When annual lists like the AD100 or the Elle Decor A-List are announced, there's always a lot of excitement in the design industry, especially these days when Instagram feeds are flooded with posts celebrating the industry's brightest talent. Each year, these magazines focus on those they believe to be the cream of the crop, but with great power comes great responsibility. "A list doesn't mean Assad, but it doesn't mean Assad either," jokes Asad Sirket, editor of Elle Decor , on a recent episode of The Business of Home podcast , explaining how the lists reflect the moment and his editorial vision. “This includes people doing interesting and challenging work, having conversations about sustainability, working methods and materials, and allowing their work to become new communities and new people in interior design and architecture.” a way to start the conversation. "
Sirkett began working at Elle Decor in 2020, just months after the killing of George Floyd sparked nationwide protests and racial tensions across the country. When it came time to select her first collection of top designers, she asked her team: Why did we make this list? “[These] industry lists are compiled to convey a specific message about who matters in the industry, and everyone has their own agenda of who they think is important and who they think isn't,” he says. "My show showcases diverse talent working in places that don't typically receive the spotlight and celebrates people who are truly connected to us."
Sirkett hopes the list will not only highlight racial, gender and geographic diversity, but also serve as a tool and resource for readers to connect with design talent. This year's A-list includes Los Angeles-based architect Luis Fernandez, British-Nigerian designer Miminat Shodeinde and Mexico City-based designer Mark Grattan. As for artistic direction, Sirkett also likes to keep readers engaged, often choosing lesser-known images. "I don't like to think I'm naughty, but sometimes I look at how jaded I am on Instagram and I'm like, 'How can I do the opposite?' How can I keep surprising? people and passionate about what we do. Sirket talks about his decision to feature Parisian designer Elliott Barnes' minimalist spa and indoor pool on the cover of this year's issue.
Under Sirkett, the magazine has also made strides in reporting on the socio-political dark side of the design world, including stories about the racist origins of chinoiserie and an exhibition of obnoxious Murano glass figurines at this year's Milan Design Week. “There's a certain fear and anxiety in this space to delve into things that aren't about beauty or charm or cosiness, but rather why we decorate the way we do. and what it says about us socially and culturally,” says Sirkett. who believes that much more needs to be done to bring about lasting change. "I don't like teaching other people how to advance in their respective areas of the design industry, but internally my team has made great strides and I can be accountable for those great strides."
Elsewhere in the podcast, Sirket talks about how important he thinks it is to connect with TikTok, why Elle Decor implemented a paywall, and the role artificial intelligence will play in design.
Listen to the program below. If you like what you hear, subscribe to Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This edition is sponsored by Loloi Rugs and Room & Board.
Thursday show
Meanwhile, on the latest episode of The Thursday Show, Scully and BOH Editor-in-Chief Fred Nicolaus discuss the latest design news, including LVMH sending its employees to sustainability school, a call for HR results and a new wave of designers. holy lending. Later, Peloton CEO John Foley joins the show to talk about Ernesta's new direct-to-consumer carpet brand.
Listen below. If you like what you hear, subscribe to Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This episode is sponsored by Crypton.
Homepage Image: Asad Sirket |: By Elle Decor
