Guest Speaker- Deborah Ogden

Last week, Deb Ogden who serves on the IDEX task force from the California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) came as a guest speaker to our class.  I was so impressed with how informative she was and it really opened my eyes to what certifications I should be working towards getting in the future.  Especially after her presentation I think it is really important to differentiate yourself to potential clients and being able to label yourself as a Certified Interior Designer is a great way to do that.  The IDEX has definitely been entered into my "big goals box."

I have recently decided to change my education path.  I decided to work towards obtaining my AA degree in Interior Design from CCSF instead of transferring.  I attended the Fashion Institute in Los Angeles and received my AA in Visual Communications.  After countless discussions with my parents, mentors and friends I came to the conclusion that I am ready to jump into the real world and put myself to work!

What Do Architects Do? Perceptions, Myths, & Reality.

"Architecture is the process and product of planning, designing, and construction, usually of buildings and other physical structures."

The word Architecture is used in many different ways today.  From the general term of a physical structure, to the design of landscapes, and even to information technology systems

People have numerous perceptions of what architects do.  Many people think architects sit at a desk all day drawing plans.  Architecture is much more involved than that.  Architects and designers need to be connected with not only the building they are designing but the space where it will be built.  Connecting with the environment where you are building is extremely important.  In simple terms, you wouldn't build an igloo in Hawaii or a thatched roof in Alaska.  

The surrounding environment takes a huge role in successful architecture.   When Amily was discussing the work of Rick Joy, an Arizona architect, she said something that really resonated with me.  "What does this site want this building to be?"  This pertains to a "site visit"- where an architect or designer goes to the site and takes in the surroundings/nature/views giving them a sense of what they should design.  

Architects and designers also must be very involved with their clients.  They are building this space for someone else and need to find out their dreams and needs for the project.  If it is a home the designer should find out where the client spends their time and which rooms in the home they use most.