April 21,

Today we had a Photographer (Jerry Blow) to come to class today. I found that there is a lot of work put into producing architectural photographs. One day of architectural photography is usually one scene or client's project, and one day is considered 7-9 hrs. During those hours one is usually studying the scene and them selection a vantage point to capture the image. I also understood that architectural photographers get paid very well ($1500-2500) but, the pay system is very complicated. Once I had the interest of becoming a professional architectural photographer,however, I think I shall leave it on a hobby list. Speaking of a hobby list, as a life lesson to end the semester, when entering the field of design one must remember it is okay to live. Therefore, learn and remember to enjoy life outside of work. Therefore, have a balance between your career life and personal life.

April 14,

The opening of the lecture today was about what is a topping out ceremony and a ground breaking ceremony. It was interesting to know that there are celebrations held when commercial buildings are completed or incomplete but not far from being completed. I have heard of and seen ribbon ceremonies but, a topping out ceremony I have not. However, a topping out ceremony is the celebration of the completion of the steel work of a building. To celebrate a tree may be placed on the top of the building or painting of one beam and then each participant of the ceremony signing it. A ground breaking ceremony is just the opposite of a topping out ceremony. It is the process of digging the first portion of dirt on the plot of land with gold shovel before the building process begins. Other speaking about the ground breaking ceremonies and topping out ceremonies we discussed furniture specifications, bids, and contract administrations. When it comes to furniture specs.It consist of having to communicate with the client and manufacturers. The items that are included in furniture specs. includes:

manufacturer
product finishes
manufacturer item no.
alternates
illustration
fabric
sidemark

Furniture specs. also communicates the location of the product within a project, the quantity and the quality.

There is a process in which a firm must go through to land a project. The process consist of drawing up a contract and bidding on a project. The bidding consist placing a base price as well as, a alternate price of what one will charge for their services to on a particular project. Furthermore, CD' and SD are drawn to give the client an idea of what bidder is capable of doing.

April 7,

Today the class was directed towards more of the technical side of architecture when working in the field. The technicalities that were discussed was the drawings and other items that are produced. One thing for sure I wouldn't want to be a person in the firm that is responsible for writing the technical specifications. The material that is produced in that document is very dry. However, developing specifications for furniture and finishes isn't as bad. However, if one doesn't have the interest of working in an architectural firm environment one have to options either to be a sales representative, interior designer, or product designer,etc.

March 31,

Today as a class we had visitors Cara and Teresa. There both were former students of the Interior Architecture program at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. They spoke on a variety of subjects such as taking the route of furthering education after undergraduate college or going straight into starting a career. However, what stuck with me most was when trying to get a position, one must remain persistent. One can never call too many times, just understand that the business may be in a work slump, meaning that their schedule may be slammed pack and may not have the time to respond to you as soon as you would wish. Therefore, a tip learned was be PATIENT.

February 17,

After completing and maybe working in the field of architecture for a while, one ma consider taking the route of operating their on business. Before opening a business one may sit and write out business plan. Therefore, in this particular class we discuss the making of a business plan, financial management, and marketing. Some of the personal qualities of an entrepreneurs is:

adaptable
imaginative
bold
confident
considerate
passionate
diplomatic
motivated
innovative

There are different levels of ownership. One could be a sole proprietor which is considered the simplest and easiest to form. the license fees are minimal and there is no filing involved with the federal government.
Then there is the general partnership, which in most cases partners come together and bring different skills and experience. However, bad actions of one partner affects the other. Furthermore, it is easy and inexpensive to start. There is limited partners business ownership.There isn't any managing involved and it is more expensive to start. It is also likely that the business may cease if one partner withdraws. Limited liability company is another formation of a business . There are members not partners that are involved everyone's personal assets are protected. The business face liability instead of the members. A shareholder corporation is a legally and financially separate from the ownership members. There are usually complex tax issues. Last but not least there is joint venture business ownership, which temporary businesses venture between 2 persons or firms, neither business loose their identity. This type of business owner ship is put into use when a project is too large for one firm.
Moreover, when developing the business one must build a business plan, which is a documented analysis of how the business should be successful over a period of time. Like an business to become know one must market themselves. One may take the approach of marketing directly or indirectly.

February 10,

As introduced early, the past once must take do become certified is a process. Once again one must gain the proper education, gain experience by working at internships, going through IDEP and then completing the NCIDQ exam. Before this class I had never heard of IDEP but, it is a Interior Design Experience Program that monitors and document experience that is monitored by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) for entry-level interior designers. When preparing to take the NCIDQ exam one should take the interest in setting aside a great deal of money. It cost $1,065 to complete the exam to become certified.

January 27,

As many college student approach graduation their one concern as a design student is landing that first job. Therefore, on January 27, it was discussed where the jobs are and how to land a position. To find that job there are websites in which you may search job listings online, on websites such as, iida.org, career center.aia.org, jobbank.asid.org/jobs and architect.com/jobs. In approach to gaining the job it is nice to send a digital piece of your work as a teaser before actually attending an interview. Then when the day comes for the face to face interview, present a physical copy of your portfolio. It was nice to know as a tip to composing a portfolio, "embrace the white space." When designing a your portfolio may ask what to include. One should include a range of creative work, items that expresses the range of skills, and interest one may have, and there should be a mix of digital and hand work, and academic and professional work. One thing that I found was important to included was process work. Also pages should be balanced, there should be no more that 2 pages designated to each project.

Januray 20,

When I first became interested in the architectural field, my interest was to become an architect. However, as I developed and started to gain a better sense of the architectural world, I found that I would be much happier as a Interior designer.In the class session held on January 20, we discussed the differences between Interior Design and Interior Architecture. Interior Architecture is composed of the disciplines dealing with interior design, architecture and industrial design, whereas, interior design focuses on the disciplines dealing with art,psychology,and the study of textiles. One would list those disciplines due to the fact that interior design is based on the functionality of a space, enhancing the quality of life in the space for the users and aesthetics when choosing the furnishings and finishes. Also during this class session there is process on must go through to become a certified designer. This process consist of getting the proper education, partaking in internships to gain experience and further develop your knowledge, IDEP and taking the NCIDQ exam, which we discussed further on February 10.

Whats in the Future For Me?

As I look deeper into the future of design through the required readings of my Professional Practice class at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), I am becoming aware of many decisions I have to make. A few include what type of firm do I see my self fitting into, what type of designer am I seeking to become, and do I want to be an independent designer or work under other entrepreneurs?

Most of these questions I have answered prior to entering the course. My scope of engagement when seeking a firm would be a Local engagement, so that I will have the capabilities to allow for more personal time for family orientation. However, that decision came through over a three year period in the program but, prior to entering the program or even searching for schools, I wanted to work in a larger firm with a National or Global engagement.I wanted to work in a Global or Nationally engaged firm because of the traveling opportunities. Furthermore, when thinking about my future in design my first intentions were to be a residential designer. Although, that design avenue remains my primary focus, I have also become open to small commercial designing opportunities.

There is more to worry about when becoming an interior designer other than working under others or going local or nationally etc. The first focus is creating an eye catching resume and portfolio that sets you apart from others. The organization of your portfolio as well as your resume is important as well. The work and or experiences presented in the items should be relative to the position in which you are applying. Therefore, one must not go into an interview with no knowledge of the business. It is great to ask questions at the end of every interview it is a way of showing your interest in the job and your capabilities to do research as well.

Moreover, whereas there are unlicensed or uncertified designers in today's society, it is becoming popular for states to require licenses or some type of certification. Therefore, the days of being a private designer or working for a firm without the proper accreditation is coming to an end. The National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is VERY important to future designers as well as those who already has a little establishment in the design field. The NCIDQ is a examination to examine the knowledge of each aspiring designer. However, before taking the exam education is also an important portion as well. Nevertheless, while obtaining the education and taking the NCIDQ, having a passion, creativity and motivation for design are assets above all to be a successful designer.

For Future Preparation

Although, this class will help in guiding you towards making a great resume to help market yourself, I went a little bit further as to partake in a resume building workshop. This workshop was presented by a career services representative at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. It was held in the Bryan School of Business on January 25, 2011.

Perception of Class

From the few classes that we have had thus far into the semester, my thoughts are evolving as to what direction I would like to take in the near future. The class is very informative as to getting us prepared for the professional world. So far we were asked to prepare a cover letter, resume and a sample portfolio; these items have always been an anxiety of mine. Although, I think I have done well with my preparation of the items in a short time period, I am sure there is more I need to learn and I am open to learning new strategies to make them better.

Moreover, in the class we have also had the chance to take a sample test which was a section of the NCIDQ exam. Although, it was only a sample run to give us a feel of the NCIDQ exam it also brought anxiety but, it was a great experience. I'm looking forward to whats in-store in the future of this class I see so many benefits coming out of this class.