Landscape Architects Host Real-World Design Workshop for FIU Students

The STUDIO at George Fox University offers interior design students practical, real-world experience by engaging them in projects for various clients, including nonprofits, schools, and residential remodels. This innovative lab moves beyond the conventional understanding of interior design, which often limits the field to aesthetic choices like matching paint colors and drapes. Instead, The STUDIO emphasizes comprehensive design solutions that incorporate local building codes, ADA regulations, and designs promoting health and safety, adhering to professional industry standards. For instance, students might employ trauma-informed design principles, utilizing color theory and spatial arrangements to foster a sense of security. Professor Casey Martin highlights the broad scope of interior design, noting that most everyday spaces benefit from the expertise of an interior designer. The program structure ensures students gain extensive hands-on experience through a combination of paid and pro bono projects, which Martin pre-arranges. She strategically assigns students to project teams based on their individual strengths and skill sets. A core component of The STUDIO's philosophy is empathy-driven initiatives, focusing on design challenges such as housing issues and projects for clients with limited design budgets. One notable project involved a collaboration with Portland State University architecture students and the Forest Grove Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to vulnerable communities. This team developed interiors for sleeping pods intended for individuals experiencing homelessness, integrating trauma-informed design within strict budgetary constraints. This project's success was recognized with a 2023 Changemaker Award and national acclaim from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) for outstanding student work. Other projects include junior Taylor Ho and senior Tyra Hayashi creating Revit models of campus buildings for La Salle Preparatory High School in California, providing templates for future architects and designers. Senior Ilanahe Beatty worked with Kingsley Field Military Base in Klamath Falls, Oregon, to source U.S.-made products and develop a “typicals package” that aligns with military and GSA contract standards for current and future use. Through these collaborations, students in The STUDIO develop practical skills essential for their careers post-graduation. The program actively connects students with the Portland design industry, fostering professional relationships with mentors and preparing them for critical certifications such as the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and LEED Green Associate exams. Furthermore, the class expands their professional network, introducing them to future clients and designers while they are still in school. Professor Martin summarizes the program's ultimate goal: to ensure that graduates feel fully prepared and confident to enter a design firm and immediately contribute effectively to projects. #InteriorDesign #RealWorldSkills #ExperientialLearning #TraumaInformedDesign #StudentProjects #ProfessionalDevelopment #CommunityEngagement #GeorgeFoxUniversity

Alyssa Oates is an interior design junior at Oklahoma State University (OSU), enrolled in a 4+1 program that allows her to complete both a bachelor's and master's degree in five years. She initially pursued a different degree but found interior design to be a better fit, a suggestion made by her mother who recognized her innate interest in design and interiors. Oates's academic journey at OSU has been supported by the Department of Design, Housing and Merchandising (DHM), where professors have provided invaluable assistance with her research, portfolio development, and networking opportunities, emphasizing their crucial role in her progress. As a Wentz Research Scholar, Oates is conducting a study titled “An assessment of student stress levels and information retention capabilities in traditional versus biophilic classrooms.” Her research focuses on the impact of biophilic design, which integrates natural concepts into interior spaces to enhance well-being and productivity. She employs virtual reality to simulate traditional and biophilic classroom environments, where participants complete tasks, followed by quizzes, surveys, and interviews to assess changes in stress levels and information retention. Oates's undergraduate goals include publishing several articles based on her current and future research and presenting her findings at academic conferences. Beyond her research, she is actively involved in multiple campus organizations, including the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA), and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Despite the slowdown of these organizations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she expresses enthusiasm for future events and opportunities they will offer. Her experience highlights the interdisciplinary nature of interior design education, combining practical application with scientific research methods to explore innovative design solutions. The use of virtual reality in her study demonstrates an advanced approach to environmental psychology research within interior spaces. Her commitment to both academic research and professional organizations showcases a comprehensive approach to her education and future career in interior design, aiming to contribute significantly to the field through evidence-based design practices. #InteriorDesign #StudentSpotlight #BiophilicDesign #WentzResearchScholar #UndergraduateResearch #OklahomaStateUniversity #DesignEducation #EnvironmentalPsychology #VirtualRealityResearch

ZEN Associates, a design/build firm founded in 1980 and headquartered in Woburn, is renowned for its expertise in creating harmonious and functional landscapes that seamlessly integrate with a home's interiors and the surrounding environment. Peter White, one of the three principals, emphasizes that their work extends beyond merely designing creative landscape projects that reflect clients' goals and personalities; it involves a deep understanding of how a site's landform, architecture, and environment, along with the client's lifestyle, are interconnected. The firm's approach focuses on breaking down the traditional barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces, effectively expanding the living area by extending interiors outwards and bringing natural elements inwards. While adhering to industry regulations, ZEN Associates prioritizes natural forms over strict symmetry or mathematical formulas in their designs. They view the house as the man-made, geometric component, around which the landscape is orchestrated to blend nature's loose contours with architecture's defined lines. An example of this integration includes incorporating large boulders into a deck or extending a deck to penetrate curvaceous garden borders, thereby introducing nature into built spaces. The firm's extensive operations span from residential interiors to corporate offices and restaurants, with projects along the eastern seaboard, west to the Rockies, and internationally. Their team of 65 employees includes landscape architects, interior designers, a sizeable construction crew, project management, and horticulture maintenance departments, ensuring a comprehensive approach to every project. This integrated design and build model, where designers and builders collaborate daily, distinguishes ZEN Associates, allowing them to deliver creative, well-built projects on time and within budget, taking full responsibility for the entire process. Approximately 70 percent of ZEN Associates' work is residential, focusing on large to medium-sized projects such as home additions, renovations, or new constructions. Their commercial portfolio, though smaller, includes significant commissions like a Japanese-inspired courtyard garden at Amherst College, the Peace Bell Garden for the United Nations Visitor Centre, and the renovation of the gardens at the Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens in Washington, D.C. They also undertake international projects, with current engagements in Sweden and London. On the North Shore, their work is predominantly residential, alongside some healing gardens for hospitals. Stonework is a prominent feature in ZEN's landscapes, appealing to New Englanders' appreciation for stone walls. The firm utilizes stone in various ways—as furniture, for structural purposes, and to define spaces, often placing enormous boulders near formal dining rooms to introduce a playful spirit or encourage interaction, especially for children. Stone sourcing involves local farm fields, quarries, or shipping, with the selection of granite, limestone, basalt, or blasted quarry stone dictated by the stone's intended role and the desired aesthetic. The firm has evolved from a strictly Japanese design/build firm to a modern practice with strong Japanese aesthetic roots. New England's climate shares similarities with southern Japan, allowing for the use of plants like maples, azaleas, rhododendrons, and viburnums. They emphasize diverse planting schemes rather than repetitive plant lists, supported by a staff of four horticulturists and two arborists dedicated to plant knowledge and long-term health. The "right plant, right place" mantra is critical, with the firm often dedicating up to nine months to soil amendment to ensure plants thrive. They meticulously select plants from various regions, considering their origins and making necessary soil amendments to guarantee survival. Sustainability is integral to ZEN's philosophy, promoting noninvasive plant species, organic materials, and Integrated Pest Management. They educate clients on reducing water consumption and achieving manicured lawns without excessive chemicals. While acknowledging that some projects may have a carbon footprint due to operational expenses and resource usage, they prioritize upfront discussions about preservation practices and managing client expectations. Initial consultations delve into the desired landscape style, site opportunities, soil quality, and plant selection, but primarily focus on the "spirit and artistry of the space in terms of daily viewing and daily living." ZEN Associates dedicates significant time to listening to clients and stewarding their thought processes to ensure the final design is thoughtful, logical, beautiful, and deeply reflective of the client's vision. Current North Shore projects include collaborating on an ultra-modern home in Manchester-by-the-Sea, preserving natural ledges, and installing a stream with waterfalls leading to a pond in Swampscott, featuring a unique path beneath a main waterfall. The firm encourages prospective clients to engage in conversations about their projects, emphasizing the importance of a good relationship with a creative and experienced design/build firm. #LandscapeArchitecture #OutdoorLiving #HomeDesign #GardenDesign #SustainableDesign #Stonework #DesignBuildFirm #NorthshoreLandscapes #IntegratedDesign

A Charrette, or Enquiry by Design, is a structured workshop designed to promote best practices and sustainable urban design principles. This iterative and interactive process facilitates the development of solutions for real-world planning and design challenges, encompassing aspects like land use, landscaping, architecture, and transportation. While primarily used in urban design and planning, its core principles can be applied to various program or service design scenarios. Charrettes are effective in generating broad community interest and leveraging local knowledge and experience to understand urban design requirements. For instance, they can help communities better comprehend the implications of increasing high-density housing needs due to population growth, thereby fostering awareness and potentially reducing resistance to such urban development. These workshops also serve to alleviate public concerns by highlighting the features and benefits of high-density sustainable design. The specific type of Charrette employed depends on the purpose, objectives, and key design elements. Different formats are available to support the iterative nature of the process and allow participants flexibility in their involvement. These can range from a half-day workshop focused on setting high-performance goals, to a mini-Charrette for developing strategies and identifying implementation issues, or a comprehensive two to three-day Charrette. The longer format aims to build an understanding of best practice and urban design principles, establish high-performance goals and strategies, and guide participants through the development of a sustainable design. In response to contemporary challenges, particularly those requiring social distancing, traditional offline Charrettes have been successfully adapted to online formats, demonstrating their versatility and continued relevance. The time required for a Charrette can vary from four hours to several days, with preparation typically commencing at least eight weeks prior to the event. Effective implementation requires careful planning. An awareness session for the multidisciplinary team is crucial to ensure a balance between task completion and fostering positive relationships with participants. Support staff, including facilitators and note-takers, are essential. It is also imperative to clearly communicate the level of influence participants will have in the decision-making process. Including decision-makers in the Charrette allows them to respond to ideas, share their perspectives, and openly address disagreements. Provisions can be made for individuals unable to commit to the full duration, allowing them to observe the process at their convenience. Optimal participation typically involves around 20 individuals. Before the Charrette, a workshop plan should be prepared eight weeks in advance, including venue booking, equipment arrangements, and the assembly of a multidisciplinary team with defined tasks and responsibilities. All communication materials, such as invitations and documents, need to be prepared, distributed, and promoted, with registration monitoring and reminders sent closer to the event. During the sessions, participants should be greeted, and introductions facilitated between the design team and attendees. Adhering to the workshop plan is key. At the conclusion, participants should be thanked, informed about how their input will be utilized, and updated on the project's next stages. Following the sessions, feedback should be provided to all participants on how their contributions have shaped the designs. Information regarding decisions made and the future use of the designs must also be communicated. Necessary resources include a multidisciplinary team, workshop materials such as information, plans, designs, maps, display boards, computers, design software, data projectors, screens, flip charts, whiteboards, workspace, and stationery. A spacious venue capable of accommodating maps, plans, recording paper, and catering is also required, along with technical support staff. Promotional and informational materials are vital for attracting participants. Evaluation methods include verbal feedback at the end of the Charrette or written evaluation forms. Post-session debriefs with facilitators and the multidisciplinary team, incorporating participant feedback, are crucial for refining future Charrettes. Assessing the design process stage and the overall acceptance of workshop outcomes by both the team and participants helps determine any necessary follow-up work. To enhance the Charrette experience, it is advisable to review pre-sent materials at the beginning of the workshop for those who may not have received or read them. An ice-breaker activity can help establish working relationships among the team and participants. Regular breaks and varied activities are recommended to maintain high energy levels. Using clear and easy-to-understand language, especially from designers, helps participants focus on planning and design concepts. Preparing a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet covering relevant legislation, technical, environmental, financial aspects, design trends, and emerging issues ensures that common queries can be addressed effectively. Participants should also be informed that ideas may evolve throughout the design process, as designers will conduct independent reviews at various stages. The facilitator must explain this process, and designers should transparently demonstrate how ideas have been incorporated or why they haven't, providing clear justifications. #CommunityEngagement #UrbanDesign #SustainableDesign #WorkshopMethodology #CollaborativePlanning #PublicParticipation #DesignThinking #GovernmentInitiative

The inaugural AD PRO Global Design Summit, held on April 22, brought together a collection of prominent design professionals and Architectural Digest editors for a full day of stimulating discussions. For those unable to attend the live virtual event, recordings of all the talks are available, offering an opportunity to access the insights and inspiration at one's own convenience. The summit featured a diverse range of topics pertinent to the design industry, presented by renowned figures in the field. Among the key sessions, Nate Berkus shared his approach to business planning, offering insights into establishing and maintaining a successful design practice. Multi-hyphenate designers Justina Blakeney and Alexa Hampton provided a comprehensive master class on product licensing, detailing strategies and best practices for collaborations within the design sector. The dynamic design duo Jason Bolden and Adair Curtis discussed the factors contributing to their current success and unique professional trajectory. The summit began with an opening address by Amy Astley, editor-in-chief of AD, followed by a "Deep Dive" segment that explored the latest AD issue. This discussion included Alison Levasseur, AD’s interiors and garden director, London-based designer Beata Heuman, and Australian interior architect David Flack, who offered their perspectives on current design trends and editorial features. Another significant session, "Business Lunch with Amy Astley & Friends," brought together Amy Astley, Jason Bolden, Adair Curtis, Katy Olson, Keia McSwain, Tavia Forbes, Monet Masters, Mayer Rus, and Nate Berkus for wide-ranging conversations on design, career advancement, and navigating the digital age. AD100 architect Elizabeth Roberts participated in "Character Studies: Renovating for the Future While Honoring the Past," where she shared her expertise on sensitive renovations. This session, moderated by AD features director Sam Cochran, covered crucial aspects such as determining what elements to preserve or modify in historical properties and the optimal sourcing of materials like flooring, windows, and doors. "New Trends, New Perspectives: Redefining Luxury One Detail at a Time" was hosted by AD’s design editor Madeleine Luckel. This segment featured an engaging panel discussion and workshop focused on contemporary kitchen trends, including an introduction to Monogram Luxury Appliances’ newly released Professional Range. The topic of outdoor living was addressed in "Come Rain or Shine: Innovations in Outdoor Living," an insightful conversation between AD PRO associate editor Mel Studach, Caesarstone vice president of marketing Elizabeth Margles, and architect and designer Stephanie Goto. They discussed product innovations and creative material applications that empower landscape architects and designers to create sophisticated outdoor environments. "No Gray Areas: A Focus on the Power and Performance of Color" featured associate Clever editor Zoë Sessums, AD100 designer Corey Damen Jenkins, and Andrea Magno, director of color marketing and development at Benjamin Moore. This session delved into how designers choose, source, utilize, and recommend color in their projects. Finally, "Sourcing Sustainably: A Designer’s Action Plan" saw AD deputy digital editor Allie Weiss and Sustainable Furnishings Council cofounder Susan Inglis provide an informative presentation. This session focused on common and less common inquiries designers have regarding sustainable sourcing, offering practical tips and actionable insights that can be integrated into design practices. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore the AD PRO Marketplace, which showcased new and innovative product offerings from event sponsors, including Benjamin Moore, Caesarstone, CB2 Trade Program, Monogram Luxury Appliances, and Tischler Und Sohn. The event provided a comprehensive overview of current trends, business strategies, and sustainable practices within the global design community. #DesignSummit #InteriorDesign #ProductLicensing #SustainableDesign #Renovation #KitchenTrends #OutdoorLiving #ColorTheory #DesignBusiness