Student Mentoring Week

Student Mentoring Week provides IIDA Student Members the opportunity to shadow a professional in their design area of interest for one day during the week of February 1-5, 2010. Hundreds of professionals are eagerly signing up to host IIDA Student Members in their places of business. It's a great opportunity to spend a day at a firm and attendees can specify their areas of interest: Corporate, Hospitality, Healthcare, Retail, Sustainability, Etc. Students can sign up in pairs and attend with a friend.

Original application deadline was December 14, 2009 but it is extended until January 12, 2010.  Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis.

International Interior Design Association
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 567, Chicago, IL 60654 USA
http://www.iida.org/

SETE Mobile Version Available

The UNT Fall 2012 administration of SETE (Student Evaluation of Teaching Effectiveness) begins November 19th, 2012 and continues through December 8th, 2012. SmarterSurveys mobile version is now available for both faculty and students. There is no action required by faculty and students to activate or access the mobile site. Simply log on to the my.unt.edu portal using a mobile device and click on the SETE icon. 

EDRA 42 Graduate Student Workshop

The Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) offers a wonderful opportunity for students pursuing environment-behavior and/or environmental design research.

The Graduate Student Workshop is a new initiative of the EDRA designed to provide a forum for graduate students to present and discuss their ongoing research with senior mentors in environment-behavior design research. The purpose of the workshop is to strengthen and further thesis / dissertation work, as well to support the development of networks for young researchers in this area, both with senior researchers and with other graduate students.

Deadline for submissions is January 7, 2011. This one-day pre-conference workshop will be held in Chicago on May 25, 2011. Please visit EDRA's website for more information or you may contact Janet at studentrep@edra.org

Opportunity for Design Star

Design Star, HGTV’s top-rated reality competition series, is currently casting for their sixth season. They are holding an open casting call in Dallas on Sunday, December 5th, 2010. They're looking for the following.

• Extensive design knowledge
• Personality that pops
• Passion for design
• Lots of energy and enthusiasm
• A clear and unique design perspective

The details of our event are as follows:

Sunday, December5, 2010
10am – 1pm
Westin Park Central
12720 Merit Drive
Dallas TX 75251

If you have any questions or require further information, contact Amy Cummings, Casting Associate Producer. The producer’s contact information is as follows and more details are available on their website:

Amy Cummings
Casting Associate Producer
Food Network/CBS News Productions
Office: 212-975-7856
Email: cummingsa@cbsnews.com

Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas

For the past three years, my family has attended the Steeplechase for the Arts at Callaway Gardens which benefits lots of great organizations in the city of Columbus, Georgia.  The first year we attended this amazing event I talked about it here.  Each year, we take our feast on the road and join lots of others for a relaxing day at the races.  I snapped a picture of our table for the day.

For the event this year, we had marvelous weather, the races were filled with excitement, the hats were mesmerizing, and the flower arrangements were completely stunning!  For starters, there were a pair of these jumping horses flanking the entrance to the main tent overlooking the finish line.  

In fact, the flowers arrangements were so incredible, many of them could easily be recreated for a Thanksgiving table.  Here are just a few of my favorites.

I love the gerber daisy included in the vase for additional color an interest.  I've never thought to try this.

This simple idea of lavender in burlap bags could be repeated down the center of a Thanksgiving table for an understated, casual dinner.

While you may not want to include a horse in your Thanksgiving arrangement, the pheasant feathers and pewter footed bowl would be fantastic.

Just adore the rustic container with the winter cabbage, hydrangeas, magnolia leaves and pears.  I also love the table linens and plates!  This entire tables would make an amazing Thanksgiving table.

I thought this was a fun take on carved pumpkin container.  Notice the pumpkin still has the stem intacted, and the arrangement is placed in the side of the pumpkin.  

I love this arrangement in the galvanized bucket! The bucket feels casual while the height of the arrangement gives it some formality. 

I snapped a picture of this arrangement before they could even get their table set up!  It's in a silver pitcher.  Love the winter grasses and berries.

Even just a simple basket filled with potted mums adds lots of texture and interest.

And last, my favorite.  This gorgeous silver trumpet vase is filled with okra!  So unusual, and lovely.

So, will you be hosting Thanksgiving this year?  M.

Universal Design Lecture by Cynthia Leibrock

Join the Interior Design Program Tuesday, November 5^th in Room 223 of the Art Building for an informative and inspirational Universal Design lecture by Cynthia Leibrock, a renown specialist in Universal Design.

2013 NEWH Life of Design Event

The NEWH Life of Design scholarship fundraising event was held on October 17, 2013, located at the Fashion Institute Gallery in downtown Dallas, Texas. There was a great turnout from UNT students. UNT Interior Design students had three student chair submissions, and the event raised money for student scholarships. Later in the year, UNT students will be able to apply to receive those scholarships. Two of our exchange students participated on a team chair design as well.

Participants from UNT Interior Design Program

Informational Meetings for 2014 Summer Study Abroad Courses in Florence

Informational meetings are scheduled for 2014 Summer Study Abroad classes led by Professors Andy Decaen and Cynthia Mohr: October 31 at noon and November 4 at 5pm in the Art Building Room 240. More meetings are expected to be scheduled prior to Thanksgiving.

Ray Gough Lecture

The UNT Interior Design Program presents Ray Gough Lecture on Wednesday, October 26 with a reception at 5:30pm followed by the lecture at 6:30pm. We are very happy to presents Cathy Whitlock's Designs on Film. As the Author of the book by the same title, Cathy's presentation will be engaging on both a design and pop culture level.

In the Bag Photo Contest

Knoll, Inc. is launching In the Bag Phot contest. To participate, simply submit a photo of you and your trusty tote to knollfb@knoll.com, along with your name, address and a description of the image. Entries will be posted on Knoll’s Facebook page. Knoll is also giving away 5 bags weekly. Write to knollfb@knoll.com with your name and address.

Photos are encouraged to be taken outside and must feature a Knoll bag. Submit as many images as you like. Each week Knoll will draw a random winner: A Modernist Universe, a new Rizzoli publication.

The contest runs until November 19, 2010. Visit facebook.com/knollinc for all the details.

West Elm Opens Today

What a fun day yesterday - I got to tour the new West Elm location here in Birmingham.  Just look at all this goodness waiting to be snagged. 

There was a nice group of bloggers who showed up for the tour.  I even learned of a couple of new blogs - The Lovely Owl by Meredith and Bailey Dailies by Catherine.   I can't wait to settle in this weekend and read their blogs.

In addition to lots of interesting info on the sourcing West Elm does for their products, they are doing something really great.  They are partnering with Esty dealers for unique local finds.  If you've worked with me on any design plans, you know I'm a huge Etsy fan.  I think it's a great way to get some one of kind accessories and lots of high end pillows for much much less.  I love the idea of West Elm recognizing all the fabulous talent of the Etsy artisans.  There were several items in the store from specific Esty dealers including these hairpin leg tables . . . 

So, when you're next in the store be on the lookout for these signs which note custom unique items.  I love that the items vary from store to store and really try to focus on local artisans.

Unfortunately, they did not have my favorite spheres in the gold finish.  They are getting them in, so I'll just have to go back. Darn. (smile.)  What I did find were these incredibly oversized trays for only $69.00 each! (sorry the pic is so blurry).  I could not appreciate how large these were online.  And the same size tray at other places in town will cost you well over $200.00 (trust me, I've looked). 

After perusing all the offerings, I could not resist these super soft throws.

I've been looking for some for awhile.  But, I've had trouble finding the perfect color and price point.  I thought they were perfect - love the long fringe on them.  

No more dragging sleeping bags and other blankets into the family room for movie night.   We will be veggin' in style. 

I also got to meet the Elda, the General Manager of the store; and she and the entire staff were so gracious and eager to help.

It was a very fun afternoon.  I hope you'll make some time to run by this week!  It will not disappoint. M.

  

UNT Interior Design Students Toured Wilsonart

UNT Interior Design students toured the Wilsonart in Temple, Texas on October 7, 2013. Bruce Nacke, Associate Professor, led the group and they had the opportunity to tour Wilsonart's manufacturing plant as well as the Wilson House, where the founder of Wilsonart extensively experimented with laminates in the 1950's.

Dallas Arts District Grand Opening Week Events, October 12-18

The Dallas Arts District is a performing and visual arts district in downtown Dallas, Texas. The district is a unique, 68-acre, and 19-block neighborhood in the heart of the city. Enhancing the downtown Dallas skyline are buildings by Pritzker Prize winners I.M. Pei, Renzo Piano, Norman Foster, Rem Koolhaas and AIA “Gold Medal” recipient Edward Larrabee Barnes.

The Grand Opening celebrations will begin on the morning of Monday, October 12, 2009, with a civic dedication. Following the civic dedication and each day throughout the Grand Opening week will be a series of outdoor performances and performance art.

Other highlights of Grand Opening week are two architectural forums presented by the world-renowned architects who designed the venues of the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts and in association with the Dallas Architectural Forum and the Nasher Sculpture Center.

On the afternoon of Thursday, October 15, Pritzker Prize-winning architect Rem Koolhaas, one of the designers of the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, will discuss the future of theatre design.

On Friday morning, October 16, Norman Foster, also winner of the Pritzker Prize for Architecture, will present his designs for the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House and Annette Strauss Artist Square. Joshua Prince-Ramus, who collaborated with Rem Koolhaas on the Wyly Theater and the Seattle Public Library, will be speaking at 2:00PM. Both of the architectural forums will be free and open to the public. Call 214-880-0202 for tickets.

October 18 is Spotlight Sunday, a district-wide event celebrating the Grand Opening of the AT&T Performing Arts Center featuring free admission to the Arts District museums, free concerts and activities for the whole family.

More information is available on line at the Dallas Arts District.
http://www.thedallasartsdistrict.org/home.html

PDF schedules are as follows.

Dallas Arts District Grand Opening Week Events
AT & T Performing Arts Center Grand Opening Week

President’s Holiday Card Contest 2013

President and Mrs. Rawlins send an annual holiday card from the university to colleagues and friends. They want to showcase the excellence and creativity of UNT students in a student-designed card that highlights what's special about UNT. UNT students are invited to participate, using the medium of choice for an art piece that can be easily photographed for a 5”x7” holiday card. 

Share Your Thanks With Your Teachers

UNT students have a new way to say "Thanks" through the "Thank a Teacher" Program here at UNT.  You can complete the form at http://thanks.unt.edu to share your thanks with your teacher(s).  You may complete as many of these forms as you wish (one for each teacher you wish to thank).  You may also choose to remain anonymous.  After final grades have been submitted, your notes will be sent to your teachers as part of a letter of recognition from the Provost.

2014 Ray Gough Lecture by Bryan Bell, October 8, Wednesday

Our annual Gough lecture will be presented by Bryan Bell Wednesday, October 8 at 6:00 pm in room 223 of the Art Building. Mr. Bell is the founder of Design Corps and the Public Interest Design Institute. 

Design Corps was founded in 1991 with a mission to create positive change in traditionally underserved communities by using design, advocacy, and education to help them shape their environment and address their social, economic, and environmental challenges. Their mission is realized when people are involved in the decisions that shape their lives. Design Corps’ programs, including the SEED Network and SEED Evaluator, bring the skills sets of design and planning to empower communities.

While with us in Denton Mr. Bell will also be leading a charette for Serve Denton with the sophomore, junior, and senior interior design students. We know you will find his talk informative and on point with the university focus on community engagement.

More info can be found at www.bryanbell.organd/or www.designcorps.org



Interior Design Student Alliance (IDSA) Kickoff Meeting

The Interior Design Student Alliance (IDSA) had a successful first meeting with a great student turn out on September 13th, 2012.  Guest lecturers from the professional organizations ASID, IIDA, and NEWH spoke to the students about the benefits of joining and getting more involved in the professional industry. For more information please visit the IDSA Official Facebook page.

IDSA Officers from left to right:

Adrian Cardenas (ASID President), Claire Fritchie (Hospitality Chair), Tess Hurry (IIDA President), Becky Burrus (Membership Chair), Vicki Alderink (Treasurer), Amanda Corbett (Secretary), Elizabeth Sterling (IIDA Vice President), Hanna Kim (Marketing), Geraldine Sumolang (ASID Vice President), and Gibb Thimamontri (Historian)

Presenters from professional organizations:

Robin Burrill and Marlene Smalls - ASID Speakers

 

Lauren Crill - IIDA Speaker

 

Kerry Wilson – Teknion speaker

 

Ron McDaniel, Elissa Murry, and Roger Mathis - NEWH Speakers

IDSA Kickoff Meeting Image

IIDA Perkins+Will Event

This event started out as a UNT IIDA tour of Perkins+Will and has grown to include other universities as well. Five sponsors: Armstrong, Maharam, Wolf Gordon, J+J Invision, and Carpenter-Smith Southwest, have all donated $100 each for food and beverages and will be displaying product at Perkins+Will. The interior design staff will give an overview on healthcare design, present projects, talk about sustainability, and give a tour of the firm. It should last 2-3 hours.

The event is Friday, Oct. 2nd: 1:00pm meet & greet, 1:30 presentations. This event is free and open to all interior design students. There is no membership requirement. The RSVP cut-off is this coming Thursday, Feb. 24th. Please RSVP to sbwals@gmail.com

Student Symposium Presented by ASID Texas

Join students from schools all over Texas – as well as some from Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico and Arkansas - at Student Symposium organized by the ASID Texas Chapter and taking place in Dallas on Friday, October 15 & Saturday, October 16, 2010. Main priorities of this event are

• to bring you together to meet established professionals and industry members from the corporate, healthcare, hospitality and residential fields;

• to expose you to aspects of the industry that your busy instructors don't have room to fit into your already packed class schedules;

Find the schedule - which contains a speed charette, a tour of one of Dallas' newest iconic buildings, a design competition, a multi-faceted panel discussion, showroom tours and more - on the fun, information-packed Student Symposium website at http://www.asidtxstudentsymposium.org/

October 1 is deadline for
• Student Design Competition entries
• Student Scholarship applications
• Student Symposium hotel discounts
• Student & Educator Registration

TUTORIAL OPTIONS ON CAMPUS

UNT computer program e-Tutorials (eBooks)
     Microsoft Office 2007 and XP, Excel, Powerpoint
     Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop CS4 and CS5
     http://www.library.unt.edu/ris/quick-reference/computer-program-e-tutorials
     FREE to students, requires EUID and password to access

Union Career Center
     Career advisors
     Career resources
          Resumes and cover letters
          Interviewing (on campus)
          Career exploration
          Internships/co-ops
          Career development checklist
          Job search and application
     List of events held at school related to career
     http://careercenter.unt.edu

International Student
     IELI multimedia lab: 2 labs (instruction and general access), computers equipped with language learning software.
     Special programs: Students and teachers
     http://www.international.unt.edu