Shilpa Amaram
PartnerSeminars By DesignShilpa Amaram is a business strategist, educator, and entrepreneur with nearly 20 years of experience in the millwork and furniture industry. After founding and growing a custom cabinet manufacturing company, she now develops continuing education programs and professional workshops for the design community through Seminars By Design.
Drawing from her background in manufacturing, operations, product specification, and business leadership, Shilpa specializes in translating complex technical topics into practical knowledge that helps designers make informed decisions and create better project outcomes.
Beyond Appearance: A Practical Workshop for Surface Finish Selection in Kitchen & Bath Design
Surface finish decisions are often driven by aesthetics, yet they can significantly impact durability, maintenance requirements, occupant health, sust
…Surface finish decisions are often driven by aesthetics, yet they can significantly impact durability, maintenance requirements, occupant health, sustainability outcomes, and long-term project success. In kitchen and bath environments, where surfaces
…Surface finish decisions are often driven by aesthetics, yet they can significantly impact durability, maintenance requirements, occupant health, sustainability outcomes, and long-term project success. In kitchen and bath environments, where surfaces are exposed to moisture, wear, cleaning chemicals, and daily use, selecting the right finish requires balancing multiple competing priorities.
This highly interactive workshop introduces a Surface Fi
…Surface finish decisions are often driven by aesthetics, yet they can significantly impact durability, maintenance requirements, occupant health, sustainability outcomes, and long-term project success. In kitchen and bath environments, where surfaces are exposed to moisture, wear, cleaning chemicals, and daily use, selecting the right finish requires balancing multiple competing priorities.
This highly interactive workshop introduces a Surface Finish Decision Framework that designers can use to evaluate finish options and make more informed specification decisions. Working in small groups, participants will apply the framework to a series of real-world kitchen and bath project scenarios, considering factors such as environmental conditions, performance requirements, maintenance expectations, sustainability goals, budget constraints, and aesthetic intent.
Through collaborative exercises and facilitated discussion, attendees will compare approaches, explore trade-offs, and discover how different priorities can lead to different finish recommendations. Participants will leave with a practical decision-making tool that can be immediately applied to future projects.
Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
Designing for Belonging: Cultural Sustainability and the Future of Interior Design
Sustainability discussions often focus on environmental, social, and economic impacts—but cultural sustainability is an equally important consideratio
…Sustainability discussions often focus on environmental, social, and economic impacts—but cultural sustainability is an equally important consideration in the built environment. Designers have the unique ability to preserve heritage, support communit
…Sustainability discussions often focus on environmental, social, and economic impacts—but cultural sustainability is an equally important consideration in the built environment. Designers have the unique ability to preserve heritage, support community identity, strengthen social connections, and create spaces that reflect the values and experiences of those who use them.
This presentation explores the principles of cultural sustainability and the
…Sustainability discussions often focus on environmental, social, and economic impacts—but cultural sustainability is an equally important consideration in the built environment. Designers have the unique ability to preserve heritage, support community identity, strengthen social connections, and create spaces that reflect the values and experiences of those who use them.
This presentation explores the principles of cultural sustainability and their application in interior design. Attendees will learn how culturally responsive design strategies can foster belonging, support local craftsmanship, strengthen communities, and create more meaningful user experiences. The course will also examine the distinction between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation, providing practical guidance for incorporating cultural influences with authenticity, respect, and purpose.
Through case studies and real-world examples, participants will gain a framework for creating spaces that are both culturally relevant and socially sustainable.
Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More