Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

AIA Dallas Tour of Homes

AIA Dallas Tour of Homes
November 6th and 7th
10am to 5pm

$25 for full tour - 8 homes.
$10 for individual homes
Tickets may also be purchased (CASH ONLY) at the homes the weekend of the tour.

Tour at your leisure by choosing route and pace.
Visit http://www.hometourdallas.com/ for a list of homes and map.

If you have additional questions, please contact the AIA Dallas chapter office at 214.742.3242.

DSO/Dallas City Living Tour

The City Living Tour designer show house, on the 18th floor of The House in Victory Park, is a new fall 2010 fund raiser benefiting the Dallas Symphony’s education and community engagement programs.

In addition to ten days of tours, The House Residents’ Lounge and Pool and the 18th Floor will be the scenes of public and private parties, demonstrations, and seminars. And the City Living Tour On-Line Auction will add to the excitement.

October 29th-November 7th

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit CityLivingTourDallas.com

HGTV CASTING FOR "ID PROFESSIONALS"

Are you a talented, yet undiscovered interior design talent who is dying to have your own design television show? This is your chance. HGTV and High Noon entertainment are currently casting a new series and searching for an interior design industry innovator who has the personality and skill to host a television show. We are not casting for a competition series! If your design sensibility is fresh and unique, and you have the kind of fun, charismatic, easygoing and credible yet friendly persona that video cameras love, then please email us asap: you name, age, blurb about you, what you do, CURRENT picture, contact phone number and if possible photos of your work. You must be working either full time or part time as a designer and be passionate about your work. Please email: castingtvnow@gmail.com

Charrette -

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Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Plan to attend METROCON10

Plan to attend METROCON10 – the largest design-related regional expo and conference in the USA. The premier two-day event will take place at Dallas Market Hall [2200 Stemmons Freeway] on Thursday, August 12 & Friday, August 13, 2010.

METROCON is a resourceful alliance: a tradeshow and convention organized through landmark volunteer collaboration between the Texas Chapter of ASID [American Society of Interior Designers] and the Texas / Oklahoma Chapter of IIDA [International Interior Design Association].In a determined effort to strengthen the design community, these two organizations have joined forces and pooled resources to offer the best in exhibitors and continuing education to their members and beyond.

METROCON focuses on introducing the latest in products and innovative ideas to the Southwest region’s community of interior designers, architects, design students and other essential industry members. All conference information – as well as exhibitor, tradeshow, continuing education, and event registration – is available through this official website. Updates to the site will be added as new information becomes available, so check back often.

More information: http://www.metrocon.info/index.php

Join us for a movie night!

August 2010 Membership Event

You are receiving this invitation because your company is a proud member of the Business Council for the Arts. Please share this invitation with other employees in your company. Thank you and we hope to see you at our August membership event!

Where:
Dallas Center for Architecture

1909 Woodall Rodgers Frwy.
Suite 100
Dallas, TX 75201
Driving Directions

When:
Wednesday August 11, 2010
from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Add to my calendar

Frank Lloyd Wright's Buffalo
This film tells the story of the long friendship of architect Frank Lloyd Wright and Buffalo businessman Darwin Martin-and the architecture that was created as a result, including the Larkin Administration Building, the Darwin Martin Estate, and the Martin Summer Home, Graycliff.

Come early at 6:00 p.m. for a special opening reception of the Elsewhere, TX exhibition

The Elsewhere, TX exhibition features significant architectural projects completed after the year 2000 in Texas and beyond--some of which may have been overlooked by publications or design awards. The projects are located outside of Houston and were designed by architects whose practices are based outside of Houston as well.Admission is a $10 donation (at the door) to the Dallas Center for Architecture (includes opening reception and refreshment during the movie)

RSVP Required
Please RSVP by August 8th by clicking on the link below -->
RSVP Now!

Don't forget to invite your colleagues from your company to this event.
Thank you for your interest and hope to see you at our August 2010 Membership Event.

Sincerely,
Business Council for the Arts
businesscouncilforthearts@ntbca.org
972-991-8300

Friday, May 21, 2010

Interior Design Expert Panel

Thank you to all who attended our first Interior Design Expert Panel Discussion on May 11th. Nine industry experts talked about the realities of the Interior Design world and what it's going to take to break into the industry.

Panelists included:
Beth Anderson of Herman Miller
Heather Bethea of Bernhardt Design + Bernhardt Textiles
Wendy Lee Mancha (AiD Alum) of DESIGN Duncan Miller Ullman
Kaye A. McCallum of INTERPRISE
Laura McDonald Stewart of PLiNTH & CHiNTZ
Tracy M. Rasor of Dallas Design Group Interiors & Leslie Taylor Showroom
Jena Tiedeman (AiD Alum) of Jena Tiedeman Designs
Stacy Vestal-Elliston (AiD Alum) of RDH & Associates
Cherrie Wysong of Gensler



Kaye McCallum, Vice President of INTERPRISE



Laura McDonald Stewart shares some valuable information

If you are interested in learning more about these industry experts, handouts are available on the 'take one' stand located outside of the Career Services Office on the 5th floor.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Hospitatlity Design Expo & Conference (Las Vegas, NV) - May 19th-21st

ABOUT THE SHOW:

2010 Hospitality Design Exposition & Conference (HD Expo)
Presented by: Hospitality Design
May 19-21, 2010
Sands Expo & Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
The Center of Design and Innovation

As a hospitality professional you are looking for opportunities to turn today's challenges into tomorrow's solutions. Attend HD Expo, the premier industry event of its kind, where you can examine tools, products and services to remain successful in our changing economy and network with leaders in the hospitality industry.

The 2010 Hospitality Design (HD) event is the one-stop resource for the ever-changing and evolving world of hospitality design. With over 900 world-leading exhibitors, HD captures the energy of our dynamic industry.

Hospitality Design Student Day: May 21, 2010. Includes ASID Career Exchange and Student Forum. - FREE for Students! It's a fun event that’s worth attending if students can make it.

HD EXPO provides legendary speakers and conference sessions to motivate you, innovative new products and services to inspire you and cutting-edge ideas to help you stay on the forefront of the creative landscape. 2010 HD Expo is your best resource for today and tomorrow.

More than 900 exhibitors: A mix of manufacturers and artisans of hospitality products and services benefit from the most comprehensive resource for the latest trends, innovations and services you need to over come your design challenges

LU/CEU accredited, peer-based conference sessions

Networking events which connect you to the wider hospitality design industry

Thursday, April 29, 2010

AT&T Performing Arts Center Tour

Interiors Networking Council (I.N.C.) is hosting a tour to the AT&T Performing Arts Center...

Thursday, June 3rd
11:30am-1:30pm
See poster below for more information:



Wednesday, April 28, 2010

A+D Career Management Group Event May 6th!

Don't miss this opportunity...

Rising unemployment rates in the architecture and design industries has prompted CareerConnection’s Architecture+Interior Design Group to take action by hosting the 2nd Professional Showcase on Thursday, May 6, 2010, from 6:00pm to 8:30pm, at the International on Turtle Creek, in the heart of the downtown design district.A current estimate of the unemployment rate among DFW architecture and design professionals is a staggering 48%. The Architecture + Interior Design Professional Showcase will provide an opportunity for under-employed and “pre-employed” individuals seeking careers in these fields to acquire some one-on-one time with HIRING FIRMS and other professionals in their chosen field. Hosting showrooms will feature prominent industry leaders and new product lines.Persons interested in attending the event will participate in a “meet and greet” with top DFW architecture and interior design firms and a resume review booth will be open for interested jobseekers! “Our industry continues to see a very slow recovery, but we remain optimistic that the latter part of 2010 will see more building and development thus prompting firms to require additional staff,” said Mechele Rittenberry, member of the Leadership Committee of the A+D Professional Showcase event “The May 6th Professional Showcase marks our second initiative to promote and assist Architects and Design Professionals with their job search.” For more information on CareerConnection and the A+D Career Management Group, please visit www.careerconnection.org or contact Lisa Miller, Executive Director, at (214) 739-7153 and Mechele Rittenberry at (469) 556.4913). CareerConnection is a nonprofit organization hosted by Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church.
Be a volunteer!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Interior Design Expert Panel:

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Architects, Designers Facing 48% Unemployment Rate

Mechele Rittenberry always dreamed of creating the downtown Dallas skyline, but 14 months ago she was laid off from her job as an interior designer. At the time Rittenberry had just completed a project at The House, a new high-rise housing project just north of the Woodall Rogers Freeway.

"It's frightening," says Rittenberry. "You wonder where's my paycheck going? How much savings do I have. I should have saved more."

Rittenberry and Commercial Interior Designer Ernesto Miranda formed a support group for the hundreds of architects, designers, and project developers who have lost their jobs since the recession began. Figures vary, but experts estimate there is about a 48% unemployment rate for these individuals and about 500 people in North Texas who are looking for full-time work in these professions.

The A+D Career Management Group meets every Friday at 10am and locations vary, based on where they can get space donated. The group is planning a "Professional Showcase" where about 400 people will be able to meet with top level executives of design firms. The names of those firms is not being released.

Architect Bill Arnquist has been free lancing for the last year. "I had work that came to me that allowed me to work for myself and to be able to do projects that kept me from having to look for work every week" says Arnquist, who attends the support group meetings.

Tom Lamson is an Executive Recruiter for Babich and Associates. He specializes in finding work for architects, designers, engineers, people in construction and property development. Lamson says the layoffs have been devastating in this industry and some of the most well-respected companies are trying to find new projects. "They started with making cuts that were, in some cases, necessary," says Lamson, "and it's built to a point where they're cutting their most valued employees."

Those who still have jobs work long hours, Lamson says. "One of the biggest ironies now is that the people who are still employed are overworked. They're working 60, 70 hour weeks at percentage cuts."

But Lamson says there are signs that new projects are on the horizon. He says banks are now starting to lend money and executives of architectural firms are beginning to get excited about future projects, but it could be another year or two before the unemployment rate is significantly reduced. And the more time that passes, Lamson believes those with the most experience may enter other fields of work.

Lamson says those involved in the A+D Career Management Group are doing exactly what they should by networking, discussing leads and training one another in the newest technological advances.

"You can't isolate yourself and expect the job board to come to you" says Rittenberry. "We're optimistic."

Click here for more information about the A+A Career events.

Stephanie Lucero DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21)

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Don't miss our Workshops -

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Small Houses: Design for Uncluttered Living -

McMansions may become the dinosaurs of the housing industry as small houses begin to trend big. As Americans try to live simpler, small spaces are big winners, with some even choosing to live in houses the size of some walk-in closets.

Industry professionals say the trend is tied to the downturn in the economy as well as a desire for a less cluttered lifestyle that can benefit the environment.
“We are seeing a trend toward more economical homes, energy-efficient homes,” says Michele Boggs, Interior Design Instructor at The Art Institute of Indianapolis. “Since foreclosures have been high, you are seeing people get back to what they really can afford and abandoning the concept of keeping up with the Joneses.”

Among the FDIC’s facts on foreclosure: every three months, 250,000 families enter foreclosure; and 43% of American households spend more than they earn annually.
“People are finding that living simply is actually a luxury,” says Jay Shafer, founder and designer of Tumbleweed Tiny House Company. “Paying a debt for 30 years is not the great thing it’s been touted as. The easiest way I’ve found to be free is to live simply.”

Shafer is one of the people opting to live in a smaller home. His company offers ready-made homes — or plans to build them — in two categories: tiny houses and small houses. The tiny houses range from 65 to 140 square feet and small houses are a little larger. The tiny houses are on wheels and can be used pretty much anywhere, or placed on an RV. All tiny houses and small houses have kitchens and bathrooms.

“The trend was going bigger for quite a few decades until a couple of years ago when things peaked and for the first time in many decades things did get smaller,” Shafer says. “I think the days of bigger for bigger’s sake are probably over. It seems like the emperor has been spotted.”

According to the National Association of Home Builders, median square footage for a new construction home in the United States declined for two consecutive years after peaking in 2006 at 2,237 square feet. Contemporary homes still are a lot bigger than they used to be -- the 2008 median of 2,224 dwarfs 1978’s median of 1,650. But there are reasons to think new homes will continue to get smaller.

The National Association of Realtors found that in 2009, the number of first-time home buyers reached the highest market share on record. For total home sales, the number of first-time buyers was 47%, up from 41% the previous year.

“There are a lot of first-time home buyers in the market right now,” Boggs agrees. “They have less to spend, but still want a great home, with better options. Builders are offering smaller plans with more upgrade options.”

Some might assume that the lack of options are one of the downsides of living in small houses, but Shafer and others say that’s not true. Small houses can have more personality than the recently popular McMansions.

John Raabe is owner and designer of CountryPlans homes, with a website that supports home owners, designers, and buyers with smaller home plans and building ideas. He says the classic, smaller homes are ideal for updating and redesigning because they provide a simple structure and the basics for a living space.

“Large mega houses are often not so much an expression of personality as ego,” he adds. “The ego expressed may be that of the builder or owner — in a McMansion — or the architect. It is actually harder to build a large house with warmth and personality.”

Small houses and spaces can still present some design challenges, especially with interior design and decorating. Boggs says that small home buyers must maximize their space – a challenge that qualified interior designers can handle. There are also designers who specialize in creating furniture pieces that decrease clutter, making them perfect for small houses.

Verena Lang, founder of Ivydesign, designed a table that doubles as a wall mirror or picture frame. She says she wanted to create a piece that could provide more than one function.

“The main intention was to create something useful with a young and fresh spirit, something that people can individualize,” she adds. “It is important to [think] about things you might find in almost every apartment and things everybody needs like a bed, a table, chairs, a closet, a door for example.”

But even with the recent changes, will buyer tastes flip again and return to the bigger-is-better sentiment? Boggs thinks small spaces are here to stay.

“I think buyers are going to be smarter and more experienced on their design decisions, which will result in smaller, more organized homes,” she predicts. “Spaces will be used more efficiently and the trend will continue to evolve for less formal spaces within a home.”

Monday, February 22, 2010

MeetUp.com

Have you heard about MeetUp?

It is a great online resource to find groups, organizations, happy hours, etc. with people in your industry! MeetUp today!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Job Opening for an Interior Design student!

Showroom Assistant Intern needed. Learning all aspects on how a showroom runs. memo filing, putting together schemes, some merchandising, learning our products. unpaid, but offers great experience. For a Designer showroom in Dallas selling fabrics, furniture,
rugs, lighting, hardware, bedding and wallpaper.
To apply, email your resume to Betty Danielson at betty.danielson@kravet.com

Thursday, February 4, 2010

"Me 2.0"


Check out "ME 2.0: Build a Powerful Brand To Achieve Career Success" by
Dan Schawbel
#1 Career Book for 2009 - New York Post

It was an honor to have him speak on a conference call that I was a part of today. Dan Schawbel is profound and inspiring! I highly recommend you go to your nearest bookstore and buy this book.

Some highlights from the book include:

- A proven 4-step process for building a powerful brand (discover, create, communicate, maintain).
- Tips on using social media tools for personal empowerment, confidence building, and professional networking in order to attract jobs directly to you, without applying!
- Tested advice on how to create an online and offline presence for career protection and self-promotion.

Bottom line: This is the handbook for surviving and thriving in the digital age

Monday, January 25, 2010

Playing the Game

Check out this great article from PLiNTH & CHiNTZ about 'playing the game' in order to get a job in the Interior Design industry.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Attention March 2010 Graduates!!


All March 2010 Graduates Must Attend GRADFEST!

Monday, February 15th in the Chef's Gallery.
Stop by anytime between 1pm-6pm.
  • Graduation cermony information
  • Career Consultation Sign-Up
  • Cap & Gown Sizing
  • Class Ring Rep
  • Cake!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

How to Find a Job in Interior Design

By Kerry Fletcher ASID

There are many places that people with interior design degrees can work. This article will help you find a job by listing a few places to search for employment.

Look online for interior design and architecture firms in your area. Even if they do not say that they are hiring, send a resume anyways (preferably by email instead of fax so you are earth friendly and not wasting paper). You never know if they may call you for employment. Try to address it to a particular person instead of the general mailbox.

Step 2
Contact large commercial furniture dealers in your area about employment opportunities. The dealers hire designers as salesmen and as systems furniture layout designers. This job requires people who have a high attention to detail.

Step 3
Contact your university to see if they have any employment leads. Many graduates still keep in touch with their professors and ask for help when they have a job opening. Your professors might also have other tips for finding a job that have worked for other students.

Step 4
Contact large companies who have their own facilities department for employment opportunities. The facilities department works with architects, furniture manufacturers, and other people to create pleasing workplaces for their employees. This job allows you to work as a client of interior designers. You will get to know many people and expand your professional network which will help during your next job search.

Step 5
Contact large production home builders who have their own design department to see if they have any job openings. The design department helps people who are purchasing a new home select items such as flooring, countertops, and cabinets. This job will probably require you to work weekends.

Step 6
Look online at ASID, IFMA, NEWH, AIA, and IIDA websites. They may list employment opportunities. Also contact your local offices to ask about local companies who may have job openings and if you can leave your resume.

Step 7
Contact furniture, fabric, and kitchen & bath showrooms to see if they have any employment opportunities. They employ salesmen, product display professionals, and window dressers.

Step 8
Get a headhunter. Headhunters will meet with you to determine what you are looking for in a job and help find employment opportunities for you. Headhunters are paid by the company who hires you and they do not get paid unless you get a job.

Step 9
Contact a temp agency about getting temporary employment at an architecture or interior design firm. This will enable you to get your foot in the door and you will have something to put on your resume. Even if you are answering the phones instead of designing, it will help you get a feel for the environment and learn about the design business.

Step 10
Go to as many design related social events as possible. Tell EVERYONE that you are looking for a job. The best person to talk to at social events is the manufacturer's representatives (people who sell products that designers use, such as paint, carpet, wallpaper, etc) because they know almost everyone and can help by telling you if they hear that someone is hiring. Make sure you give them your information so they can get back to you if they hear about a job opening.

Step 11
Consider offering yourself for free as an intern for 6 weeks. This will help you get your foot in the door, give you something to put on your resume in the employment section, and enable you to learn about the design business. Interns are often hired on full time after their internship is over.

Step 12
Look online at as many employment websites as possible. You may find an employment opportunity on these sites and you should post your resume if that feature is offered. Don't forget to look for jobs that might not be in your area but may allow you to work from home.

Step 13
While looking for a job, this may be a perfect opportunity for you to get more schooling in interior design. Perhaps you want to finish your interior design degree or get a masters degree in order to teach at a college level. There are many options for schooling, including online courses.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4679336_job-interior-design.html