Virginia Tech Interior Design Fall Newsletter 2019

VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

PROGRAM NEWSLETTER

FALL // ‘19

THE EDIT

ON THE COVER “Paper Jam” Kylie Heald (‘20)

Visit https://archdesign.caus.vt.edu/itds/ for more information.

Connecting the past, present, and future of Virginia Tech Interior Design.

IV. C RED ITS

III. ALUMNI

08

10

Meet the Virginia Tech Advisory Board

2020 Calendar of Events

14

16

20

Design Intelligence Rankings 2019: Program Snapshot

Summer Study Abroad Recap

Internship Spotlights

24

26

28

Second Year Studio Goes to Atlanta

Ut Prosim Design Living Learning Lab

Awards and Recognition

38

42

46

Faculty Position Announcement

6 Questions with...

Tor Waschenko

52

53

Acknowledgements and Contributors

How to Get Involved

Burruss Hall to the National Mall

PROGRAM NEWSLETTER

FALL // ‘19

II. STUDENTS

I. INTRO

VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

FALL // ‘19

I. INTRO

PROGRAM NEWSLETTER

VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

MEET THE VIRGINIA TECH ADVISORY BOARD 2019-2020

L I SA TUCKER Professor and Chair, Virginia Tech Interior Design

8

JILL GOEBEL Board Chair

C A R OL IN E A L EXA N D ER Board Chair Elect

J U L IA N N E KIM Nominating Chair FOX Architects, Washington, D.C.

Gensler, Washington, D.C.

CCA LLC, Lexington, VA

Virginia Tech Interior Design ‘95

Virginia Tech Interior Design ‘90

ltucker@vt.edu

jill_goebel@gensler.com

caroline.alexander403@gmail.com

jkim@fox-architects.com

LINDS EY S LOUGH Alumni Network Chair

L I N D SE Y K I TE Secretary, Alumni Network

L IS A BROC KM A N Nominating Committee

P E T ER BR OWN Nominating Commitee

Bialek, Washington, D.C.

Raleigh, NC

INTEC Group Inc., Fairfax, VA

Virginia Tech Interior Design ‘14

Virginia Tech Interior Design ‘11

LindseyChitwood@outlook.com

lkite@intecgroup.net

VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

AECOM, Roanoke, VA Virginia Tech Interior Design ‘95

lbrockman@bialek.com

peter.brown@aecom.com

CHRI STY G A R R I TY Fundraising Committee

FI O N A G R A N D OWS KI Nominating Committee

A M Y G R OOM E Alumni Network Committee

H E AT H ER ROB I NS ON Fundraising Committee

OTJ, Washington, D.C.

Collins Cooper Carusi, Atlanta, GA

IA, San Francisco, CA

Within Interior Design, Norfolk, VA

Virginia Tech Interior Design ‘XX

Virginia Tech Architecture ‘91

Virginia Tech Interior Design ‘17

Virginia Tech Interior Design ‘98

christyg514918@icloud.com

FGrandowski@collinscoopercarusi.com

a.groome@interiorarchitects.com

HRobinson@withindesigns.com

KRI S TE N R U CH Alumni Network Committee

J U STI N S M IT H Fundraising Committee

FA R R A H G OA L Alumni Network Committee

S C OT T MOONEY Nominating Committee

Steelcase, Denver, CO

FM Studios, Sterling, VA

Gensler, Washington, D.C.

Muse Architects, Bethesda, MD

Virginia Tech Interior Design ‘07

Virginia Tech Interior Design ‘00

Virginia Tech Interior Design

Virginia Tech Interior Design ‘95

KRUCH@steelcase.com

jsmith@fmstudios.com

farrah_goal@gensler.com

smooney@musearchitects.com

MARI E M O U TSO S Nominating Committee

K E L SEY M U IR Alumni Network Committee

M A R C Y T R E P KE

FOX Architects, Washington, D.C.

WeWork, New York, NY

DBI, Washington, D.C.

S Y D N EY GRAC E MI LLER Student Chair

Virginia Tech Interior Design ‘19

Virginia Tech Interior Design ‘95

Virginia Tech Interior Design ‘20

kelseymuir@vt.edu

mtrepke@dbia.com

sydnem1@vt.edu

mmoutsos@fox-architects.com

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2020 CALENDER OF EVENTS Key Dates

01

02

03

01/21/20

02/05/20 + 02/07/20

25% SENIOR THESIS PIN UP ( Blacksburg)

03/07/20 03/15/20

SPRING BREAK

03/19/20

02/08/20 02/16/20

DESSAU/BERLIN STUDY ABROAD

02/26/20 + 02/28/20

50% SENIOR THESIS PIN UP ( Blacksburg)

MEET THE G R A D U AT E S 75% SENIOR THESIS PIN UP ( Washington D .C .)

JAN

MAR

04

05

06

APR

M AY

JUNE

04/15/20 + 04/17/20

04/30/20 05/01/20

10

SPRING 2020 SEMESTER BEGINS

FEB

100% FINAL SENIOR THESIS PIN UP ( B lacksburg) CAUS SPRING BOARD MEETING ( Washington, D.C.)

05/06/20

SPRING 2020 SEMESTER ENDS

05/15/20

UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES

05/20/20

STUDY ABROAD BEGINS

VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

06/19/20

STUDY ABROAD ENDS

07

J U LY

08 AUG 08/24/20

09

SEPT

FA L L 2 0 2 0 SEMESTER BEGINS

10

11

12

OCT

NOV

DEC 12/09/20

FA L L 2 0 2 0 SEMESTER ENDS

FA L L ‘ 1 9 P R O G R A M N E W S L E T T E R

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II. STUDENT NEWS

PROGRAM NEWSLETTER

FALL // ‘19

VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

DESIGN INTELLIGENCE RANKINGS: PROGRAM SNAPSHOT Design Intelligence releases 2019-2020 Rankings of top Interior Design Programs

#5

MOST HIRED FROM PROGRAM ( 2 0 - 3 9 G R A D U AT E S )

# 11 MOST ADMIRED UNDERGRAD PROGRAM Leaders and hiring managers have a strong interest in the education and preparation of students who are the future workforce of the profession. Through hiring and working with graduates of many different programs, leaders and hiring managers of interior design firms have a perspective on the relative strengths of schools and how well graduates are prepared for professional practice.

See: https://www.di-rankings.com/most-admiredschools-interior-design/ for more information.

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VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

Schools were grouped into size categories based on the average number of graduates each year in their combined undergraduate and graduate programs.

See: https://www.di-rankings.com/most-hired-fromschools-interior-design/ for more information.

RANKINGS BY FOCUS AREAS Interior Design firms and other professional organizations were surveyed regarding America’s Top Ranked Interior Design Schools, which ranks undergraduate and graduate programs from the perspective of the professional practitioners who hire and supervise graduates of interior design. Rankings are compiled for the strongest programs in each of 12 different focus areas.

See: https://www.di-rankings.com/twelve-focus-areas-interior-design/ for more information.

FOCUS AREA

RANK

COMMU N I CAT I ON S KI L LS

#9

CON ST RU CT I O N MAT ER IALS AND M ETHODS

#7

D ES I G N T ECHN O L OG I ES ( BIM , AI, VR, AR)

#5

D ES I G N T HEO RY A N D P RACTICE

#7

EN G I N EERI N G FU N DA M ENTALS

#3

HEA LT HY BU I LT EN V I RONM ENTS

#5

I N T ERDI SCI P L I N A RY ST UDIES

#3

P RA CT I CE MA N A G EMENT

#4

P RO J ECT P L A N N I N G A ND M ANAGEM ENT

#5

RES EA RCH

#4

S U STA I N A BL E BU I LT EN VIRONM ENTS

#6

T RA N SDI SCI P L I N A RY COLLABORATION ( AEC)

#5

LISA TUCKER M O S T A D M I R E D D E S I G N E D U C AT O R “Lisa has incredible knowledge on the built environment. She always pushes her students to be better and is always there to offer expert advice on anything a student comes to her with. She cares deeply for the Interior Design program at Virginia Tech and takes time to make sure every student succeeds.”

Images source: https://archdesign.caus.vt.edu/

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SUMMER STUDY ABROAD Students experience Florence, Italy, and more

In May and June 2019, students from the Interior Design program studied in Florence, Italy with faculty members Brad Whitney and Elif Tural.

Students spent four weeks immersed in historic design and Italian culture, and were exposed to many of the foundational design elements of the Renaissance with extensive practice of architectural field sketching. Study was not limited to Florence, and weekend trips included Venice, Chianti, Siena and Pisa. The course was

in

collaboration

with

Santa

International School of Art.

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VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

Reparata

Photos by Lila De La Rosa (‘21), Imani Hart (‘21) and Katie Karlinchak (‘21)

FA L L ‘ 1 9 P R O G R A M N E W S L E T T E R

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STUDY ABROAD STUDENT WORK Imani Hart (‘21) and Katie Karlinchak (‘21)

“The entire experience made me happy. I was at peace and I was able to get outside my comfort zone.”

- Imani, on her experience studying abroad

Top: Sketch, Katie Karlinchak Bottom Left: Sketch, Katie Karlinchak Top Right: Final Project, Imani Hart Bottom: Sketch, Imani Hart

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VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

Imani knew she wanted to study abroad for a long time. In recounting her experience, she emphasized culture the most, especially seeing another approach to design - both the Italian approach and that of the historical.

Throughout the course, Imani’s love of language remained at the forefront of her perspective. When considering a direction for the final project, she knew she wanted to incorporate language as the main component.

Combined with her fascination with culture, Imani was able to craft a collage comprised of Italian quotes written by strangers she met during her travels. Everywhere she visited, she would ask someone to write down an Italian phrase, with the English translation.

Some of the most memorable were “In wine we trust” from a trip to a vineyard and “Ciao bella” written by a fellow American student studying in Italy.

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I N T E R N S H I P S P O T L I G H T: MERRYN WILLIAMS Hutker Architects, Martha’s Vineyard, MA

Merryn Williams (‘20) interned with Hutker Architects, a residential design firm in Vineyard Haven, MA on Martha’s Vineyard. The office had around 30 people in the Martha’s Vineyard location, with another office in Falmouth, MA. During her internship, Merryn worked on the Interiors team of around 8-9 designers.

Q1:

Can you describe the type of work Hutker does?

MW: Residential,

specifically

high-end,

with an emphasis on second homes on the island that families use together for

vacations

and

gatherings.

focus on things that aren’t usually

The

emphasized in the timeline of a school

architects in my location focused on

project.

island projects, but the Interiors team did projects all over New England and New York. Designers focus on the longevity and durability of materials, and design lots of beautiful custom

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What was the office culture like?

MW: It was comfortable and fairly casual.

Describe your role.

furniture created by local makers. Love

Q4:

to support local craftsmen, artists, and

MW: I was an interiors intern and I did a

creators.

Q2:

Q3:

What

sparked

range of things. I got to see every your

residential design?

interest

in

aspect of the design process during my 10 weeks. For example, I worked on concept boards to get a feel for what

MW: It’s something I hadn’t done before

the client likes very early on. I also

and I got the impression that it would

worked on an install; we were there

play into personal artistic interests.

when furniture and fixtures were being

Once I got into it, it felt more personal

brought in. It was so cool to watch

and small-scale. It gave more room

everything coming together since I’d

for deep attention to details. I got to

previously only seen drawings of the

VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

spaces in plan and elevation.

Q5:

What did you enjoy most about this experience?

MW: I

really

enjoyed

getting

to

see

the different phases of the design process in action, which you don’t truly understand until you experience working in them. Having the chance to work on all the finishing elements and details during a photoshoot on a finished site was very exciting as well. Plus, the island itself was so focused on local, unique businesses and restaurants, so living there was wonderful and gave me plenty to do when I wasn’t in the office.

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I N T E R N S H I P S P O T L I G H T: CLAIRE GRABLE ASD Sky, San Francisco, CA

Claire Grable (‘20) spent the summer interning in San Francisco, which she chose because of its “booming design industry” and the opportunity to work with tech companies. Continue reading to learn more about her experiences on the West Coast.

Q1:

Can you talk about what it was like

to work on the opposite side of the

country? Did you find there were any surprises?

CG:

The working culture was very casual on the West coast. Everyone worked very hard but also got a lot done and did

Q3:

Is there something you enjoyed most

CG:

About ASD Sky, I enjoyed the people

good work. There is a good work life balance there and nothing was taken too seriously.

most. It seems a bit cliche,

but they

were all so welcoming. There were lots

Q2:

Describe your role in the office.

CG:

ASD Sky is very inclusive and didn’t

Everyone truly gets along and it is not

make me feel like I was just an intern.

tense at all. They even threw me a

Each day was very different - sometimes

going away party! They were very, very

I would be picking up redlines, doing

thoughtful in that way.

of parties and different social events.

various tasks for my mentor, or working

Regarding the work: the scale of

on design presentations. I would also

projects and getting to have depth

take notes at client meetings, work

and longevity on one project was a

on elevations, and go on site visits.

great experience. In doing so, I got

Between all of the projects I worked

very close to one designer who then

on, I got to work in Schematic Design, Construction

Administration,

got to go to a really big meeting which was cool!

VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

became my mentor.

and

Construction Documentation. I also

22

about your internship?

Q4:

What were some of the biggest

takeaways or lessons learned this summer?

CG:

I became more proficient in Revit and was exposed to office behavior and real life teamwork.

I also had to get more comfortable asking

questions

and

learning

to

become flexible, jumping from project to

project.

Overall,

it

was

really

valuable to learn about the phases of the projects and how they operate in the field.

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SECOND YEAR STUDIO G O E S T O AT L A N TA Steelcase and Collins Cooper Carusi Architects office visits

In September, second year students took

Following the office tour, the students also

a trip to Atlanta, Georgia, to visit the

visited Global Ministries Headquarters, one

Steelcase showroom and Collins Cooper

of Collins Cooper Carusi’s projects located

Carusi Architects.

in

The students were given a tour of the Steelcase showroom, with the chance to hear a presentation from some of Steelcase’s designers. The students had seen many of

Atlanta.

The

project

also

commented that it was a moment when they realized the impact that interior designers have on behavior and emotions.

the products before, but had not yet been

Overall, the students felt that the trip

exposed to the research sector of Steelcase.

offered a lot of perspective and got them

During

excited to eventually work in the design

the

presentation,

they

recalled

becoming more appreciative of the space they were in, knowing that its design was so heavily informed by research. They also felt like they had a better understanding of what a product can offer to your space when designing. Alexa Buckland and Emma Hilt, two students who attended the trip, commented

on

how

exciting

it

was

to

experience so many different configurations and layouts in the showroom, and to learn how each one deliberately formed the space.

In visiting Collins Cooper Carusi, this was many of the students first time visting an

architecture

and

design

firm.

They

enjoyed seeing how designers work in the field and they had the chance to talk to a young designer who offered some crucial information on the transition from school to work. Fiona Grandowski, Principal, walked the students through the conceptual design phase at Collins Cooper Carusi, to which Alexa commented “seeing the professional use of concept design was clarifying.”

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downtown

included a sanctuary, to which the students

VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

industry.

Photos by Alexa Buckland (‘22) and Micaela Head (‘22)

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UT PROSIM DESIGN LIVING LEARNING LAB Pilot design-build aims to get students involved in designing campus spaces

This course is a design-build course led by

Tell us a little bit about what you’ve

Dr. Lisa Tucker created to offer students the opportunity to design for other students. This Living Learning Lab course will be ongoing for

been working on in this course.

SD:

Living Learning Community (LLC). The

four semesters, and this fall has been the first

proposed program is called Rhizome,

semester. The students in the course this semester

which aims to reveal all of the hidden connections between global issues -

have been focusing on conceptual design and

which is what students in the LLC will

design development.

Interior Design Seniors, Sydney Delbridge and Delaney Leach, are among the participants of this pilot course and share their experience thus far.

26

We’re working on a space for a new

VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

focus on.

DL:

More specifically, we’re designing a work-lounge for the students in the LLC - a place to work, collaborate and

host visitors. The idea is for them to

students to learn and make mistakes.

be able to reflect on what they’re

It’s hard to know when and what to

learning; rejuvenate and start to have

delegate

conversations and then respond and

directly on things.

problem solve.

DL:

So far, we have worked on space

lead

more

sets

in

the

way

that

best

contributes to the team has been a

systems; developing feature elements

positive challenge.

well

as

incorporating

biophilic

Interacting

with

the

various

design and considering budget. We

stakeholders is a challenge because

have also been coordinating with a

everyone has their own idea of what

number of professionals such as the

they want the space to be. And we

LLC

have to filter than information and

program

developer,

Jennifer

Operations of Student Affairs.

figure out how to use it...

SD:

catering

towards

the

Finally, what have been some of the

Working in a team of 10 has been a

rewards?

learning experience because typically teams of up to 5. Its also been helpful

still

will be most valuable.

so far?

design projects are made up of smaller

...while

students and creating what we know

What are some things you’ve learned

SD:

Seeing the product be developed in front of us and knowing that someday

to learn how to work with fellow

it will come to fruition and be a space,

designers and how to listen to critiques

which is an aspect that we don’t have

from clients and professionals.

with typical studio projects has been

I’ve been working on custom modular

really rewarding. It’s also helpful to

systems, so I’ve been working more

work with non-designers, so that I can

on

I’ve

learn how to better explain my ideas

been focusing on materials, power,

to people who may not understand the

anthropometrics.

design language that we use.

the

technical

aspects Typically

I

don’t

gravitate towards those aspects during a project when I’m on my own.

DL:

This

is

a

expression

And some challenges you’ve faced?

SD:

to

Understanding and utilizing everyone’s skill

Lawrence and Francis Reene, Chief of

SD:

when

planning; designing custom modular as

DL:

and

valuable of

Ut

and

rewarding

Prosim,

Virginia

Tech’s Latin motto meaning “That I May Serve.” We’re getting the chance

Working with a range of skill levels and

to give back to the Hokie Community

exposure, as the class is open to 2nd,

by contributing what we’ve learned in

3rd, and 4th year students has been

the Virginia Tech program.

challenging.

I’ve

been

finding

the

balance between leading as an older student

and

allowing

the

younger

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2ND HOME 2019 SOURCE LIGHTING COMPETITION Jessica Zapata receives Award of Recognition in 42nd SOURCE Lighting Competition

Jessica Zapata (‘20) was recognized for her

The overall concept for 2nd Home was based

commercial office space lighting design, titled

on Hygge, which is the Nordic idea of home.

2nd

Jessica didn’t want the coworking space

Home.

The

competition

objective

was

to create a lighting design that supports the conceptual design of the student’s project, using Eaton products. Jessica and her professor, Dr. Elif Tural, attended the awards ceremony in Philadelphia last semester to receive the award.

to feel “sterile” or “too high tech.” In the lighting design, she incorporated linear lights and spot lights in the feature tree house. She noted that it was challenging to incorporate lighting

for

a

competition

because

she

wasn’t accustomed to considering lighting as early on in a project as this. The lighting element changed her opinion of her work though - she felt more positively about it after incorporating the lighting.

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VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

e. . me m Hoo H d d 22nn

FA L L ‘ 1 9 P R O G R A M N E W S L E T T E R

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C O N N E C T H E A LT H A N D D E S I G N R E S E A R C H C E N T E R 2019 ANGELO DONGHIA SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP Sydney Miller receives Donghia Foundation Scholarship for 27,000sq.ft. research center design

Sydney Grace Miller (‘20) was one of twelve

Connect Health and Design Research Center

students selected to receive the annual Angelo

imagines a university facility that supports

Donghia Foundation Scholarship Award out

interacting, learning and creating with people

of 69 student projects from accredited design programs nationwide.

The Angelo Donghia Foundation awards scholarships to deserving students who are entering their senior year in an undergraduate interior design degree program. Each winner

from

diverse

disciplinary

backgrounds.

The goal: to design spaces that integrate technology and learning, and respond to the blended life styles of today’s students and professionals while keeping sustainability in mind.

The surrounding site and existing building,

receives up to a $30,000 scholarship toward the

which was originally a factory, serve as a

completion of their education.

basis for the concept of the space. The building form is unique in that it is two

30

VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

different shapes joined together, creating the opportunity to activate the “connection” space in the design. Since the project is located in the industrial district of Roanoke, VA, raw materials and their joinery became a primary conceptual driver.

The

concept

of

material

joinery

is

implemented by the activation of the joint area in the building. This central location became The

the

hub

space

was

connections

for

social

connection.

designed

between

to

different

foster

fields

as

well as relationships between students and professionals.

A

wood

and

glass

slatted

feature

showcases the joinery in a visual way, as highlighted feature,

throughout

along

with

the

natural

space.

This

light

from

clerestory windows, filter light into the social connection area.

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WEST EDGE TOWER 2019 IDEAS COMPETITION Claire Grable awarded First Place in annual ASID/IIDA IDEAs Competition

Located within the existing West Edge Tower

through. A focus is put on mirroring the

in Seattle, WA, a coworking and hospitality

experience that one has while traveling

space pulls inspiration from the Paradise ice

through these caves, moving from open to

caves, nestled within the summit of nearby

enclosed and from darkness to light. The

Mount Rainier. These caves, created by heat

overall goal is to offer a shift in perception

rising through the mountain and melting ice,

that one has of the space through varying

form a series of transparent layers that rise

scales and levels of enclosure.

up and cascade over all those who stand beneath. An aspect of the caves that was referenced is the passing of light through them. As the ice builds on itself, it forms

to do, as it allowed me to create a unique sense

different

of place for each space while having an overall

levels

of

thickness

and

allows

different amounts of light to penetrate

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“This is one of my favorite projects I’ve gotten

VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

cohesive design.”

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2019 IDEAS COMPETITION Honorable Mentions

In

addition

to

Claire

Grable’s

winning

favorite

project.

The

entries

were

project, three other Virginia Tech Interior

judged by a panel of professionals from the

Design

design community.

students

were

recognized

for

their submissions to the ASID/IIDA IDEAS

Winning projects were displayed at the

Competition. The competition was open to

ASID/IIDA IDEAS Gala in Richmond, VA in

all levels and encouraged students to submit

September.

V T I N N O VAT I O N C E N T E R MEGAN LEE (‘19) First Place

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their

VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

TERRA COMMONS COWORKING SYDNEY MILLER (‘20) Honorable Mention

HOTEL ZURU KELSEY MUIR (‘19) Honorable Mention

FA L L ‘ 1 9 P R O G R A M N E W S L E T T E R

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III. ALUMNI NEWS

PROGRAM NEWSLETTER

FALL // ‘19

VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

VT ITDS IS HIRING! FA C U LT Y P O S I T I O N A N N O U N C E M E N T Please see following details regarding the open faculty position.

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VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

Interior Design Program 800 Drillfield Drive 232 Burruss Hall (MC 0205) Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 (540) 231-5583 e-mail: ltucker@vt.edu https://archdesign.caus.vt.edu/it ds/

Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Interior Design The Interior Design Program in the School of Architecture + Design, College of Architecture and Urban Studies, at Virginia Tech is seeking motivated and engaged colleagues to join the faculty as tenure track assistant professors with an anticipated start date of August 10, 2020 for the Fall Semester of the 2020-21 academic year.

The Position The primary responsibilities of this position are to balance teaching a design studio with a lecture course in the accredited undergraduate Interior Design Program (BS.ID) each semester with the development of an externally recognized agenda of research, scholarship and/or creative activity.

Possible design studio teaching includes all levels, sophomore through senior of the program.

Possible lecture courses include lighting, building systems, professional practice, materials and design detailing. The ideal candidate will combine the development of a robust scholarship agenda with an unwavering passion for teaching students in a professional design curriculum.

Appointment to the rank of tenure-track Assistant Professor carries with it, professional responsibilities in teaching/learning, research/discovery, and outreach/engagement/service.

Assistant Professors are expected to practice innovative modes of teaching in accordance with the School’s pedagogical traditions, integrating their teaching activities with School, College and University ongoing research initiatives, scholarship, and creative activities; and engage in outreach and/or service work, including community service-learning projects, service to the profession, service to students through advising work, or service to the School, College, or University through participation on various committees, etc.

Minimum Required Qualifications A terminal degree is required with at least one degree in Interior Design; candidates with degrees in Architecture combined with significant Interior Design experience will also be considered. The NCIDQ credential is preferred or ability to take the NCIDQ within two years of hire required.

Candidates should demonstrate an excellent body of work in design, as well as experience in teaching design studio and other courses across the Interior Design curriculum. Successful candidates should demonstrate a teaching style that effectively integrates the learning experience of the design studio with the program’s initiatives in areas such as user-centered design, interdisciplinary/collaborative design projects, research/evidence-based design education, sustainability and wellness, and three-dimensional modeling/digital fabrication. Preference will be

given to a candidate that is comfortable with the tools and methods involved in developing design experiences spanning both physical and digital media (Revit, Grasshopper, Rhino, VR, etc.).

The Interior Design Program The Interior Design program has consistently been ranked in the top ten by Design Intelligence since 2002.

The Interior Design program is one of four programs housed in the School of Architecture + Design, which includes Architecture, Industrial Design and Landscape Architecture, and is one of four Schools in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies. Students and faculty in the program have access to outstanding facilities and equipment, both digital and analog, and each of our approximately 150 students over our four-year curriculum has their own desk in our open-studio setting. Applicants are expected to work collaboratively and encouraged to work across disciplines.

New faculty will be expected to work with the College and School in furthering key strategic initiatives in the realization of the University’s Beyond Boundaries Vision and the university-wide Destination Areas.

Our graduates work in some of the best design firms in the country. Visit our webpage for a partial listing of firms where our graduates have worked or are working now.

The University Virginia Tech, founded in 1872 as a land-grant institution, is currently ranked as a Top 25 Public University by US News & World Report and a Top 25 Public Research University by the National Science Foundation. Through a combination of its three missions of learning, discovery, and engagement, Virginia Tech continually strives to accomplish the charge of its motto: Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). As the Commonwealth’s most comprehensive university and its leading research institution, Virginia Tech serves a diverse population of 32,000+ students and 8000+ faculty and staff from over 100 countries, and is engaged in research around the world. The University also benefits from a broad and loyal alumni base that fills the town during football games and alumni events throughout the year.

Blacksburg Blacksburg is home to 43,000 local residents. Because of the town’s award-winning services, reasonable cost of living, safety, moderate climate, and abundant leisure activities, Blacksburg is consistently ranked among the country’s best places to live and has earned a reputation nationwide as a well-managed, stable, and forward-looking community. In 2016, 2012 and 2011, Bloomberg Businessweek named Blacksburg the best place in the United States to raise children.

Blacksburg has been ranked among the nation’s best places to live by Blue Ridge Country Magazine, Men’s Journal, 50 Best Small Southern Towns, The Sporting News, and Retirement Places Rated. Outside Magazine ranked Blacksburg a top-10 “dream town” for outdoors enthusiasts with natural resources for hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, and climbing.

The broader area around Blacksburg is currently one of the fastest growing parts of the State and is connected to thriving artisanal, "farm to table" communities such as Floyd. Nearby Roanoke is a growing city with expanding urban amenities as well as upcoming Amtrak rail connection to Washington DC, New York and Boston. Considerable investments in the local economy continue to make the region increasingly popular for new businesses. Recently Roanoke was named a top 5 city for technology startups by Entrepreneur Magazine. Altogether, the region is also earning a reputation as a hub of work/ life balance.

Application Process All applicants must complete and submit the online faculty application at http://listings.jobs.vt.edu referencing job number 511267. The search will remain open until the position if filled, but to be assured full consideration, complete applications should be submitted by November 15, 2019.

Candidates also must submit a cover letter, a resume/curriculum vitae, a statement of the candidate’s approach to teaching, and the names and contact information for three current references as attachments to the online application. In addition, candidates must provide supplemental materials within the application portal, including a portfolio with examples of professional and/or creative work and of the work of students taught, samples of research and scholarship, and/or other pertinent information supporting their application.

Contact: Lisa M. Tucker, PhD Program Chair ltucker@vt.edu

Q1:

What sparked your interest in the

TW:

It all started at my first Construction

field of Interior Design?

Administration

meeting

I was 5 years old.

was

when

There we are, my

sister and I standing on the muddy lot of my family’s soon-to-be-built home Pennsylvania (pictured on right).

Weekly, like my client meetings today, we would drive over to the site to check the status of our new house! While my mom and dad would do their weekly walkthrough, my sister and I would play games in our 2x4 playground by jumping room-to-room through the studs as if we had some sort of superpower.

To date, I have successfully

fought the urge to demonstrate that same “super-power” on my projects in construction today.

Design and Construction is also in

6 QUESTIONS WITH...

my blood. My Polish grandfather is a

TO R WA S C H E N K O

carpenter by trade and built the house

Alumni Spotlight Story

in Long Island in 1955. My father was

my mom grew up in by hand on his lot an apprentice of him.

Tor Waschenko is an Interior Designer in Washington, Architects.

DC

working

for

IA

Interior

She graduated Virginia Tech in

Q2:

What has been a pivotal challenge

TW:

To me, this came when I put my career

you have faced in your early career? above anything else. I put such a

2015 with a B.S. in Interior Design. Originally

priority on pleasing others that my

from Ambler, Pennsylvania, she started her time

relationships, my happiness, and my

in Blacksburg studying civil engineering and running cross country. She switched her major to Interior Design in the summer of 2012 after completing the summer transfer studio.

health all suffered. a

strict

balance

Now, I maintain knowing

that

my

health, and my happiness, and my performance at work depend on it.

It is easy to lose your balance in life when you’re adjusting to change, but recognizing the importance in keeping yourself happy is paramount. If you’re

42

VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

making

yourself

happy

by

making

time for you while also balancing your responsibilities at work, you’ll naturally keep your boss and your clients happy as well.

Q3:

What does this balance look like for

TW:

Naturally, I am a people-pleaser which

you personally?

requires extra effort to remember to also please myself too. Whether it is getting a manicure or pedaling on the stationary bike during lunch to check my personal emails, I always feel better about myself when I take at least 30 minutes to recharge.

Q4:

What is your favorite material?

TW:

I love tile for its limitless shapes, colors, and patters but most importantly, it

FA L L ‘ 1 9 P R O G R A M N E W S L E T T E R

43

is

arguably

the

material

that

you

will spend the most time looking at.

We see it whether in the shower, or washing your hands, you get to really see all of the details up-close and personal.

Q5:

What is something you wish you

TW:

Stay curious. Ask questions. Take every

could tell your undergrad self?

mistake as a learning opportunity.

Don’t be afraid to fail. It is impossible to know everything in this field.

You

will learn something every day, and that’s the beauty of it! Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to know everything

about

everything.

Also,

make sure to get good sleep before a pinup!

Q6:

What is your favorite memory from

TW:

Riding in a helicopter above Blacksburg

undergrad?

to take photos for a research project I was working on with Matt Wagner, Greg Tew, Julia White, and Sarah Reichert.

We were redesigning the Allotment gardens in the abandoned shopping center

in

Christiansburg,

Virginia.

Matt Wagner and I got to ride around in a helicopter above Christiansburg to get the perfect photo for our rendering. After we got the shot, the pilot asked us if we wanted to see the rest of Blacksburg and the view of his house / my apartment too! Of course we ecstatically agreed and I remember waving down to say hello to friends during class change!

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VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

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BURRUSS HALL TO THE N AT I O N A L M A L L Alumni Spotlight Story

Stephanie Houston (‘17) and Kelsey Hutton (‘18) of FOX Architects share their experiences within the Interior Design industry, post-graduate life, and staying connected with fellow Hokies in Washington, D.C. Q1:

What has most surprised you about working

in

the

Interior

industry post-graduation?

SH:

Design

Honestly, it surprised me how well prepared I was coming out of the Interior Design program at VT, it really set me up for success and set me apart from other designers who didn’t have

watching my first project get built was

the same education background. Like

pretty cool. In school, the lines on the

knowing how to form a concept and

paper were always just lines; today, the

implement it into a cohesive space—

lines become physical things in space.

that’s something that you use on a Q2:

regular basis.

KH:

Like Stephanie said, I also felt well prepared

to

graduation.

start A

my

couple

career of

Washington,

D.C.?

Where

are

unwind after work or explore on the

things

weekends?

surprised me, like how many people are

46

in

your favorite spots in the city to

after

involved in a single project. In school,

Why did you both choose to work

KH:

I interned at FOX Architects in DC

it was always the professor, myself

after my junior year at Virginia Tech

and sometimes a partner (if it was a

and I always had a feeling I would

team project). In the “real world,” I’m

end up back here after graduation. I

constantly corresponding with project

loved exploring the city that summer,

managers, brokers, landlords, clients,

and really enjoyed getting to know

furniture

representatives,

the designers at FOX; so it was an

general contractors… and the list goes

easy decision for me! There is ALWAYS

on! I was also surprised by the entire

something going on in the city: industry

construction administration process-

events, project tours, pop up exhibits,

dealer,

VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

SH:

sporting events. These days you can

up bar going on that you have to check

find me at a farmers market in Virginia,

out, or a new exhibit at the Hirshhorn

shopping in Georgetown, touring a

to explore. We’re spoiled because all

historic house like Mount Vernon, or

the Smithsonian museums in DC are

relaxing in DC’s wine country.

free so you never get bored!

Similar to Kelsey’s path, I also interned in DC my junior year at Virginia Tech (as

Q3:

many do). I loved the energy of the city,

fellow Hokies in the area? Why is it

important to you both to have that

and kept my connections from both the

network?

industry and VT post graduation. My connections with alumni from school

How have you stayed in touch with

SH:

Well, you end up working with a lot

are what landed me my job at Fox, and

of Hokies no matter where you end up

I will be forever grateful. Aside from

in DC—it’s inevitable with it being the

work, DC just has so much culture and

closest “big city” to Blacksburg. For

history. As cliche as it sounds, walking

us, I think it’s easy because at Fox the

around the monuments at night is

majority of our office is comprised of

one of my favorite things to do. The

VT alumni. Aside from that, a few of

tourists are gone, and the light from

my good friends from Studio moved up

the monuments guides you around.

here, and we always find each other at

There’s also always some kind of pop-

industry events and schedule a brunch

FA L L ‘ 1 9 P R O G R A M N E W S L E T T E R

47

every now and then to check in. You

lot. FOX Architects is a company that

never know where those connections

gives opportunities to those who ask

are going to take you, and besides

for them, which is one of the many

having industry connections, it’s nice

reasons why I love working for this

to have a support system already built

firm.

into a new area.

KH:

KH:

Cosmo Couture is without a doubt

I agree, it’s so important to have

the most exciting industry event (and

that support group around you after

project!) of the year. Sponsored by

graduation; and it especially helps

IIDA MAC, local design firms pair up

when they understand our industry.

with a manufacturer to great an avant

When

FOX,

garde runway gown out of recycled

we already had a connection from

Stephanie

architectural materials. It is a lot of late

being leaders in IDEAS at school.

nights and weekends; but, it was so

It’s comforting to work with someone

worth it to see our vision come to life

who comes from the same education

and walk across the runway! The most

background, and like Steph said, we

rewarding

have many other Hokie grads in the

in Cosmo Couture was collaborating

office too! I run into fellow VT ITDS

with my coworkers in a different form

grads

of

around

the

started

city

at

at

various

networking events all the time, it’s a

part

creativity,

about

it’s

a

participating

great

bonding

experience!

SMALL industry, people!

SH:

SO small- Lisa Tucker was not kidding

Q4:

when she told us that. She would

Is it the same source that you had

while in school…or has it changed in

always say “your classmates are your

an office setting?

future coworkers;” now look at Kelsey and I!

Where do you derive inspiration?

KH:

At school, I would find inspiration in the classes outside of studio (yes,

Q3:

SH:

What has been the most exciting

even

project you have worked on? (inside

science

gen-ed

classes

would spark my curiosity and inspire a

or out of work!)

concept or color palette). These days,

For Five Coffee Roasters is a line of

I am often inspired by people, nature, traveling, and music.

Boutique coffee shops that originated in Queens, New York, and is now

SH:

​I would say I derive inspiration from the

expanding up around Northern Virginia

people I work with, the client’s brand,

and DC. FOX Architects won the first

and the city itself. Every morning on

three of these new locations opening

the bus, I read something in Interior

up in the area, and I was brought

Design magazine so that I can start the

onto the team to design them. For

day inspired.

a younger designer, this was a lot of responsibility, but it’s been a great process so far and I’ve really learned a

48

the

VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

“ Outside of Virginia Tech connections, it has also been important to me to stay connected to industry members through our local IIDA chapter. Many designers at FOX Architects are IIDA MAC board members and we encourage each other to get involved in community philanthropic and networking events. Stephanie and I actually found ourselves on a committee this year and it has been a great way to stay up to date on events and volunteer our time for an important organization. ” - Kelsey

Left: Taylor Catlett (‘19), Kelsey Hutton (‘18), Stephanie Houston (‘17) and Savannah Mills (‘16) at FOX’s Summer Picnic

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FALL // ‘19

I V. CREDITS

PROGRAM NEWSLETTER

VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

SPECIAL THANKS...

Contributors and Authors

EMMA WOO D WA R D Student Liaison Newsletter Content

LI S A TUCKER Newsletter content and program updates TOR WAS CHE N K O Story content KELSEY HUTT O N Story content STEPHANI E HO U STO N Story content

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VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN

A M Y G ROOM E Alumni Liaison Newsletter Content

KE L S E Y M U IR Newsletter Layout and Graphics

INTERESTED IN GETTING I N V O LV E D I N O U R S P R I N G NEWSLETTER?

Please reach out to Alumni Networking Chair, Amy Groome, to connect with alumni in your city or to have your story featured in our Spring 2020 issue!

A M Y G R OOM E amygroome1220@gmail.com

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THANK YOU Visit https://archdesign.caus.vt.edu/itds/ for more information.

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VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN