+ Follow

The STUDIO

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 #InteriorDesign #RealWorldSkills #ExperientialLearning #TraumaInformedDesign #StudentProjects #ProfessionalDevelopment #CommunityEngagement #GeorgeFoxUniversity

16 months ago

Read Full Article