I think it's important to have an organization that can advocate on behalf of designers and which provides a sense of community.

Design is the place where practicality meets beauty.
The crossroads of efficient function and pleasing form is always at the heart of successful design, and the pursuit of that sweet spot is what drew me to this profession. I take great satisfaction in solving a practical problem, and doing so with flair is what design is all about.
As a book designer I strive to create something that people find useful as well as beautiful and, in my opinion, that's a pretty great job to have.