In this inspiring kickoff to our chapter’s new year, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with incoming ASID San Diego President Kirsten Recce.

As the first Industry Partner to step into the role of Chapter President, Kirsten brings a fresh, inclusive perspective on what it means to lead, support, and reimagine what our local ASID community can be.

From her journey as a lighting showroom owner to her vision for Design Gems (yes, we’re talking international design trips), this episode is packed with insight, heart, and tangible ways to get involved in the year ahead.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Kirsten went from math major to owning a showroom to leading ASID SD
• The services her business, Black Whale Home, offers to support busy designers
• What’s changing in the 2024–2025 ASID San Diego year—and why it matters
• A first look at Design Gems, our new travel + inspiration series (Valle de Guadalupe, Milan, Palm Springs + more!)
• Why collaboration between designers, students, and industry partners is essential—and how you can get involved
• New sponsorship opportunities and what’s coming for industry partners

Upcoming Chapter Travel Events

Nov 2025: Design Gems: Valle de Guadalupe Day Trip

Feb 2026: Modernism Week + Private Tour of the Kellogg House

Apr 2026: Milan + Florence Design Tour

Spring 2026: Iconic Home Tour in LA

Connect with Kirsten:

• 📧 [email protected] (ASID inquiries)
• 📧 [email protected] (Showroom/design trade questions)
• 📸 @blackwhalelights on Instagram

Stay Connected:

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• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: [email protected]