Spring 2010

Board Report:
Forums

by Michelle Anderson, LEED AP, IIDA
IIDA Northland Forums Chair;
Nora Lewandowski, Forums Chair Elect

This issue marks the 2009-2010 Boards last update, as July is when our board transitions to the 2010-2011 members and I will pass the torch to Nora Lewandowski, who will do an amazing job as Forums Chair! It has been a pleasure to serve in this board position and an honor to see the amazing talent, dedication and passion that our community has shared with one another through First Mondays and Speciality Forums. Thanks to each of you whom have supported First Mondays Forums by volunteering, hosting, and attending. We value our membership feedback so please fill out the post-forum surveys so that we can continue to offer enriching and educational opportunities.
  
We have been busy at IIDA Northland Forums and want to briefly highlight our recent events and our upcoming Spring Forums.
In January, IIDA Northland Forums toured award-winning Bar La Grassa Restuarant in the historic Tractorworks building in the warehouse district, designed by ESG Architects. Later that month, we conducted our largest NCIDQ Roundtable Discussion, where 50 test-takers gathered to learn about the tips for taking the test and also how to become a Certified Interior Designer after passing the test. Our next NCIDQ Roundtable will be held on July 19th at the Prevolv showroom. Good luck to all taking the exam on April 9th and 10th!

February's Forum brought blizzard conditions, but attendees still weathered the storm to tour the healing environment of the Maple Grove Hospital designed by BWBR Architects. In March, First Mondays traveled to Eden Prairie, where 75 attendees toured the sustainable campus of ADC Telecommunications International Headquarters, designed by HGA Architects.

April is one of our busiest month for Forums. Apirl 8th kicks off the month with the FAB lunch, a round table conversation with this years FAB Jurors. This years esteemed Jurors are Pam Light, FIIDA of HOK Los Angeles, Kelly Bauer of Richard + Bauer Architecture, Phoenix,Arizona and and Iain Thorpe of Haworth. They will be discussing sustainability, the future of design and this years FAB entries. Then on April 12th, First Mondays will tour an innovative LEED Silver Firestation in St. Paul designed by Collaborative Design Group.

May brings an inspirational panel discussion at a Two MarketPointe Tour and Panel Discussion- "Blueprint for Budget" with  BDH&Young, Ryan Companies, CBRE. We'll hear from the interior designers, developer and tenants about building and designing a LEED office building.  Additionally in May, we will have a LEED Round table discussion on May 17th.  This is hosted by GOP and we will have a panel of experts from varies firms, who practice sustainable design speaking about their practices, the new exams and more. This is a great opportunity for understanding the new continuing education requirements and for forming a study group if you have not taken the exam. 
We look forward to seeing you soon!

Upcoming Forums

April 8th, 12:00-1:00pm-FAB Juror Lunch -  Parameters Showroom, Hosted by IIDA Northland, Parameters, Knoll
April 12th, 6pm St.Paul Firestation-LEED Silver
May 3rd 6pm -Two Marketpointe - Tour and Panel Discussion- "Blueprint for Budget" BDH&Young, Ryan Companies, CBRE
June 7th-6pm Target "Beyond the Retail Box" Reggie Reyes Tom Lasley
July 2010 FAB Award Winner- TBD
July 29th-MinneCon Forums with Nick Luzietti-Key note Speaker
Visit www.iida-northland.org for detailed information about upcoming events