Atlanta Trip

In professional practice this semester, the class had the opportunity to visit design firms and various showrooms in Atlanta. This was a great experience that allowed us to tour firms and enlighten us with basic knowledge of the design industry. It also enabled us see different size firms and how each firm varies in terms of size. We got to visit the Interface Flor Showroom, TVS Design, Gensler, Cooper Carry, Herman Miller Showroom and ASD Design Firm. This opportunity was very beneficial to students before applying for jobs and entering the professional world. I found it amazing how design school and working in a firm parallel in so many ways. The same process and the same strategies are utilized in a school environment as well as a work environment. I now feel more confident and prepared when job searching, I believe the professors in the Interior Architecture department have familiarized us well with the professional world.

assignment 4.0 Networking Event: reflection

The requirements for this project were to attend two professional networking events within the Piedmont Triad, or surrounding areas. I attended a lecture presented by the NC Triad Chapter of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association and a lecture series sponsored by The Antique and Design Center at the High Point Furniture Market. At the first event, Jack Davis, Dean of Architecture at Virginia Tech, presented innovative strategies that the architecture program at VA Tech values. The second event was very beneficial and allowed for many networking connections. The speaker talked about the importance of social media and its relevance to design professionals. Both events were insightful as a future designer.

assignment 3.0 Group Marketing Project : reflection

The group marketing project was assigned to give us an insight on firm-oriented marketing strategies. It allowed us to get a basic understanding of the requirements necessary when marketing for a design firm. Mock firms were created and the students were assigned a firm. Included in this project was a branding document with graphic and logo, business cards for firm partners, a brochure explaining the basics of the firm, organizational charts, a business plan, firm summary document and a You Tube video introducing firm members. This enabled us get experience in a collaborative work environment and recognize the importance of good marketing strategies.

assignment 3.0 : group marketing package

i was responsible for creating business cards for each team member attending the competition in chicago, below is an image of the front and back of the business cards

first iteration | front:

first iteration | back:second iteration | front:

second iteration | back:

assignment 5.0 Research Paper: reflection

This assignment asked us to research a relevant issue that interests us in the design world. Because sustainability is a practice which every designer should exercise, I chose to research and propose the importance of sustainability. I focused on a variety of important aspects including natural energy, materialization, LEED accreditation, recycling and the benefits of sustainable design. This assignment allowed us to gain knowledge in a aspect of design which we were interested in knowing more about. This paper introduced me to new ideas which I can adopt in future projects.

assignment 2.0 Self Marketing : reflection

Creating a self marketing package is a crucial step before becoming a professional, or before putting yourself on the job market. This assignment gave us a thorough understanding of the major marketing materials needed to sell yourself to potential employers. We were to generate a portfolio, resume, cover letter, and leave behind. It allowed us to recognize the importance of self marketing package and gave us an understanding of the primary elements which need to be included when developing a portfolio.

phase IV