In a continuing celebration of FIDM's Interior Design Program, today we're posting Part II of an interview with Interior Design Department Chair Dina Morgan, who is herself a working professional Interior Designer as well as an instructor in the department.
Dina is also a Graduate of FIDM's Interior Design Program, so she knows the program from all sides.
Ever-busy and in constant demand, Dina was kind enough to make time for us to connect with her about FIDM and Interior Design.
Why FIDM for Interior Design?
We are located among the most geographically-rich design communities. The arts abound! Students have the opportunity to be immersed in the arts--specifically for their majors or to use the arts as jumping-off points for inspiration.
Architecture and interiors play heavily in the day-to-day life of the communities in which we interface.
Design centers are in easy proximity to each campus. The West Coast rivals the East Coast as a launching pad for hot new cutting-edge design.
We are very serious about educating our students to meet the expectations of the industry. Our goal is to provide a strong technical foundation, training students in what it means to be a Designer, not just an Interior Designer and to deal with skill sets appropriate to an Interior Designer's job description.
What makes FIDM's Interior Design Program so special?
We have the opportunity as a close-knit college to collaborate with other disciplines. Our "Chairing Styles" project is an innovative approach to having three majors "talk" to each other:
Textiles, Fashion Design, and Interior Design collaborate to produce a one-of-a-kind upholstered chair with a matching outfit out of the same fabric. Students have the opportunity to work together and
quickly realize that each discipline shares common elements.
What are some projects the FIDM Interior Design Students have participated in outside the classroom?
FIDM's Interior Design department has participated for the last two years in "Tables of Ten," a dining event tied into the "Avenues of Art and Design" in June. Our "Chairing Styles" students have had the opportunity to design the table top through the designs they have created for their chairs.
At FIDM, we interface within the community. The project we are working on with the Boys & Girls Club of Venice has given the Interior Design students a greater understanding of how design affects children and adults within a group environment.
What do FIDM Interior Design Students get out of participating in outside community projects?
Working with clients and presenting design concepts to individuals who will be functioning within the space is the type of experience most students do not get to have, but they get it here at FIDM.
At FIDM, we try to provide situations for exposure within the classroom with mentoring by industry professionals dealing with these situations as part of their daily design practice.
The Roosevelt Lofts project provided a more independent opportunity for students within the Advanced Study Program in Interior Design.
FIDM's Interior Design department participates in special projects that will benefit the community.
What are some of the other projects FIDM Interior Design Students have contributed to?
Within the past few years, we have completed the design and the specification of materials for the Main Reception area, ICU Waiting area, and the Emergency Room Waiting area at The San Gabriel Community Hospital.
We have completed the design and specification of the Art Room at The Boys and Girls Club of Venice, and we are starting another project with them in the upcoming Fall 2008 Quarter. We will also be working
with an Oncology Center in Beverly Hills.
What is FIDM's goal in having students participate in outside projects?
Our goal with these projects is to provide exposure for the student to areas of specialization, i.e. health care and community-based spaces. It also creates a working environment comparable to the experience they would encounter within the industry as a professional, but with the ability to work as a team and be mentored by an instructor.
Stay tuned for Parts III and IV of Dina's interview! --Belissa
