Bio

I always had a knack for creativity since grade school.  I felt a little lost when it came time to prepare myself for college, not sure if there was a school out there for me to be able to hone in on my creativity.  I did some research and founc out there were colleges out there that applied to my intrests.  I decided to give the Art Institute of Tampa a try and was ambitious to get involoved with the Institute as a student of Interior Design.  I started my new life as a student in 2007,egger to gain the knowledge and experience to become a proffessional designer.  I have been educated to use the skills to become an Interior Designer, to push past the envelope to start a career in this creative field.  I want to make an impact on society to show how design can change not only a space, but change the person that they become within that space.  I want to be able to open peoples eyes to show then how they caon live and iteract within their environment due to design.  By doing this I will hope to achieve and create a beautiful and healthy environment, where people can live and aprreciate the true meaning of design.

HGTV

When it comes to HGTV people are misconstrued about what really goes on in those shows.  They think it is as easy as 1, 2, 3.  They don't really know what happens behind the scenes as far as construction and design.  Sure I like to watch Design on a Dime or Design to Sell, but give me a break!  Do people think that this is how it works in the design and construction world, I don't think so. And to answer that last question, yes they do believe that is how its done.  There are so many variables that tie into designing the even the smallest spaces.  It is not that easy as bringing in a designer, creating a plan in a matter of minutes, and having the people, supplies and budget in a matter of day.  That all takes time and obviously it takes money.  For example, where i work (which is at Ashley Furniture corporate office) there is so much that goes into creating and executing a floor plan for one of Ashleys showrooms.  There is of course deadlines that need to be be meet (never happens), placing orders that are never on time, miscommunication, budget (of course) I mean I can go on and on.  There is nothing fabricated here, this is the reality.  So next time when watch one of HGTV's great shows, you know there is a lot more than just smiles and speedy friendly projects.  Just beware of those types of TV programs, they are misleading and can guide you into the wrong direction when it comes to wanting to renovate any of your spaces.  You might just be biting off more than you can chew.

Sustainability

It is a little mind boggling to think that companies out there are stamping there products with the green label or advertising how sustainable there products are without acknowledging the true meaning behind it TerraChoice, an environmental marketing company, conducted a study which found that almost all of the environmental claims made for consumer products are false or misleading. "Organizations are attracted to engage in green washing for a wide range of reasons including:

• attempting to divert the attention of regulators and deflating pressure for regulatory change;
• seeking to persuade critics, such as non-government organizations, that they are both well-intentioned and have changed their ways;
• seeking to expand market share at the expense of those rivals not involved in green washing; this is especially attractive if little or no additional expenditure is required to change performance; alternatively, a company can engage in green washing in an attempt to narrow the perceived 'green' advantage of a rival;
• reducing staff turnover and making it easier to attract staff in the first place;
• making the company seem attractive for potential investors, especially those interested in ethical investment or socially responsive investment."

Wow, how deceitful can these companies be!  To falsely advertise and state that there products are green, eco-friendly, or environmentally safe just to get ahead and gain customers trust and take advantage, its just wrong.  I don't think they really know what sustainability really is.  The Hannover Principles definition of sustainability reads " The concept of sustainability has been introduced to combine concern for the well-being of the planet with continued growth and human development. Though there is much debate as to what the word actually suggests, we can put forth the definition offered by the World Commission on Environment and Development: "Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." In its original context, this definition was stated solely from the human point of view. In order to embrace the idea of a global ecology with intrinsic value, the meaning must be expanded to allow  all parts of nature to meet their own needs now and in the future."  This seems like a legitimate definition to me.  Funny how certain companies seem to not follow one bit of this definition.  Being green is the new thing, but people are so skewed on what it really means.  So when you have companies that are out there promoting there "eco-friendly" products (when there really not) you are misleading the consumers into believing this is what it means to be environmentally friendly.  It's sad, because there is a lot of people that want to help the environment by using safe products that doesn't harm our planet.  The lack of knowledge by companies and customers can really harm the environment more that helping it.  If people took the time to research sustainability and the proper ways to keep the earth as green and healthy as possible, the world would be a better place for us humans. 

http://www.mcdonough.com/principles.pdf

http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Greenwashing

Annoyed

Having been at the Art Institute for sometime working at a BA for interior design, I came to the realization that there is more to it then just a pretty room or expensive art piece hung on the wall.  After watching a short clip that the Institute of Justice so "kindly" provided, I was really frustrated how they portrayed interior design.  They really honed in on the basis that interior design is just another easy one two three job that anyone can have or do without the proper education and training.  Just like with any job  there are certain requirements like "proper education and training" that is needed.  You can't just wake up one day and be like "i want to be an engineer" and just like that go and get a licenses to become one, it isn't liable. There are certain avenues that you must take to become an engineer, just like there is when you become an interior designer. When u are asked to come into any structural building to design the interior, there are rules and regulations that you must follow in order to properly design that space. People that walk off the streets and are able to title themselves interior designers do not know or understand the codes and restrictions that is needed when creating an interior space.  We learn as students and as professional designers about how to apply codes and follow certain guidelines to create a safe and healthy environment for the people and their community.  Anyone can come into a persons home and make it look beautiful and lavish, but if it is not functional and doesn't work for or with the clients needs then you got yourself one unhappy client that now can't afford to make it right for themselves.  Really it can start to become a domino effect that can potentially ruin peoples homes and their lives.  I could go on and on, but we as students of interior design know to stand by the education and knowledge that comes with becoming a great designer.