IIDA Mentor Week

Take a look at some of the experiences that people from our chapter had this year in the Mentor Week!

The IIDA Mentoring Day was one of the most beneficial experiences I have ever had.  Being able to spend the day with a professional in the design industry allowed me to experience what it would be like to work day by day in this field.  I learned a lot and the people I met were friendly and welcoming.  My eyes were opened up to new technologies and attributes.  I now know that I will always have a future contact to help me in the future as well as a mentor for life.  I think that it is definitely worth your while to take the time to be part of IIDA mentoring week in the future.

 -Justine Scrimilla (Sophomore)

For IIDA Mentor Week, I visited Farnsworth Group’s office in Peoria, IL and shadowed Sarah Kathro. Sarah is one of three interior designers at the firm. This company is an all-inclusive business incorporating all aspects of design in one building: architects, engineers, surveyors and designers. When I visited, I sat in on a meeting where Sarah walked the architects through her design ideas involving paint colors, flooring, ceiling patterns and discussed the options as well as giving her recommendations for the project. Sarah let me choose finishes for a doctor’s office and place them into a finish plan. I utilized the company’s library and called product companies to ask questions about specifications of their projects. It was great to see how every little detail goes into the design process in the real world. I learned a lot throughout the day and didn’t hesitate to ask any questions. Overall it was a wonderful experience and I recommend everyone should participate in IIDA Mentor Week, as it is not only a great experience, but you are making connections and you get a glimpse into how things are run in the real world.

-          Lindsey Jungk (Junior)

This is the first time I participated in the IIDA Mentor week. I had a fabulous time! I wish I would have taken advantage of this opportunity before, because it was such a great experience. I visited the Inscape showroom in the Merchandise Mart and shadowed Suasan Sahar. I started off by sitting in on a conference call about the design of the new showroom for NeoCon. I then got a tour and really just spent the day hanging out and helping where I could. I helped with some design issues they were having and felt that I was truly helping, and not just looked at as “some student”. I think the best part was all the one on one time I got with my designer. It allowed me to ask questions that I may not have the opportunity to ask in group settings. I also used this time to network and make some connections on the Merchandise Mart! I ended my day with getting some valuable feedback on my portfolio and resume! I definitely recommend everyone take advantage of this opportunity!! 

- Kurstin Holcom (Senior)