IIDA Perspective - Fall/Winter 2012 - 56

Viewpoints

One Chapter, Many Voices
We reached out to members of the IIDA Oregon Chapter—winner of the Chapter of the Year Award—to answer this issue’s question: What’s your favorite material to design with and why? The responses were as varied and engaging as the chapter itself, comprising 260 members and hosting a full calendar of programs, competitions, community-service events, and social outlets— including an annual bowling fundraiser.
“I love IdeaPaint. I mostly work on educational projects, and this wall finish can be written on, allows for design flexibility, and gives classrooms a very modern feel. It’s totally transformed the spaces I’ve used it in—the whole room can become a brainstorming center with impromptu learning opportunities.”
cAsey MArtin, iidA, leed AP, id+c reverie desiGN studio

Got an answer?
In case you’re not already a member, IIDA’s LinkedIn group hosts particularly active discussions on topics ranging from new-business strategies to computer software. Below are some recent queries posed by participants. To read others’ answers—or to weigh in yourself—log in or join the group. “Does anyone know a good program for hospitality specs? Also, a good program that lets you drop in materials, furniture, etc. on room plans?”

“What online portfolio Web sites are you using to promote your projects? I use issuu.com and behance.com.”

“Three-dimensional space: My favorite aspect of every design project is space planning. I love fitting the pieces the client requires into the puzzle of the building. When it works, I feel such a sense of accomplishment.”
AMAliA MoHr, iidA 2011-2012 oreGoN chapter presideNt

“Can anyone recommend the best interior-design software for Macs? I’m looking for one that’s user-friendly but also gives my clients the professional layout they are looking for.”

“I work for a firm that designs a lot of custom details using common building materials—concrete, lumber, metal—in unexpected ways. For example, we designed 25 feet of continuous brake-formed metal display shelving that widened at one end to become the point of sale for a recent retail project. If you have a good fabricator, the possibilities of sheet metal are endless, which makes it a very exciting material.”
Alison MAGuire, iidA iNterior desiGNer, sKylaB architecture

“Wondering how many jobs you’ve received directly from Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest? Please let me know the quantity and which site.”

“I believe wood is the most rewarding material to work with. Whether in a residential or commercial application, it provides the warmth and richness that the built environment needs to make users feel reconnected to nature. As E.O. Wilson states, biopholia is the ‘love of life,’ and wood helps celebrate that attribute. Because of its organic property, wood—whether new or reclaimed—can take on so many uses and forms.”
elizAbetH M. lockWood, iidA, leed AP iNterior desiGNer aNd adJuNct Faculty MeMBer, Marylhurst uNiversity aNd art iNstitute oF portlaNd

“What’s the best way you’ve found to market yourself and your work without spending hundreds of dollars entertaining? What are the most effective ways to connect?”

http://www.issuu.com http://www.behance.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of IIDA Perspective - Fall/Winter 2012