Celebrating our 30th anniversary as a chapter
Hear from past presidents

Laura Ruberto 

What do you think was your most important contribution to the chapter or in the Arizona design community during the time you were president?

At the time I was president, the greater Phoenix area was smaller and less influential, and the design community was less cohesive. There was no social media, or even Chapter Website. In an effort to bring the community together, we put on large events with nationally recognized speakers. This effort included bringing back the Prisma Awards with an esteemed panel of judges. The day after the judging we held at the Phoenix Art Museum where the judges spoke about their careers and work.   

Name one thing that is different about design now compared to when you were president. This refers more to the overall world of design.

Name the single most significant shift in design that you’ve experienced. Is the world more or less design-savvy these days?  For example, how the shift from analog to digital design, social media or the web affect designers? 

The most obvious shift in the design world is that more and more of our time is being spent online which has its benefits and drawbacks. However, the shift that makes me the most optimistic is that good design is becoming an expectation for success in our culture. Everyone might not be able to identify ‘good design’, but there is an elevated awareness and appreciation for design thinking. 

Is there anything you still wish you could have accomplished as president? 

While I was president, the board was very energized. I think we accomplished a lot during the time I was involved, including launching the Arizona chapter website.