Lee Huang's initial involvement with the festival was as an enthusiastic attendee. "It was on my radar screen from the start," he recalls. "I thought it was an excellent idea and great for Philadelphia." His engagement deepened when Econsult Solutions was tasked with telling the economic impact story of the festival. "We were delighted to do that," he says "It was very natural for us to support something that aligns with our values."

Huang's reflections on the festival's evolution underscore a broader narrative about the creative economy. "DesignPhiladelphia's success is not just about the events themselves," he explains. "It's about how it fits into the larger context of the city's brand and economic engine The festival showcases the strength of our design community, which is an integral part of Philadelphia's identity".

One significant theme Huang touched upon was the need for a robust and inclusive approach to design He reminisces about his time on the Design Collaborative board in the early 2010s, noting how the organization aimed to address a lack of diversity. "It was an intentional effort to integrate design work and professionals into diverse communities around the city," he says. This foundational goal of inclusivity remains central to the festival's mission.

Looking ahead, Huang envisions several potential directions for the festival. "Sustainability and resilience are critical issues," he asserts. "The design community should focus on making these concepts practical and relevant to everyday life." He also highlights the importance of bridging generational divides. "Design can be a platform for intergenerational dialogue,"he suggests "It's about creating a space where different generations can come together and address shared challenges." Huang also sees value in expanding the festival's reach beyond Philadelphia "Bringing people in from out of town not only benefits the local economy but also enhances the city's reputation," he explains."It's about creating a broader geographic profile and encouraging cross­ pollination of ideas."As our conversation drew to a close, Huang's optimism for the future of DesignPhiladelphia was evident "The festival has a unique opportunity to continue making a significant impact," he concludes. "It's about being inclusive, innovative, and forward-thinking."