Creative Separations

One of the biggest parts of interior design is the actual space planning. Open concepts are extremely desired now, which makes the space feel larger. When you need to have a division of spaces, there are so many creative ways to do so. Separating spaces is smart, for noise and task-oriented reasons, but can be aesthetic as well.  Here are a few examples of some creative, funky dividers that are functional as well as double as a main design feature.

Grey is the New Beige

      To us, interior design students, grey is an essential color for the majority of our color pallets. Grey is not as clear as black and white. Sometimes it looks black, sometimes blue, and it can even look pink or purple. There are so many shades of grey when it comes to home decor, furnishings and of course wall paint. The question to ask is whether you want to go warm or cold? Do you want shades of grey that lean more toward brown or blue? The endless possibilities with grey are what makes it such a successful staple color.

Here are some trending grey home furnishings and accessories:



 Haiku Sofa from GamFratesi



 Play Coat Rack Shadow from Normann Copenhagen



 Under the Bell Pendant Light from Muuto


 Splash Coat Rack by BluDot


 Isometric Urbanism Pillow from Society6


 Tobias Chair from IKEA


 Moodi Sideboard by Zweed

Google's California HQ, nightmare of total surveillance?

Last week, Bjarke Ingels and Thomas Heatherwick announced that they were collaborating on an ambitious and massive new Google Headquarter in Mountain View, California. As we can see in the renderings, it is much more than just an office. There are bike rails, retail spaces, and a lot more of fun ideas going on, hoping to bring new life to the unique local environment.

However, there are some negative views of this structure, especially about the translucent canopy structures which is reminiscent of giant greenhouses and "Truman Show-style nightmare of total surveillance." I understand how and where Google is going for since BIM modeling is such a trend these days. Also, becuase of its unique style and immense scale, the building itself can be a landmark within the city. What is your opinions? Do you want to work here (not because it is Google)?

Why become a LEED professional?

I found this article, 5 reasons it’s worth it to become a LEED professional, to be very honest and true. The article started out talking about the changing times of our economy and professional fields, most of the change being not positive. But the environmental sustainability field is unique field for this time, it’s growing rapidly. This field is expanding mainly because of the long-term economic possibilities and political popularity. The sustainability field is linked directly to LEED. Seeing these common trends it makes sense why people are becoming LEED professionals. 

The article states not only is becoming a LEED professional benefit for ones self and career, but also our world as a whole. The first point Christopher Gray touched on is the demand for LEED professionals is becoming more prevalent. The demand for LEED professionals has grown 46% over the past year. The second reason is the labor demand is unlimited for LEED professionals. According to the UNEP Buildings and Climate Change contributed to 30% of green house gas emissions globally. We need to transform the built environment and it is going to take LEED professionals to do so. This also has a direct relation the US demand for LEED buildings making more jobs available for those LEED professionals. The third reason Gray mentioned was the fact that the only global green building rating system is LEED. Therefore, LEED professional attributes are in high demand and are globally marketable. By becoming LEED professional you are that much more competitive. 

The fourth theory remaining is that LEED professionals will profit from the increasing need for sustainable products. The built environment as a whole is shifting which triggers a domino affect in all the adjacent fields. Global awareness about sustainability is going up and it’s not only with the built environment. The government is also getting involved with funding for new sustainable programs. The last and final reason talks about the dramatic roles LEED will play in climate change and how necessary LEED professionals support is. Overall, the built environment is beginning to change for the better and we are finally being proactive and making a change. This would not be possible without a rating system and community of LEED. 

Source

Gray, Christopher. "5 Reasons It's worth It to Become a LEED Professional." USGBC. USGBC, 15 Dec. 2014. Web. 9 Oct. 2014.

Image: http://republicstorage.com/resource_center/leed_info

2015- What's "In" Right Now

We have all heard the word "trendy" before, the "it" product, the "cool new thing". If something is trendy, it is usually desirable- however to an interior designer, a trendy look is a dangerous one. It is important when designing to create looks that LAST- not ones that will fade in a year or two. This year in 2015, there are a few hot new trends to look out for. While they last? Who knows. But for now, they are all the rage.

Mixed Metals

A look that was so "out" last year is now very much back in. Forget what you have been taught about brass being old-fashioned. Mixing golds and silvers is no longer a "no-no". Rose gold is a new metal color that is extremely popular right now, too.

Moody Indigo

This deep, luxurious shade of blue is very In right now. Navy is seen everywhere, and looks beautiful accented with white or shades of pink. Designers say to mix a navy paint color with black to get a more muted hue.

Painterly Rugs

Say good-bye to big, bold chevron patterns on the floor. Carpets with fluid lines and irregular breaks of pattern are desired this year. They break up the pattern of the room and act as art pieces on the floor.

Smoky Glass

This was news to me...since when did frosted glass become "out"?. The design world is saying that frosty, smoky glass in light fixtures or room dividers add a sense of mystery, while appealing to both masculine and feminine styles.

Graphic Tiles

Merging the gap between graphic design and interior design are these funky, bold tiles. Usually used in commercial spaces, they have made their way to the residential world.

While these trends may be in right now, it is important to not go crazy with them. Take the key points of the trends and try to incorporate them into a design, but make it timeless so it lasts. My favorite is the graphic tiles- put these in a small space like a bathroom, and the whole space is transformed!

The INTERVIEW.

As I was searching for topics to blog about I came across ASID’s “Tips for Interior Design Graduates: What Employees are Looking For.” ASID surveyed over 500 practicing interior designers on two different occasions once in 2007 than a second time in 2011. Their respondents answered a detailed and lengthy questionnaire concerning their expectations and preferences when considering new graduates for positions in their firms. Some of their comments, along with the most frequently provided responses, are included in this packet.        

The packet starts off with a general overview of what employers are typically looking for in ideal candidates. They list skills, personality traits, and experiences that are preferred. It then switches to the portfolio and the many different options and ways to go about displaying our work. These two topics are ones I feel we have a good grasp on but I recommend looking over the recommendations listed anyways; you might catch something you never considered before.        

Although I found the section covering resumes and cover letters very informative, I feel I got the most out of “The Interview” section. They did a great job detailing possible interview questions and ones we should prepare for:

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

• Why do you want to work here?

• What do you bring to the firm?

• What are your goals?

• What has been your biggest mistake/challenge so far and what did you 

   learn?

• What has been your greatest accomplishment so far? Design Questions

• Describe your design process. Where do you begin?

• Why are you an interior designer?

• Tell me about your marketing skills. Business skills.

• What were your least favorite projects in school and why?

• What sets you apart from other designers? Interpersonal Questions:

• How would you handle a difficult client?

• Tell me about your people skills.

• Describe your work ethic.

• Do you feel comfortable presenting a project in a room full of strangers?

• Is there work that you prefer not to do or would consider beneath you to 

   do?

         

       At first glance these questions seem overwhelming but as the packet suggests, the best way to feel confident going into an interview is to take time to answer these questions or similar questions and rehearse the answers. Having the answers to a multitude of questions will allow us to confidently speak about ourselves and our work as well as have a lesser chance of being caught off guard during an interview. Here is the link to the packet; I recommend looking at it!

https://www.asid.org/sites/default/files/TIPSFORGRADS.pdf

                                              (www.totaljobs.com)

Is your portfolio ready to shine?

Showcasing your work!

As we (Interior design students) are all dedicating our time to completing portfolios, some might think that it is one of the most important things we will ever design. Creating a well-designed portfolio that is able to impress viewers is difficult because there is not a defined solution. Since it was my first time working on a complete portfolio, I researched for tips that I am going to share.

You are what your portfolio shows!

A portfolio is more than just a sales tool, instead, it should tell an engaging story about your thoughts, passion, goals, and strengths. A compilation of your past works does not always speak your story. It is always helpful if there is a brief introduction about who and what you are all about by inserting an intro page. A well-designed introduction page sets the overall tonality of the portfolio. Try to share a little about your background to give your portfolio story more depth, but do not forget to keep it light. In addition, do not ever be self-deprecating. Using humble phrases such as “I am just getting started…” or “I hope to one day achieve…” sounds like you are hesitant about your ability.

Taking one step further!

Technology has made it easier than ever to show your work to the public. The internet is becoming a standard means of communication which recommends the necessity of creating an online portfolio on your own website or on a larger platform in addition to the paper portfolio. Many companies prefer an online portfolio instead of receiving heavy emails of attached portfolios from hundrends of candidates. Plan ahead so you can use the same template for both digital and the physical portfolio, so they have cohesiveness and save your precious time.