Join AIGA DC for "Crafting Presence: The Story of Experiential Design," an insightful event exploring how intentional design shapes meaningful and immersive experiences that enhance connection and engagement within spaces. Learn how to craft environments that foster stronger relationships and deeper interaction through strategic design principles, shared through expert insights and real-world examples. The event will feature a presentation, engaging Q&A, networking, and possible light refreshments.
Presented by AIGA DC, This January
About Adam Kaplan (he/him)
Adam Kaplan is Director of Operations for REWILD, an interior plant company that runs four retail locations in the DMV, the gift shop at the U.S. Botanic Garden, as well as plant design and maintenance services. In his role he oversees plant and pottery purchasing, runs their warehouse in Hyattsville, and assists customers in plant care and design. He began working in the houseplant field in 2019 after previous careers in nonprofit management and teaching ESL.
About Jenny Romei Hoffman (she/her)
Jenny is Principal and Creative Director at Ashton Design, where she brings 25 years of experience in environmental graphics, branding, and placemaking. She leads with the belief that design shapes how people connect—with spaces, with stories, and with the identities behind them. Through a combination of strategy and storytelling, she always aims to create human-centered environments that resonate. Whether working on campuses, cultural institutions, libraries, hotels, or schools, her work starts with listening and unfolds through a deeply collaborative design process. Jenny also serves on the board of Baltimore Design School, where she’s committed to building a more inclusive pipeline of future designers.
About Alexey Ikonomou (he/him)
Alexey Ikonomou is Principal and Creative Director of Ashton Design, based in Baltimore, MD, where he and his team work within the realm of Branding and Placemaking. With a holistic,multidisciplinary approach to his creative process, he has led award-winning creative teams in crafting everything from niche identity systems to large-scale environmental graphics for iconic spaces and places, including L.A.’s Dodger Stadium, the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Baltimore’s Sagamore Pendry Hotel, and Baltimore's Lexington Market. In 2023 he served as co-chair for the Society for Experiential Graphic Design’s (SEGD) 50th anniversary conference in Washington, D.C.
About Kirsten Gooden (she/her)
Kirsten is the engine behind Stratus production. With a deep background in event and VIP management, she leads our team of producers and oversees every detail of event execution. From galas to global forums, she brings calm under pressure and a tireless commitment to getting it right down to the last cue.
Thank you to our sponsors and partners for this event.
AIGA DC started in 1984 as a craft and design club of 79 members. Today, it includes more than 800 registered members, and hundreds of other designers in the community who are a part of our programs and events.
We are run by an all-volunteer Board of Directors who work to provide opportunities for designers to grow, whether they need mentorship, seek inspiration from other designers, or want to expand their practice in new directions.
AIGA DC Design Continuum Fund
The AIGA DC Design Continuum Fund is an annual merit-based scholarship program that supports local design-minded students by offering them financial assistance to pursue their design education. Through the sustained support of Continuum Circle members and friends, AIGA DC seeks to build an endowment for the Design Continuum Fund, the future investments of which will provide ongoing support to the program.
Code of Conduct
All AIGA DC events adhere to our Code of Conduct.
