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February 2-4, 2027 | Las Vegas, NV

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Shundra Harris

Shundra Harris

OwnerSeminars By Design

Shundra Harris, FASID, RID, NCIDQ, is an award-winning interior designer, educator, and business leader with a unique background spanning engineering, design, and professional education. Beginning her career in computer engineering and telecommunications, she brings a systems-thinking approach to design that integrates innovation, functionality, and human-centered solutions.

As Founder and Principal of Shundra Harris Interiors and Owner of Seminars By Design, Shundra has dedicated her career to advancing the interior design profession through practice, education, leadership, and mentorship. A Fellow of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and a longtime leader within the organization, she is a sought-after speaker and instructor known for translating complex technical topics into practical, actionable knowledge for design professionals.

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.

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WorkshopSession TypeKitchen & Bath Trends (VFTI)Session Track
Shilpa Amaram
Shilpa AmaramPartner, Seminars By Design
Shundra Harris
Shundra HarrisOwner, Seminars By Design
Tags:Surfaces
Capacity Unlimited:No
Learning Objectives:Apply a Surface Finish Decision Framework to evaluate finish options for kitchen and bath applications. Assess finish selections based on durability, maintenance, sustainability, occupant health, and aesthetic goals. Balance competing project priorities to make more informed and performance-driven finish specification decisions.
On-Demand:No
Option for On-Demand:No
Presentation Approach:Interactive workshop using small-group exercises, real-world kitchen and bath case studies, and guided discussion. Participants apply a finish selection framework and leave with a practical tool.

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.

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PresentationSession TypeDesign (VFTI)Session Track
Shilpa Amaram
Shilpa AmaramPartner, Seminars By Design
Shundra Harris
Shundra HarrisOwner, Seminars By Design
Tags:Wellness
Capacity Unlimited:No
Learning Objectives:Define cultural sustainability and explain its role within the broader framework of sustainable design. Identify the key principles of culturally responsive design, including heritage preservation, cultural identity, inclusion, and community connection. Evaluate design strategies that support cultural sustainability and strengthen social well-being. Differentiate between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation in the design process. Apply culturally responsive design concepts to create more meaningful, inclusive, and enduring interior environments.
On-Demand:No
Option for On-Demand:Yes
Presentation Approach:Lecture presentation featuring case studies, design examples, and practical frameworks for incorporating cultural sustainability into interior environments.