Find hope in radical new ideas

Four leaders in health, equity, technology, and sustainability show the way forward.

Held in San Francisco in May 2023, Design Optimism gave architects and interior designers the opportunity to engage deeply with thinkers and doers at the forefront of corporate change, equity in design, climate action, and human health. Get a taste of the ideas they shared in the videos below!

Keynote Speaker
David Eagleman
Neuroscientist and Best-Selling Author

Eagleman is host of Emmy-nominated PBS/BBC series The Brain and international best-selling author of many books including The Runaway Species, a deep dive into the creative mind and how we can improve our future by embracing our ability to innovate.

Learn more about David

Blaine Brownell
Director, David R. Ravin School of Architecture
University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Brownell is leading expert on innovative and sustainable material technologies, and his new book The Pandemic Effect proposes solutions to safeguard the built environment on every scale, from surfaces to society.

Connect with Blaine

Peter Epping
Senior Managing Director,
Global Head ESG, Hines

Epping bridges real estate portfolio management and sustainability overseeing ESG strategy and implementation for one of the largest real estate investors and managers in the world.

Connect with Peter

Elizabeth (Dori) Tunstall
Dean of Design,
Ontario College of Art and Design University

Tunstall is an anthropologist and design advocate, and her new book Decolonizing Design demonstrates how design leaders and practitioners can transform the way we imagine and remake the world.

Learn more about Decolonizing Design

About METROPOLIS

METROPOLIS shows how design shapes the future. Our stories, resources, and events are all intended to help you move architecture and interior design practice forward, towards sustainability, health, and justice.