designers about the complexities, responsibilities, and wonderful possibilities of the working in this industry. I respect and admire the ways that Moore has lifted up artists and designers historically in Philadelphia and feel fortunate to have the opportunity be a part of that.
What’s exceeded your expectations when working with the students in Moore’s CE program?
I have been so impressed with how prepared my students have been! Many of them have already spent time developing basic skills necessary to being an interior designer, like drafting or using design software. Students who haven't had a chance to cultivate these skills still enter the classroom with an openness and enthusiasm for learning. I am excited to have the privilege of working with them and look forward to seeing their creativity fuel great designs.
