Unfortunately, we forgot to teach ourselves crucial business skills. We failed to convince manufacturers and distributors to reinvest in technology and innovation from within. Instead, we relied on outside entrepreneurs funded by Silicon Valley, selling our ideas and concepts to big tech or banks.

Who's responsible for this? Well, to be candid, it's the seasoned individuals you see at events and awards. The last generation who achieved recognition and projects but failed to reach back and cultivate the next. While the world fought for independence and the right to innovate, the design and architectural communities, led by the preceding generations, failed to work as a united community, build investment funds, advocate for better education, and leverage the community to drive innovation and independence.

So, I pose the question: "Is the Design and Architecture Industry Aging in Place?"

This wasn't the primary driver for launching Design Porn, but it's certainly a compelling reason. I launched Design Porn to challenge the status quo, to be a provocateur, and to push the industry into the necessary conversations. It's a forum for sharing vulnerably and honestly.

The inspiration for Design Porn struck after watching the Netflix documentary, "Pamela, a love story." The moment when Anderson shared with her mom that she had received "the call" from Playboy resonated with me. It got me thinking – when a designer or architect receives "the call" from Architectural Digest, Country Living, or Luxe Magazine, does it prompt self-reflection on values, morality, or readiness to expose oneself vulnerably? If not, how can we advance and cultivate a class of creatives, innovators, and artisans if we never question our inner selves?

My first editorial as Editor-in-Chief of Design Porn is titled "Is the Design and Architecture Industry Aging in Place?" because I believe it's crucial for the brother and sister industries to test our values, challenge the status quo, and exhibit resilience as a community. It's time to cast aside the comfort of the aging and confront the industry's issues with the power that only youth can bring.

To the established leaders, I urge you to embrace the next generation, make retirement plans, and include the youth in your business will. Pass the baton on to the next generation.

To the next generation, fight for what matters to you. Your generation, like every one before it, was willing to do the unthinkable, shed the rules, dive boldly into the audacious, and challenge the old ways. You faced grounding, shaming, blaming, and ridicule. Yet, when you emerged on the other side, those same "adults" learned that you were individuals with valid points. Had they listened, our community could have grown stronger.

It's easy to look at "grandma" and label her as old and conservative. But your grandmother once burned her bras, wore shorter skirts than you ever will, embraced free love, fought for the right to smoke pot, posed naked, and pushed boundaries. Those generations went on to create the tech we use today.

As a creative class, design and architecture need this growth. We need to take giant risks, fight a colossal battle, and re-establish design and architecture as a "once again" independent and creative class. We must cast aside the conservative views that the aging class has evolved to and fight for our ability to form our own identity.

I'm Joseph Haecker, the founder, and first editor-in-chief of Design Porn. I'm offering a platform that opens the door to the next generation, acknowledging that "grandma and grandpa" built this industry. However, they lack the energy to make the changes needed for the industry to survive the next generations. So, it's up to you. You'll need to fight. You'll need to be willing to be uncomfortable and misunderstood. But one day, you will run this industry. And when that time comes, don't do what this generation did. Instead, learn to plan your exit and pass the baton to your kids and future generations.

The future of the design and architecture industry belongs to the next generation. It's time to establish yourselves and blaze a new path.

Joseph Haecker
Editor-in-chief
Design Porn