When Brian Phillips first encountered DesignPhiladelphia nearly 20 years ago, it felt like a breath of fresh air. In its early days, the festival had an energy that was scrappy and edgy, standing apart from the increasingly polished and conventional design seen in mainstream channels. "Hilary [Jay] and Jamer [Hunt] had a major right place, right time moment" he recalls, describing how their broad definition of "design" invited diverse voices and disciplines to the table. The result was an ambitious event that pushed boundaries and redefined the city's creative landscape.

One moment that stands out in his memory is when Mayor Michael Nutter spoke at a DesignPhiladelphia kick-off party, extolling the importance of creativity to the spirit and economy of Philadelphia "I miss that perspective," Phillips reflects. "We need to get back to centering Philadelphia's incredibly passionate creative producers as a cornerstone of our city's magnetism and purpose".

He believes that the festival has always been a moment to recognize the significance of Philadelphia's creative community and economy. For Phillips, DesignPhiladelphia shines when it invites creatives from other cities to engage with the local context positioning the festival as a national event rather than one solely focused inward.

Looking ahead, he hopes to see DesignPhiladelphia return to its roots by showcasing the best across a wide variety of media, contexts, and backgrounds. "Philly is great at overcoming adversity and turning a downbeat moment into an opportunity," he says Phillips envisions a festival that celebrates all forms of design, commissions new work, fosters global discussions, and builds networks that spark new collaborations, ensuring Philadelphia remains a vibrant hub for creativity and innovation.