SURVEY CONTENT ANALYSIS

What type of designer would you like to be?

Design Preferences:

1. Hospitality Design:

- Many participants express a strong interest in hospitality design.

- Some specific areas within hospitality design include hotels, restaurants, bars, and event venues.

2. Commercial Design:

- Participants show a significant interest in commercial design.

- Specific areas within commercial design mentioned include retail, workplace, and mixed-use developments.

3. Residential Design:

- Residential design is a popular choice among participants.

- Some express a preference for high-end residential design, while others are open to various aspects of residential projects.

4. Flexibility and Exploration:

- Several participants express openness to exploring different areas within the design field.

- Flexibility and a willingness to gain diverse experiences are common themes.

5. Specializations:

- Some participants express interest in specialized areas such as historic preservation, sustainable design, sports design, and yacht interiors.

6. Psychology of Spaces:

A few participants express a specific interest in designing spaces that focus on the psychology of human interaction and well-being.

7. Art and History Integration:

- Some participants mention integrating art history, art degrees, or a minor in history of architecture into their design work.

8. Environmental and Social Impact:

- A notable number of participants express a desire to create designs with a positive impact on the environment and society.

9. Flexibility and Challenges:

- Some participants express a desire to be flexible designers capable of tackling a variety of challenges.

10. Nonprofit and Social Impact:

- A few participants express an interest in using their design skills for nonprofit purposes or to help those in need.

Future Goals and Career Paths:

1. Internship Aspirations:

- Many participants express a desire to pursue internships to gain practical experience and explore specific areas of interest.

2. Business Integration:

- Some participants mention combining design with business knowledge, indicating an interest in the intersection of design and business.

3. Brand Identity and User Experience:

- A few participants express a desire to build brand identities through guest experiences and focus on user-centered design.

4. Educational Aspirations:

- Some participants express aspirations related to designing schools and spaces for education.

5. Long-Term Career Goals:

- Long-term goals include working in boutique firms, medium or large-size firms, or specializing in specific design sectors.

6. Improving Lives:

- Several participants express a desire to design spaces that improve people’s lives, make them healthier, more functional, and beautiful.

Openness and Exploration:

1. Open-Mindedness:

- A recurring theme is participants expressing an open mind to various opportunities within the design field.

2. Uncertainty and Exploration:

- Some participants admit uncertainty about their future path but express a willingness to explore and gain experience.

In summary, participants are diverse in their design interests, showing enthusiasm for various sectors such as hospitality, commercial, residential, and specialized areas. Flexibility, exploration, and a desire to create positive impacts are common themes among aspiring designers.

Can you tell me about any problems you ran into in the studio or outside?

1. Workload and Time Management:

- Several participants mentioned struggling with managing the workload, finding it heavy and challenging.

- Time management was a consistent problem, both inside and outside the studio.

- Balancing studio work with other classes and personal life was a recurring theme.

2. Difficulty Balancing Personal Life:

- Many participants found it difficult to balance their social life with studio work and other commitments.

- Some mentioned sacrificing personal and social aspects for the sake of completing studio work.

3. Stress and Anxiety:

- Stress was a common thread throughout the responses, often related to the workload and balancing various responsibilities.

- Anxiety, including feelings of constant shakiness and intense anxiety, impacted focus and well-being.

4. Transition and Adjustment:

- Several participants mentioned challenges in transitioning from the previous semester to the current one.

- Adjusting to the teaching style, new skills, and project requirements posed difficulties for some.

5. Health Issues:

- Some participants faced health issues outside of school, affecting their ability to manage workload and focus on studio work.

6. Conceptual and Creative Challenges:

- Issues related to finding a concept early in the project, creative blocks, and feeling stuck were mentioned by a few participants.

7. Family and Personal Circumstances:

- Family issues, including medical problems, grief, and the responsibilities of being a widowed mother, added to the stress.

8. Burnout and Mental Health:

- Burnout was mentioned by some participants, with feelings of being overwhelmed and experiencing a decline in mental health.

9. Positive Feedback and Enjoyment:

- Despite the challenges, there were positive comments about enjoying the projects and the semester overall.

10. Career Aspirations and Future Outlook:

- Some participants expressed interest in designing commercial spaces like hotels or restaurants.

- The challenging nature of the course was highlighted as a requirement for becoming a successful and memorable designer.

11. Learning and Growth:

- Participants acknowledged learning new skills and facing challenges as part of their growth process.

12. Faith and Personal Development:

- Some participants mentioned personal growth, assurance of faith, and inspiration to contribute positively to others’ lives.

In summary, the participants faced a variety of challenges, with workload and time management being predominant themes. Balancing personal life, dealing with stress and anxiety, facing creative challenges, and adapting to transitions were also common experiences. However, there were positive aspects, including enjoyment of the projects and a sense of personal and professional growth.

What kind of place would you like to design next?

1. Interest in Specific Types of Design:

- Retail Design: Several respondents express interest in retail design, including retail stores and luxury retail spaces.

- Restaurant Design: There is a notable interest in designing restaurants, with multiple respondents finding it intriguing.

- Hotel Design: Designing hotels is a popular choice, with many participants expressing enthusiasm for this type of project.

- Residential Design: Residential projects are mentioned frequently, with respondents interested in designing homes, community centers, and spaces for children.

- Hospitality Projects: Beyond hotels and restaurants, there is interest in other hospitality projects, such as airport lounges.

- Educational Spaces: Some respondents express a desire to design educational spaces like schools, libraries, and museums.

- Healthcare Design: Designing healthcare facilities, including hospitals and physical therapy offices, is mentioned by a few participants.

- Adaptive Reuse: A few respondents express interest in adaptive reuse projects, renovating existing structures for new purposes.

2. Learning and Exploration:

- Respondents often express a desire to work on projects they haven’t experienced before to learn and expand their skills.

- There is a focus on personal and professional growth, understanding strengths, and exploring new areas of design.

3. Creativity and Aesthetic Appeal:

- Many respondents highlight the importance of creativity and aesthetic appeal in their desired projects.

- Interest in designing themed buildings or spaces that evoke a particular feeling is mentioned.

4. Psychological and Functional Considerations:

- Some respondents express interest in understanding and impacting the psychology of spaces, especially in healthcare and education sectors.

- Functionality and the blend of functionality with aesthetic appeal are recurring themes.

5. Sustainability and Innovative Spaces:

- A few respondents mention the importance of sustainable practices in design.

- There’s an emphasis on creating innovative spaces, exploring the interplay of colors and materials.

6. Size and Scale Preferences:

- Preferences for project size and scale vary, with some expressing interest in larger projects like hotels in city areas, while others prefer smaller projects like boutique storefronts.

7. Demographic and Target Audience Focus:

- A few respondents express interest in targeting specific demographics in their designs, presenting a challenge to push creative boundaries.

8. Previous Project References:

- Some respondents refer to previous projects, expressing enjoyment or learning from specific design experiences.

9. Exploration of New Fields:

- Interest in trying something new, such as exploring museum spaces, airport lounges, or healthcare fields, is mentioned by several participants.

10. Personal Passion and Imaginative Design:

- Personal passion and the desire to work on imaginative and creative projects, especially those involving children, are highlighted by some respondents.

11. Focus on Specific Elements:

- Some respondents express interest in specific design elements, such as lighting in restaurants or the interplay of colors and materials in hotels.

12. Long-Term Aspirations:

- Long-term aspirations, such as designing a performing arts center or high-end residential places, are mentioned by a few participants.

In summary, the respondents show a diverse range of interests, with a common theme of seeking new challenges, embracing creativity, and exploring various facets of design, from hospitality to healthcare and residential spaces.

What do you think makes a good workplace?

1. Atmosphere and Collaboration:

- Emphasis on creating a positive atmosphere and a collaborative environment.

- Spaces for bonding with co-workers and fostering company culture. Importance of teamwork and frequent communication.

2. Physical Environment:

- Access to natural light, flexible work environments, and ample space.

- Comfortable seating and ergonomic furnishings.

- Well-designed spaces for focused work, collaboration, and relaxation.

3. Work-Life Balance:

- Prioritizing work-life balance for a positive and productive workplace.

- Designing spaces that support well-being and reduce stress.

4. User-Centered Design:

- Consideration of employees’ needs and preferences in workplace design.

- Creating spaces that feel inviting, comfortable, and like home.

- Inclusivity in design, considering age, gender, disabilities, and health.

5. Communication and Community:

- Effective communication, seamless collaboration, and a supportive environment.

- Spaces that facilitate communication, teamwork, and social connections.

- Sense of community and positive work relationships.

6. Flexibility and Variety:

- Flexibility in workspaces, including private, collaborative, and social areas.

- Variety of seating options and work modes to cater to different preferences.

- Designing for flexibility and adaptability in the workplace.

7. Employee Well-Being:

- Prioritizing employee well-being through amenities and thoughtful design.

- Creating spaces that encourage relaxation, rejuvenation, and a sense of home.

8. User Experience and Hospitality:

- Designing with a focus on the user’s needs, similar to hospitality design.

- Providing amenities, such as work cafes, to enhance the overall experience.

- Ensuring employees feel comfortable and valued in the workspace.

9. Workflow and Productivity:

- Designing for a smooth workflow and functional productivity.

- Comfortable and flexible environments to enhance creativity and innovation.

10. Community and Connections:

- Fostering a sense of community and connections among employees.

- Encouraging collaboration and mutual respect in the workplace.

11. Balance of Work and Play:

- Balancing productive work with social and hybrid spaces.

- Creating spaces that feel inviting, comfortable, and inspiring.

12. Flexibility in Design:

- Flexibility in design, including various seating choices and dynamic elements.

- Adaptable spaces for different types of workers and work modes.

13. Empathy in Design:

- Designing with empathy, considering how the space makes individuals feel.

- Personalization and customization options for employees.

14. Color and Aesthetics:

- Use of bright colors and materials to create a comfortable and exciting atmosphere.

- Aesthetic considerations in the design of the workplace.

15. Continuous Research and Concept:

- Importance of evidence-based design and continuous research throughout the design process.

- Considering the client’s needs, user experience, and providing amenities.

16. Leadership and Accountability:

- Emphasis on conscientious and fearless leadership in the workplace.

- Trust, communication, accountability, and work-life balance as crucial factors.

17. Innovation and Creativity:

- Creating an environment that fuels creative design and innovation.

- Dynamic and collaborative design to inspire creativity and collaboration.

18. User-Centric Workplace Design:

- Designing a space that benefits individual employees and meets their needs.

- Caters to the specific needs of the company and employees.

19. Synergy and Collaboration:

- Synergy among employees, fostering collaboration and mutual respect.

- Multiple spaces for different types of work, including private and collaborative areas.

20. Workplace Flexibility:

- Flexibility in experiences, including spaces for destressing and working in different environments.

- Options for different working environments and personalization by employees.

In summary, the key themes revolve around creating a positive, collaborative, and flexible environment that prioritizes the well-being and preferences of employees. User-centered design, effective communication, and a sense of community are crucial elements in the concept of a good workplace.

Can you tell me what evidence-based design means to you?

1. Research and Intention in Design:

- Designing with researched intention.

- Transferring successful elements from studied precedents.

- Using research findings to develop spaces.

2. Utilizing Prior Knowledge:

- Designing with prior knowledge and research.

- Incorporating ergonomics, environmental impact, and human factors.

3. User-Centric Design:

- Going beyond traditional design principles to cater to user needs.

- Considering user behavior, preferences, and well-being.

4. Informed Decision-Making:

- Explaining design decisions with substantial research.

- Making decisions based on strong concepts and research.

5. Site and Program Analysis:

- Balancing client expectations with design intentions.

- Intense program research applied to concept development.

6. Concept Development and Understanding:

- Creating designs based on real-life research and feedback.

- Understanding the client, site, and program requirements.

7. Collaboration and Compromise:

- Collaborating with clients to compromise on changes.

- Balancing client requests with design intentions.

8. Responsibility and Thoughtfulness:

- Being responsible for decisions made in the design.

- Thoughtful and informed deci- sions lead to the best design.

9. Deep Dive into Project:

- Deep diving into the project through research.

- Gathering data on clients, site, and program requirements.

10. Client-Centric Approach:

- Truly understanding the client and designing for them.

- Designing for the client’s needs, wants, and values.

11. Backed by Science and Facts:

- Creating spaces backed by science for a positive impact.

- Using facts to guide design for the best possible outcome.

12. Efficiency and Connection to Clients:

- Efficient design connected to client needs.

- Efficient design that connects with clients.

13. Tailoring Design to Specific Needs:

- Tailoring the approach to meet specific needs in a space.

- Designing based on research and outcomes to support goals.

14. Building on Research and Knowledge:

- Building an environment or space with accurate research.

- Carefully designing a space with research and knowledge.

15. Intentional and Proven Research:

- Designing intentionally based on proven research.

- Developing concepts with evidence for a strong outcome.

16. Function and Productivity

Focus:

- Designing based on the needs of the client and research.

- Not about personal taste but focused on function and productivity.

17. Detailed and Intentional Design Choices:

- Each design choice made with intention and background research.

- Putting in time to reach every detail in designing a space.

In summary, evidence-based design, as perceived by the participants, involves intentional and user-centric design backed by thorough research, client understanding, and a focus on creating spaces that positively impact occupants. The emphasis is on informed decision-making and tailoring design to meet specific needs based on proven research.

Compared to previous semesters, the semester may be challenging in many ways, but you may be able to see your accomplishments. Reviewing your accomplishments, what did you learn from this studio?

1. Career Preparation:

- Many students feel that the studio has prepared them well for their future careers.

- Emphasis on focusing on the details of a project and understanding the entire design process.

2. Technical Skills:

- Learning technical elements in design, such as construction documentation and structure.

- Acquiring new skills in programs like Revit, Enscape, Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.

- Understanding the importance of code in workplaces and space planning.

3. Self-Discovery:

- Students have gained insights into themselves as designers and individuals.

- Realizing strengths, weaknesses, and personal preferences in design.

- Understanding the value of resilience, creativity, and self-confidence.

4. Concept Development:

- Recognition of the central role of a design concept in the project. Importance of thorough program and concept development before moving to diagrams.

- The concept should be clear, distinguishable, and easily understandable by clients.

5. Time Management:

- Emphasis on effective time management, especially in meeting project deadlines.

- Importance of committing to a single design concept early on to avoid constant changes.

6. Client Interaction:

- Learning to follow client requirements and thoroughly read project briefs.

- Balancing client needs with per- sonal design intentions.

7. Project Phases:

- Experiencing multiple phases of a project, including programming, schematic design, design development, and contract documents.

- Understanding the evolution of a project from the schematic phase to the final outcome.

8. Research and Evidence-Based Design:

- Emphasizing the role of research in finding the purpose behind design ideas.

- Using evidence-based design to drive design decisions and create more meaningful spaces.

9. Challenges and Growth:

- Acknowledging the challenges faced during the semester as valuable learning experiences.

- Pushing design abilities, taking risks, and learning from personal accomplishments.

10. Reflection and Personal Growth:

- Reflecting on personal growth in terms of stress management, learning styles, and attitudes toward design.

- Understanding the value of taking breaks and addressing personal needs for increased productivity.

11. Project Evolution:

- Observing the evolution of a project from start to finish, emphasizing the impact of the design process.

12. Inclusivity and Client-Centric Design:

- Learning to design with inclusivity in mind and considering clients’ perspectives for project success.

13. AI and Technology:

- Introduction to AI rendering software and its application in design projects.

14. Balancing Lifestyle and Academics:

- Learning to balance a healthy lifestyle with academic demands.

15. Confidence and Creativity:

- Building confidence in presenting work and trusting one’s creative instincts.

16. Importance of a Strong Concept:

- Recognizing the importance of a well-defined concept in the design process.

17. Continuous Learning:

- Embracing a mindset of continuous learning and exploration in design.

Overall, the survey responses highlight a rich array of experiences, emphasizing the integration of technical skills, personal growth, and the practical aspects of design in a studio setting.