Julia Monk has been an industry leader in the field of hospitality design since 1978 and a recipient of the industry’s highest honors. With a rich history as a Director of Hospitality for HOK Hong Kong, and founder and managing partner of BBG-BBGM, an architectural and interior design practice that consistently ranked in the top ten of global hospitality design firms, Julia has focused on defining luxury guest experiences in locations that circle the globe. In addition, Julia was also the first person to be elevated to Fellow of AIA and IIDA in the same year!

Kia Weatherspoon has spent the last 15 years defying every design stereotype, including the most damaging— that interior design is a luxury reserved for only a few. Her voice, advocacy for Design Equity, and design practice have helped to shift the narrative to make interior design a standard for all. Kia’s presence and leadership have created ripples, prompting housing developers, agencies, and industry partners to not just take notice of her work – but to do better. For over a decade Kia has led her firm, Determined by Design, to create elevated equitable design outcomes for over 3,500 hundred families, 25 communities, and design for over 165,000 sq.ft of interior spaces for affordable and low-income housing. She is an Adjunct Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University and a sought-after speaker and leader working with design students, industry professionals, corporations and organizations across the country.