Member since December 2024
Kia Weatherspoon, ASID, CID, IIDA, NCIDQ, D.F.A (h.c) is unafraid to take risks. Her superpower? She jumps—defying every stereotype in the design industry and dismantling its most damaging myth: that interior design is a luxury reserved for a privileged few.
Kia’s journey is one of resilience and purpose. Being the child of an addict was not something that happened to her, but for her. For years, she carried a deep yearning to be seen—until she realized that showing up as her most authentic self was her greatest strength. This understanding shaped her leadership philosophy: great leaders see people for who they truly are, not their titles. Kia doesn’t just “see” others—she elevates, celebrates, and amplifies their voices, searching for ways to uplift and empower them.
When asked about the key to her success at Determined by Design®, Kia offers a simple answer: ego checked, humanity first. Her unflinching commitment to softness, dignity, and respect drives her work. She challenges anyone who fails to see the humanity every person deserves, and she does so unapologetically. Her chosen vehicle for this mission is interior design. Kia founded Determined by Design®, the nation’s only interior design firm providing Design Equity® services—because design should be accessible to all people, not just a few.
With her unmatched service to the community, numerous industry accolades, and unwavering dedication, Kia Weatherspoon is the most decorated Black interior designer of her generation.
An advocate, educator, speaker, business owner, and leader—Kia wears many hats. But all of them are woven together by a singular truth: Kia is determined by design.
She has been recognized as the ICFF Design of the Year, has an Honorary Doctorate from New York School of Interior Design, the ASID National Design for Humanity recipient, the HIP Designer for Good by Interior Design Magazine, the CREW Washington, DC Raise Your Voice Awardee, a part of the Washington Business Journal’s 40 under 40 Class and the International Interior Design Association Luna Textile/Anna Hernandez Visionary Award recipient and featured on Oprah Daily as Future Rising Trailblazer
Seeing others fully, creating spaces where design is accessible to all, and empowering people to show up as their most authentic selves. Kia isn’t afraid to have the frank, necessary conversations—about mental health, the weight of being the “strong friend,” and the silent battles high achievers face while striving for more. She challenges individuals and teams to lead with authenticity, break free from limiting mindsets, and evolve beyond where they are now. Kia’s belief that growth happens when we see ourselves and others as we truly are inspires those around her to rise—transforming obstacles into opportunities and design into a tool for equity, connection, and progress.
Kia Weatherspoon’s best and impactful stories are
How a ballet dance became a war veteran—a journey that led her to founding an interior design business dedicated to advocating for equitable design in underserved, low-income communities. Along the way, Kia defied expectations, proving that success isn’t about where you start, but where you’re determined to go. Her unwavering commitment to using design as a tool for access, dignity, and opportunity has made her the most decorated interior designer of her generation. Kia’s story is one of resilience, breaking barriers, and transforming lives through intentional, inclusive design.
and
Sharing how a strong friend and dynamic leader overcame suicidal ideations by having frank, honest conversations about mental health. She speaks openly about the value of “agency of choice”—understanding the power in knowing when to stand firm, when to walk away, and how to prioritize self-worth over expectations. Kia’s journey is a testament to resilience, self-awareness, and the courage to lead authentically. Through her experiences, she inspires others to embrace vulnerability, prioritize mental well-being, and evolve into the best versions of themselves—personally and professionally.
Kia Weatherspoon’s origin story begins with leaning into everything she didn’t know was possible—until it led her to believe anything was possible. Born and raised in Portsmouth, VA, as a C student often told she talked too much in class, Kia was the young girl who felt unseen. Yet, she saw herself enough to show up exactly as she was. Her journey is rooted in service, change, and the unwavering belief that struggles happen for us, not to us.
From her experiences, Kia’s mission became clear: to serve others and lead in a way that ensures no one has to endure the same hardships she faced. By embracing what once seemed impossible, Kia transformed barriers into opportunities, making her life and work a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the power of showing up unapologetically.
Kia Weatherspoon’s best and impactful stories are
How a ballet dance became a war veteran—a journey that led her to founding an interior design business dedicated to advocating for equitable design in underserved, low-income communities. Along the way, Kia defied expectations, proving that success isn’t about where you start, but where you’re determined to go. Her unwavering commitment to using design as a tool for access, dignity, and opportunity has made her the most decorated interior designer of her generation. Kia’s story is one of resilience, breaking barriers, and transforming lives through intentional, inclusive design.
and
Sharing how a strong friend and dynamic leader overcame suicidal ideations by having frank, honest conversations about mental health. She speaks openly about the value of “agency of choice”—understanding the power in knowing when to stand firm, when to walk away, and how to prioritize self-worth over expectations. Kia’s journey is a testament to resilience, self-awareness, and the courage to lead authentically. Through her experiences, she inspires others to embrace vulnerability, prioritize mental well-being, and evolve into the best versions of themselves—personally and professionally.
Kia Weatherspoon’s origin story begins with leaning into everything she didn’t know was possible—until it led her to believe anything was possible. Born and raised in Portsmouth, VA, as a C student often told she talked too much in class, Kia was the young girl who felt unseen. Yet, she saw herself enough to show up exactly as she was. Her journey is rooted in service, change, and the unwavering belief that struggles happen for us, not to us.
From her experiences, Kia’s mission became clear: to serve others and lead in a way that ensures no one has to endure the same hardships she faced. By embracing what once seemed impossible, Kia transformed barriers into opportunities, making her life and work a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the power of showing up unapologetically.