YOU CHOOSE: DESIGN ORGANIZATIONS STUDENTS SHOULD JOIN

I am a great testimony as to why joining a design association is a must as a student. We receive many opportunities that will help our careers before we graduate. I am apart of ASID (Student REP-GA) and NEWH. I make it a point to get my name out there and attend all beneficial events. I've had job opportunities already just by networking with professionals in organizations.  Do you need help deciding who to join and why? I'm here to give you a little help. You can join more then one organization and go to all there events or meetings. 

1. ASID

American Society of Interior Designers

One of the top design associations in America. ASID offers many benefits to students who are members. This associations offers professional credibility, networking with other students. design leaders, and your future employers. Not to mention awesome events! ASID's events serves specialty hors d'ouvres and wine LOL. ASID national has a great deal for student membership. Join for $85, stay a member your entire college career! If you are in GA, I am your student rep this year. YAY! 

2. IIDA

International Interior Design Association

Another great association that offers great benefits for students. IIDA offers many resources we need as students for educational and professional development that may not be available on campus. IIDA has great events that are fresh, young, and helpful to the environment (Zero landfill event- I love it). They have a student mentoring program, where you are paired with a industry professional for shadowing for a day. Who wouldn't want that? 

3. NKBA

National Kitchen and Bath Association

Are you interested in specializing in kitchen and bath? NKBA is the association for you. I hear about NKBA every other week. They have events, students days, and they are hands on for students. Students members receive free or discounted kitchen and bath design software like 20-20 and Chief Architect. What?? NKBA offers FREE membership to students studying in design and building fields! You can check out NKBA website for internships and jobs.

4. GAIDP

Georgia Alliance of Interior Design Professionals

If you are a student in Georgia, the GAIDP is a must to be apart of. The GAIDP is a not for profit legislative coalition of Interior Designers in the state of Georgia. Being a member, you will provide funding for a lobbyist at the state capitol to serve as a voice and to look out for the interior design community. Be a voice for the design industry that you love! GAIDP offers free admission or discounted events and CEU's.

With the many options students have to join an organization it doesn't make it easy but students have great options. Do your research and make the best decision for you and the design path you want to take.   

BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT

MEET ROBIN WILSON

I am such a fan of Robin Wilson.! Robin is an interior designer, author, and is an expert of designing a healthy home. Robin Wilson Home is located in New York City. Robin Wilson Home was founded in 2000 and works on certain projects throughout the United States. With a commitment to helping asthma and allergy suffers, that hit home for me because I have both asthma and bad allergies. I fell in love with Robin's ideas, commitment, and success to the design industry through her niche. I've meet Robin Wilson at the African American Top 20 event and she gave me the best advice as a student and future business woman. With her personal struggle with asthma and allergies, Robin has a passion for clean design that will help clients live a hypoallergenic lifestyle. Her healthy outstanding collection includes furniture, pillow, comforters, and bedding that's sold nationwide. As seen in many publications, Queen Boss on Centric TV, HGTV, and LX-TV Open House. WOW.! Robin Wilson is so great and I look up to her so much. 

Check out Robin Wilson Home website.!!

HOW TO WRITE THE PERFECT THANK YOU LETTER

In the world of technology- text messages, emails, Instagram, and all in between, we have cut down the interpersonal connection with another human. As you move up the career ladder there will be few people that will help you along the way, you should show appreciation and send a thoughtful "thank you." Phone calls and emails- both can get the job done. BUT a handwritten thank you note says a lot more.

Sending a thank you letter is like sending out good karma. When you meet designers, vendor reps, or business professionals you should thank them for their time and great advice. The point of a thank you letter is to show appreciation for help or a gift. Also, people will remember you, which will help for when you are looking for a job. Keep it short and sweet. Express why you are thanking the person and what they have done for you. Here are 5 tips on "How To Write The Perfect Thank You Letter":
                         

Kate Spade Thank You Card Set

1. Be Creative- Show the person you have style and importance. Invest in quality card stock with a beautiful design and fancy envelope. Who wouldn't feel special by receiving a beautiful envelope in the mail? 

2. Greetings- State who you are and how you know them. Ex. "Hi Ms.Smith, This is Ashleigh from Gwinnett Technical College, we spoke at our Career Day on Thursday."  

3. Give Details- Start with the two most important words: Thank You. If they gave you advice, tell them how much it meant to you and how it will change your life for the better. If you received a gift, tell them how much you love it and how you will use the gift. Ex. "Thank you so much for giving our class those USB drives, this will help me with my future class projects." 

4. Keep It Short- Short and sweet.! Don't lose your thoughtfulness by being wordy. Be concise and know exactly what you want to say. Write a rough draft of your thank you letter so you wont run-off and talk about unnecessary things. 

5. Time- Try to send your thank you letter ASAP. Don't wait two weeks to a month to say thank you. Give your self a week or less. 

Show sincerity, send a thank you letter with purpose. Show another human that you appreciate them for even the little things they do. You never know, you may be rewarded for that little gesture.

CAREER SPECIALIZATION AND YOU.!

Are you a freshman in college? Are you a senior? If you are like me, you are in your last semester in school and now you are going through what I call "The Phase of Uncertainty." Are you trying to figure out where you want to go in Interior Design? From the Materials class to all the Design Studios, we have had our experiences of what we like and don't like. I have classmates/friends that say flat out NO to commercial design (LOL they'll see).

I am here to help you filter through the decision box and give you a few options of specializations in interior design. If you are a freshman, this list can get your mind flowing of what ID has to offer.

Residential Design: Residential deals with the private living spaces of others, single-family homes, also other types of private residences.

Commercial Design: Commercial deals with the design of public spaces, such as offices, hotels, hospital, restaurants, and so much more.
Commercial Design Specialties: 

• Facility Planning
• LEED Specialist 
• Professional Offices: Law, Advertising, Real Estate, Banks, Trading Centers
• Healthcare: Hospital, Nursing Homes, Veterinary Clinics, Dental Suites
• Hospitality and Recreation: Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Casinos, Amusement Park Facilities, Set Design(Movies/TV)
• Retail: Malls, Showrooms, Gift Shops in Hotels/Airports
• Education: College/Universities, Day Care Centers, Church and Other Religious Facilities 
• Transportation: Airports, Boats/Ships, Train Stations

Facility Planners are part of the facility management department, which is responsible for the physical plant, the building and systems. 

Lighting Designers continually learn about new products, science of lighting, and design application. 

Sustainable Designers focus on sustainable design, they help clients and developers of commercial buildings and home owners to focus on the environment through design. 

Journalism designers who love to write can find a position in journalism. They can write for a newspaper, magazine, or do a documentary. Why not serve as a design critic?

Professional Renderers clients and many designers continue to use renderings to relate the design concept. Are you skilled in perspectives, CAD, or even Roomstyler? You may be hired by a large firm or even become a freelance renderer.

Its so many roads that Interior Design offers. Research, experience, and you'll find what you love.