IIDA Perspective - Fall/Winter 2016 - 44

The Next Generation's Mark

MY LEIGH HUFFORD, Student IIDA, says her
generation of designers is altering the future
of commercial interior design in one major
way: by placing equal importance on all of the
surfaces in a space.
"We see the reception desk as just as important as the
wall behind it," says Hufford, who graduated from Philadelphia
University in 2016 and is a newly employed designer at global
architecture, design, and engineering firm NELSON, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, USA. "It's not just about building an office; it's about
making that office an expression of the brand and the people who work
there. And to do that, every single surface has to matter."
Hufford, who was named the 2016 IIDA Student of the Year, warns that
technology and social media, including Pinterest and Instagram, may actually be
holding some young designers back.
"We can get so caught up trying to build the greatest looking 3D model that it
becomes more about mastering a computer program and less about the design
itself," she says.
Rather than letting virtual reality limit their creativity, Hufford says
young designers can learn more by using their hands.
"It's quick and easy to draw a sketch," she says. "We can all
benefit from getting back to basics." -Meredith Landry

Creating Space for the Caregiver

hile the patient experience continues to be front and
center for healthcare organizations, many are putting a
greater emphasis on staff-centric designs, says SUZEN L.
HEELEY, IIDA, LEED AP, executive director, design and
construction, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York,
USA. In the United States in particular, a shortage of qualified nurses is fueling
designs that will attract and retain talent, she says.
"An important design consideration we've been integrating into our environments is
dedicated 'off-stage' space for staff," Heeley says.
Memorial Sloan Kettering recently completed a prototype called The Loft that includes a market café, collaboration spaces, quiet
locations for alone time, areas for education, and communal lounges.
"That truly sends a message to staff that we care about them," she says. "After all, if an employee feels supported, engaged, and happy in
their work, this transmits to the patient. It's a win-win." -Tegan Jones

WHAT'S YOUR GO-TO SOURCE
FOR NEXT-LEVEL TRENDS?
"Instagram. I follow fashion feeds,
designers, photographers, movers and
shakers ... [They] all inspire me."
-SUZEN L. HEELEY, IIDA, LEED
AP, executive director, design and
construction, Memorial Sloan Kettering
Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA

perspective

iida.org/perspective

"A designer can't sit behind closed
doors. They have to see with their
own eyes how people work in the
real world." -BEN WATSON,
Ind. IIDA, executive creative director,
Herman Miller, New York,
New York, USA

"A lot of people complain about
conventions, but they're a great way
to learn about what others are doing.
When you're held captive in a seminar or
forum, you're able to share information
and hear information shared by
peers and industry leaders, and that's
invaluable." -DINA GRIFFIN, IIDA, AIA,
NOMA, president, Interactive Design
Architects, Chicago, Illinois, USA

http://www.iida.org/perspective

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of IIDA Perspective - Fall/Winter 2016