Why did you join the Planning Team?

I joined the SDF Planning Team because I love creating designs that people can enjoy and connect with—and I wanted to help others experience that same sense of fulfillment through their own work. — Steven Yang

I’ve volunteered with SDF for the past two years and truly loved being part of such a passionate and inspiring team. It’s been rewarding to help support a platform that brings Seattle’s design community together and helps it grow and shine. — Tara Torabi

I joined the SDF planning team because I believe in an interdisciplinary approach to design and providing a platform for creativity and collaboration. — Molly Gentry

I joined the SDF planning committee because I’m excited by its civic mission and the way it brings people together through design. As someone new to Seattle, it felt like a great way to connect with the local design community while contributing my experience in architecture, teaching, and public programming. — Cathy Braasch

I joined the SDF Planning Team to help foster inclusive spaces for innovation and creativity. — Christine V.

I joined the SDF Planning Team to connect with Seattle’s creative community and contribute to a space where diverse voices and perspectives are welcomed and valued. — Karen Tang

I joined the SDF planning team to tap into Seattle’s design community and support community-led reconstruction. — Chris Bennett-Boehm

What are you most looking forward to about SDF 2026?

This year has brought so many exciting and thoughtful submissions, and I can’t wait to see how they evolve and come to life throughout the festival. — Tara Torabi

I am most excited to see the ideas of all of the wonderful partners we’ve gotten to know throughout the year come to life. It’s always so exciting to see something grow from an idea to reality! — Kiera Eason

This is my first year on the planning team so I’m really looking forward to seeing how everything comes together. There are so many great proposals and I can’t wait to see them brought to life. — Molly Gentry

The thing I’m most excited about this year’s festival is seeing all the great ways people develop designs around our interesting and abundant theme choices! — Rachael Keith

This year, I am looking forward to seeing our partners on the SLU Mainstage showcase their creative solutions and inspire new ideas. — Chris Bennett-Boehm

What part of the IN[FLUX] theme do you connect with most?

As an architect, I love how design has the power to shape experiences, spark curiosity, and communicate ideas beyond words. [IN]FORM feels especially meaningful in the way thoughtful design can influence how we connect with spaces and with each other. — Tara Torabi

I identify with [IN]TENSION most. I like the idea of examining our intent when faced with tension. — Molly Gentry

[IN]HABIT, [IN]TENSION, and [IN]FORM show up in design through the ways designers work to bring about conviviality in their communities. Providing spaces for people to safely live, negotiate their differences, and become experts of their experiences is at the core of building a resilient and creative community. How do we provide humans with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world? — Vibe Torgersen

I am most connected with the [IN]HABIT theme because my recent NY to SEA migration forced me to reconsider the concept and purpose of home. — Chris Bennett-Boehm