For Rahmi Halaby, design has always been about more than output. It’s about people and space.

“Designers need creative nourishment,” Rahmi wrote after hosting Ideate Designers House. “And designers need more time for creative nourishment.” That belief was at the heart of Ideate Designers House hosted at the Center for DesignPhiladelphia, an event Rahmi led that brought more than 200 creatives together for an afternoon of conversation. 

“I came to DesignPhilly with this ambitious and kind of scary idea,” Rahmi said. “Rather than pushing me away, the DesignPhilly team asked how can we support.”

That question made all the difference. Together, they hosted what Rahmi described as “one of the largest and most successful design gatherings that I have attended in Philadelphia.” He also emphasized the importance of inclusivity, noting the Center’s commitment to supporting “designers of all ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, and disciplines in this great city.”

As someone deeply invested in Philadelphia’s creative ecosystem, Rahmi sees physical space as a critical piece of that support. “In Philadelphia, I feel like there can often times be different people doing great work but in parallel,” he shared. Spaces that bring people together help our city break down those silos. That’s why the move to the Village of Industry & Art feels crucial. Rahmi described it as “a strategic alliance for the long-term success of Philadelphia’s art and design community,” and shared his excitement about what can come from DesignPhilly becoming part of this creative landmark in the heart of the city.

For the designers who gathered at any event at the Center for DesignPhiladelphia, the message is clear. When there’s space, support, and a willingness to say yes, something meaningful happens.