003: Why belonging to a design community matters

Interior Design San Diego - Presented by ASID San Diego

Have you ever walked into a design event and instantly felt like the odd one out?

Yeah… same here.

In this solo episode, Rachel Larraine Crawford shares her own winding journey with ASID San Diego—from feeling like a shy, 22-year-old outsider to becoming Communications Director and building lifelong friendships, powerful collaborations, and a true sense of belonging in the design world.

We’re talking about the real reason community matters—not just for your creativity or career growth, but for your mental health, confidence, and joy. If you’ve ever felt like you’re building your design career on an island, this episode is your reminder: you don’t have to do it alone.

What You’ll Hear:

• The early days: feeling like an outsider at chapter meetings
• Finding connection in unexpected places (like showrooms and markets)
• Why mentorship and peer community are essential—no matter your career stage
• The human need to belong—and why it’s a business strategy, not just a feel-good bonus
• How ASID San Diego helped spark confidence, creativity, and collaboration
• Specific ways students, emerging pros, and seasoned designers can get involved today

If you're a:

Student → Don't wait to build your network. Start now.

Emerging professional → You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Seasoned designer → Your wisdom is so needed. Your next chapter might start here.

Whether you’re just starting out or decades into your practice, this episode is a reminder that your people are out there—and they’re ready to welcome you in.

Stay Connected:

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