One Year Later BADG Creators Discuss Obsidian House And The Future Of Design

One year ago, the Black Artists + Designers Guild unveiled Obsidian House, a virtual concept house envisioning a​ home in California’s Oakland Hills in the year 2025, designed by Black creators for the Black family. In answering the question, “When Black people dream what do they dream about?” BADG members conceptualized a residence highlighting the multiplicity of Black family identities, while celebrating Black creativity and culture.

We caught up with some of the designers behind the project to reflect on Obsidian House one year later, and to discuss the future of the design industry.

BADG Obsidian House exterior rendering

aspire design and home: If you could describe what you think the future of design will look like in 2-3 words, what would they be? Why?

“The approach is multidisciplinary, deeply rooted in personal experiences, and grounded in historical references. In the future, Black creatives will continue to define culture in modern societies and be recognized as legacy makers instead of just reflectors of their time. From a technical standpoint, the mediums will continue to find their way into the digital world. Currently, NFTs are dominating the marketplace, and I believe Black creatives will take it a step further to create platforms that reflect our experiences for the medium, and I hope to be a part of the formation.” Malene Barnett | Sankofa: Legacy Wall

“Courageously Authentic. Being true to ourselves is something that we’re practicing more of. Sometimes we hide how we feel not to show our true feelings. I’m hoping that the Future of Design will transcend trends. Forward thinking should promote the importance of mental health, which is at an all-time high. Designs and products will be versatile: inspiring us to ‘make it our own’ and to be who we are; inclusive of our differences.” Linda Allen of Linda Allen Designs | The Artist Studios & Garden – ” I am Good Enough” – A Haven for the Black Overachiever

S​uspended Lanai​ designed by BOA of OI Studio

S​uspended Lanai​ designed by BOA of OI Studio

“The future of design: egalitarian and technologically driven. So much has changed since the design for the masses was solely in the hands of the few. With the advent of new technology, now any average citizen with an internet connection and a decent computer can design anything anywhere for anyone. Leaps and bounds in global connectivity via the internet have afforded everyone the ability to be inspired by others creating work on the other side of the world leading to more collaboration and greater access to materials and processes. An invention like the 3D printer has democratized the creation of prototypes. People are printing everything from small household items to guns to actual architecture. Not to mention, our houses and cars are already responsive via integrated technology and can be controlled by smartphones. And the recent popularity of NFTs offer opportunities for any creator to become rich from the comfort of their homes while simultaneously expanding access to high art from the realm of galleries and museums to anywhere there is an internet connection.” BOA of OI Studio | Suspended Lanai

“Customization – 3D imagining and other future technologies will enable totally personalized designs. User-Friendly – Multi-lingual and simple interfaces due to technologies that remember one’s preferences via iris scans, fingerprint scans, etc., one’s medical or other requirements are standardized similar to architectural standards.” Cheryl R. Riley | Sanctuary

“Global Sustainability and Experiential Design. The future and quality of our lives depends on the planet recovering from centuries of abuse and neglect. Coming out of years of having accumulated material things that provide temporary satisfaction is waning now. With the whole world at our fingertips through advanced technology, ‘new and diverse experiences’ will be the new luxury.” Sheryl T. McLean of McLean and Tircuit | The Shaman’s Chamber

The Barka Dai – ‘An Abundance of Welcome’​ designed by Cheryl Umbles of Cheryl Umbles Interior Design

The Barka Dai – ‘An Abundance of Welcome’​ designed by Cheryl Umbles of Cheryl Umbles Interior Design

adh: Since COVID-19, we’ve certainly seen people appreciating their homes in a new way – especially in terms of their spaces’ functionality and the materiality of their decor – how do you see that influencing the industry over the next few years?

“I envision more melding of the domestic, social and work worlds so wherever one is located in space or time is inconsequential and accommodated.” Cheryl R. Riley | Sanctuary

“The influence of COVID in the Interior Design Industry over the next few years will be epic and how we can learn to live in the COVID world… Today, as I design for my clients, I’m rethinking the open floor plan, which I feel is a thing of the past, and how dedicated spaces are now in demand. Every space is counted, and no space is wasted. The demands for the new world include wellness centers, nature and outdoor living and entertainment. Being flexible and adjustable in the space is very important, as I design into the future.” Lisa Turner of Interior Obsession | The Umoja Room

“In a post-Covid world, the design industry will not only be challenged with creating a smart home with efficient spaces that are comfortable, functional and beautiful, there will be demand for multifunctional spaces that integrate social, work and wellness in one place. For example, the dining room will serve as a dining area by night, workspace by day, and yoga studio on the weekends.” Everick Brown of Everick Brown Design | Analog Vestibule

Analog Vestibule​ designed by Everick Brown of Everick Brown Design

Analog Vestibule​ designed by Everick Brown of Everick Brown Design

adh: How do you see the role of digital consultancy evolving in the future? And what do you think that means for the future of brick and mortar?

“Albeit designers will have to be more technologically savvy in the future, the firms who create an Omnichannel strategy will fare the best. Firms that offer their clients a seamless customer experience online through a mobile device, laptop or brick-and-mortar showroom will maintain the most loyal clientele. Brick-and-mortar experiences are here to stay, just look at Amazon who is rolling out brick-and-mortar stores across the country.” Everick Brown of Everick Brown Design | Analog Vestibule

“During COVID, every designer had to up their investment in tools for providing the most realistic designer-client interaction in the interior design process. We have to rethink how to create the element of touch and feel for our clients to really get them engaged in the process as before… The in-person showroom experience is definitely not dead, but in the interim, it has to evolve as well with how it communicates the tactile and visual experience to consumers and designers alike. Being intentional about how to photograph an urn or sofa so that it jumps right off the page allows the client to almost imagine touching it; not just imagery against a black backdrop. I love designing with texture and patterns, but touch and feel often seals the deal, especially with luxurious fabrics that come at a premium price point. Designers and showrooms have to elevate our presentations to ensure the total experience for clients is not lost to a virtual screen.” Cheryl Umbles of Cheryl Umbles Interior Design | The Barka Dai – ‘An Abundance of Welcome’

Artist Studios & Garden rendering by BADG member Linda Allen
The Artist Studios & Garden designed by Linda Allen of Linda Allen Designs

The Artist Studios & Garden designed by Linda Allen of Linda Allen Designs

adh: Obsidian Virtual Concept House was imagined for a family in 2025 and designed as we were approaching one year into a pandemic. Now two years into that pandemic, do you stand by the design choices you made? Has your perspective changed on how a Black family might live in Oakland in 2025?

“Last year, I designed the ‘Artist Studio and Gardens’ for a Black overachiever who reaches higher than, so they can be seen as good enough. I feel that nurturing spaces are more important than ever before. Life is already hard enough. Promoting ease of living with creative design solutions will be the way of the future.” Linda Allen of Linda Allen Designs | The Artist Studios & Garden – ” I am Good Enough” – A Haven for the Black Overachiever

“We feel we are still right on mark from our design perspective. This type of design and purposeful living will endure for hundreds of years. Providing Essential, sustainable elevated living for Black families and beyond, that supports positive mental health to maintain a healthy lifestyle which increases our awareness to continue to provide support for a healthy planet.” Cristina Casañas-Judd & General Judd of Me and General Design | Moon House

“Our vision of the ‘Analog Vestibule’, a transformative space called, ‘Think Play Gather’ is an epicenter for connection, interaction, and grounding. An analog room bereft of electronics, but rich in technology and history. A place where mementos, family pictures, music and books not only remind you of home, they define it. I am even more convinced two years into the pandemic that the ‘Analog Vestibule’, a transformative space designed by Everick Brown Design is the ideal concept not only for Black families, but all families.” Everick Brown of Everick Brown Design | Analog Vestibule

“Thoughtful design always envisions beyond the moment. Our design for the entry into the home and welcoming space reflect design elements that took root in the year of a pandemic, but moved beyond that point in time to embody the respect we have for each other when entering someone’s home. The touchless features for accessing the coat closet, UVC-antibacterial lamping, and fully functional powder room all enveloped in easily sustainable materials keeps this design extremely relevant. The warmth of the design in combination with forward-thinking technology that is not cold and sterile is the welcoming experience, as a Black family, that you always want someone to experience when entering your home for the first time or if they visit every week!” Cheryl Umbles of Cheryl Umbles Interior Design | The Barka Dai – ‘An Abundance of Welcome’

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