Student Roundtable

Students have a lot of energy and great ideas!  This was the case at the first Student Roundtable Discussion that was held at Innovative Furniture Solutions in St. Paul on Wednesday, July 25, 2007. 

Participants from left to right:  Katie Kaiser-U of M student, Jennifer Lindgren-IIDA board member, Allison Johnson-U of M student, Brittany Heinz-U of M graduate, Megan Gorden-IIDA board member, Mandi Zanski-U of M student.

IIDA Northland Board members, Megan Gorden, Jennifer Lindgren, and LuAnne Zilka got together with students and recent graduates from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus to get their ideas on what they would like to see in an IIDA student group.  In attendance were students and recent graduates from the University of Minnesota Allison Johnson, Brittany Heinz, Erin Knutte, and Mandi Zanski.

The students and recent graduates had non-stop ideas on what would be beneficial for them from an IIDA student group.  Among some of the suggestions for special student events were:

• Practical education such as presentations from reps in the industry on pricing, quality of product, when to use certain products and in what application.
• Portfolio reviews
• Tours of hip projects by the lead designer and the array of others that were instrumental to the success of the project.  This could include the contractors, architects, lighting designers, furniture dealerships, etc.
• Charette experience – include professionals to judge the event
• Panel discussions with lighting designers, graphic designers, exhibit designers, retail designers, etc.
• What happens after the drawings go out?  Process of construction administration, change orders, etc.
  

IIDA Northland Chapter is in the process of planning a variety of 4 events during the school year developed for students that would compliment their formal interior design education.  These events would be free to all student IIDA members.  Non-members would pay a nominal fee.  The events would be open to all design students from any college or university.

Just a reminder that all IIDA student members and non-members are welcome at all IIDA events.  There is typically one event per month that is either an industry event or a fundraiser.