MidCity Office Party……

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On Thursday, May 3, 2012, MidCity Office celebrated their new showroom with a reception complete with breakdancing entertainment!  Villa alums, friends and faculty were present for the fun-filled evening.  Pictured to the left are Villa Alum Tina Lewis ’08 AAS with Villa student Mollie Vesci. Our hosts included Sara Gleason ’10 BFA and Jack Sciuto ’11 BFA.  Pictured are Professor Paul Brinkworth with Sara to the left and Professor Natalia Albul with Laura Schumaker.

It is always such a pleasure to see the many familiar faces from Villa at the local design events.  It’s a great opportunity for Villa students to network and make new contacts. Also at the event were Jordan Kelley ’10 BFA and Janet Rasmeyer ’10 BFA, from J Style Interiors and Lee Fustino ’06 AAS and Todd Piotrowski ’10 BFA from Carmina Woods Architects.

Conversations were filled with discussion of recent projects and future plans, such as wedding plans for Alexandra Gugino, a Villa Maria Photography alum and Todd.

Pictured to the right are Villa student Charles Gattie ’12 BFA and Jack.  The new MidCity showroom featured some wonderful furniture groupings and trends in office furnishings.  Located in the Tri-Main building, it’s a convenient location with many ties to the local arts community.

Fashion Forward at Villa

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Friday evening a most spectaclar transformation occured at the Villa Maria College Social Hall.  The Fashion Design and Merchandising program presented a colorful and fanciful fashion show to a standing room only crowd.  FDM faculty Jim Siewert was host and master of ceremonies, providing a wonderful context for the student work, taking us both behind the scenes and into the classroom with his joyful and sincere dialogue. He added just the right touch of personal reflection and anecdote to give the audience a glimpse into the Fashion program and the passion of the students and faculty alike.  The transformation of the social hall included a static display of student portfolio work and design projects that was a wonderful showcase of the program in general and the graduating students in particular.  Here VMC President Sister Marcella Maria Garus admires student work before the show.  The support of the college faculty and staff was tremendous.  This was a celebration shared by faculty, administration and staff alike.  Although the focus of the show was to feature the work of the graduating seniors, students throughout the program contributed creative and innovative design work that was a delight for the audience to see.  From the VIP party to the final bows, the evening was polished and professional.  Each VIP guest received a wonderful gift bag. The models all looked great, with make up and hair that complimented each individual look and personal style.  This will be an evening the we will remember for time to come. The collaborative efforts of multiple programs was also recognized, with contributions from animation, graphic design, interior design and music.  The models were a wonderful mix of professionals, friends, and Villa students, and each and every one did a fantastic job.  The room just sizzled!  The laser lights and fog machines helped as well.  At the end of the evening it was clear to all, that the long hours the students spent in the FDM sewing room was time well invested.  These young people have a dazzling future ahead of them, and their Villa education has given them a solid platform that will launch them into the fabulous world of fashion.  Congratulations to each and every one!Pictured above is Dr. Natascha Radclyffe-Thomas, fashion design faculty, with family and friends, who worked tirelessly with the Fashion Design students, helping bring their visions into reality.

a conference first for Villa students……

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For several years Interior Design Studio 5 has collaborated with the Early Childhood Education program and Bethel Head Start to re-design a Bethel Head Start Early Childhood Education Center located in Buffalo, NY.  This outcomes from this project have been received with high acclaim from many educators. As a result this year the interior design students from Villa were the very first non-discipline specific participants at the New York State Association for the Education of Young Children (NYSAEYC), presenting their completed projects at both the student poster display and as a workshop presentation.  This ground breaking event was well received by all those present.  The students were kept busy at the poster table answering questions and offering fabrication suggestions to fellow students and education professionals. Savana Czekalski and Ginny Gallersdorfer set up the poster display and were pleasantly surprised at the immediate attention that the Villa table received.  Joining them was Meghan Ebert.  Our hosts were extremely gracious and presented the Villa students with certificates of participation and appreciation pins. The workshop presentation was held later in the afternoon with students Therese Smith and Sandra Zygaj joining the group.  The student work was once again very highly received and the presentation received excellent assesments.

Raising the Bar in Albany and NYC…..

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Villa Maria College is a participant in the group NY11+, a prestigious group of baccalaureate granting institutions offering quality Interior Design education, dedicated to advancing the professionalism of the industry.  The work of Michelle Wild and Charles Gattie, seniors in the program and award winning Distinguished Student recipients, will be featured. The exhibit will open April 17, 2012 at the Legislative Office Building in Albany, NY with a reception at 5:30. On April 22 the show moves to New York City and a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at the Knoll Showroom at 5:30 pm.  An RSVP is required for the NYC opening.  All are invited to attend. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the work of other design students, meet our legislators, promote the profession of Interior Design and network with industry professionals.  Professor Natalia Albul will accompany the students to Albany.

From Studio Project to Reality…..

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Studio projects at Villa Maria College always imbed elements of reality that benefit the students’ educational experience. Interior Design Studio I has included a loft design project for many years, and a priority for faculty is to locate an appropriate building for students to utilize as their site.  In 2006 and 2007 a building at the corner of Seneca Street and Emslie Street was selected.  At that time windows were boarded up, the first floor had extensive water damage, but the bones of the building were strong, and the owner wanted to eventually design loft apartments for the second and third floors.  Since that time, the building has been renovated, the exterior has been restored, and a commercial tenant has moved in. This is an image of the building today.  Truly a gem in downtown Buffalo. Well this story has a wonderful twist.  Inspired by the work of the Villa students from several years ago, Donna Kostrzewski, Vice President for the Larkin Development Group, had decided to study Interior Design with Villa on a part time basis.  As a result of her studies she had the unique opportunity to design the actual loft apartments for the Schaefer Building.   The results could not be better.  Donna has shared that the project has met with acclaim from the many constituents that represent the client.  The project came in on time and on budget.  Finally she credits the Villa Maria College curriculum and in particular the Kitchen and Bath Design course, taught by Professor John Sisti, a certified Kitchen and Bath designer, for providing her with the skills and knowledge to bring this project to fruition.  The faculty at Villa are all extremely proud of Donna and applaud both her creative abilities and professionalism.  Images are of the newly completed lofts apartments.   The above image is the kitchen and to the right is the master bath with a view into the master bedroom.  Just goes to show…..Studio Projects can come true!  Congratulations to Donna and the lucky people who will be living in these professionally designed and beautiful lofts.

in search of world-class in Buffalo…..

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It seems that while some were asleep, possibly missing the activity in downtown Buffalo, they should now awaken to a new sense of pride in Buffalo…..for we truly are “World-Class”.  Now I’m not talking about the Bills and I’m not talking about the Sabres….. I’m talking about an amazing new facility located in the Buffalo Medical Corridor….the new Gates Vascular Institute, which is officially open, a Kaleida Health System clinical and medical research building. Recently I was privileged to tour the facility and impressive only begins to describe this healing, teaching and research facility.  Small wonder that professionals the world over have been visiting the site.  The aesthetics are clean and modern yet classic in simplicity and detail.  At left is an image of exterior detailing in design.  The upper floors house the University at Buffalo research and teaching facility and the lower levels are the emergency department and vascular procedure areas. The physician led plan has resulted in the application of Evidence Based Design which permeates the building. The excellent design choices combine to create a facility that is both beautiful, exceptionally functional and one of a kind.  The emergency room houses four Urgent Care pods that are each color coded based on function and serve to assist patients and staff with spatial recognition, reducing  confusion during stressful times.  This is an excellent example of using color for way-finding.  There are a variety of waiting areas that provide visitors a choice of quiet and comfortable spaces.  The lobby is striking, with soaring ceilings, cantilevered spaces, sophisticated furniture and creative screened walls. The use of texture and material provide visual interest and expansive use of natural daylight results in a bright and inviting space.

This facility is the first of its kind, bringing together patients, surgeons, researchers, and students to benefit the advancement of medical treatments and service.  The operating rooms and clinical facilities on the medical floors are designed to maximize the quality of care.  Equipment is state of the art.  Patient rooms are large enough to accomodate families and the decor is non-institutional and comforting.  Cannon Design, a locally headquartered architecutral firm was a member of the design team.

 

Why Interior Designers Matter……..

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The 2012 Interior Design Education Council (IDEC) National Conference was held in Baltimore, Maryland, March 19 – 22.  “IDEC represents the unique professional interests of interior design educators   in the United States and worldwide. IDEC provides forums for sharing innovative   strategies for interior design education, expressing a range of views on important  issues, and disseminating research findings. Members of IDEC educate individuals,families, fellow professionals, and students, and influence policy makers  about the interior design profession.”  This year’s conference included a student video competition exploring the question…..Why Interior Designers Matter….  The winning entry was a very clever and informative  submission from the students at Radford College in Virginia.

The second place submission was from Iowa University and focused on the benefits of hiring a professional interior designer.

The third place video focussed on the economic benefits of professional interior design and qualified interior designers.

Student Exhibit at Villa……

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Friday, March 23 an awards presentation and reception was held for the opening of the Spring 2012 Interior Design Student Exhibit.  Earlier in the day, a prestigious panel of judges assessed the student work displayed in the Paul William Beltz Art Gallery and the Distinguished Students of the Year were selected.  The three top students were presented tasks chairs from our Awards sponsors, MidCity Office, Buffalo Office Interiors and Millington Lockwood. Pictured from left are 1st place award recipient Charles Gattie, 3rd place award recipient Michelle Wild and 2nd place award recipient Harrison Walsh.  The judging also identified several students in the Honorable Mention category.  Those students were Jason Cole, Savana Czekalski and Allysa Gozdziak.   To the right, pictured in the gallery are junior level students Ginny Gallersdorfer and Savana Czekalski.  The reception also provides an opportunity to feature the work of freshman level students and identify a ‘Best of Show’ freshman rendering.  The award is sponsored by Seneca Blueprint and the generous prize this year was a drafting table.  The recipient was Heather Heusinger, pictured to the left with her green chair rendering in the background.  The reception was organized by the ASID chapter student club, the IN club with the assistance of faculty advisor Prof. Natalia Albul and Prof. Paul Brinkworth.  Guests at the event included the Interior Design industry partners, alumni, Villa Maria College faculty and administration, students, family and friends. Pictured at left are Todd Piotrowski BFA ’10, from Carmina Wood Architects, Sara Gleason BFA ’10 MidCity Office and Jack Sciuto BFA ’11 Mid City Office.  Proceeds from a Basket Auction and 50-50 raffle benefit IN club service learning projects.  Entertainment was provided by Villa Maria College Music Program faculty member Michael Rieman.  The evening was a wonderful success.  The exhibit will be on display until April 13.

 

 

Digital Day at Canisius College….

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On Friday, March 2, Canisius College hosted a small conference called Digital Day and local academics came together to share their scholarly work and experiences using various technologies in the class to improve teaching and learning.  Our keynote speaker was Dr. Tamara Rosier, Ph.D. and she joined us via tele-conference to present on Metacognition.  So you may be asking…..What is metacognition?….. It was described as recognition on the part of the learner that learning has taken place,or is taking place.  By applying metacognitive strategies instructors can help students learn to know.

The video describing the application of metcognitive principles was presented in a digital format that was introduced at the conference called Prezi.  It is an alternative to power points and similar presentation formats.  The key to a successful Prezi presentation is not to move around the screen too quickly, since it seems to produce a feeling of sea-sickness.

This is the official introductory video explaining Prezi.  You can also visit the web site, http://prezi.com/ and try out this new presentation tool.

The conference had numerous presentations on new digital tools that can enhance teaching and learning.  Screencast-o-matic was an excellent means of recording a lesson from your computer that can be used for online courses or student conferencing.  This is a useful tutorial that walks through the process.

I was pleased to present the IND Studio 5 project that uses Skype to bring guests from Europe into our classroom and critique.  It was very well received and I’ve hopefully inspired other educators to use this simple tool.

The conference concluded with a panel discussion on the Horizon Report which was prepared by the New Medium Consortium.

This is a report that identifies emerging technologies that will enable and improve teaching, learning and creative inquiry as well as highlights key trends.

The timing is right for Smart Lofts at the H&G Show…

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Just in time for Spring Break at Villa,- the Buffalo Home and Garden Show…and perfect timing for the Freshman Studio loft project.  A visit to the Smart Lofts installation on the upper level of the Buffalo Convention Center can inspire many great ideas and visions.  The Interior Design Association of Western New York has created this unique display of two separate loft spaces, one designed with a contemporary flair for young, urban professionals, and the second a stylish, sophisticated, yet fun space for the ‘empty nester’.  Designers Pamela Witte of White Orchard Home Furnishings in Orchard Park and Brooke Pelc of Nest Interiors in Buffalo headed up the design teams for each space, and Villa Maria College’s alum, Nicole Milley was integral in the completion of both spaces.

Seated in the Smart Loft at Friday night’s opening reception are Villa Interior Design Senior Kristin Wing and Interior Designer and Villa alum Nicole Milley.  Visible through the window are other displays at the show. Nicole played a major role in the design and installation of both loft spaces.

The opening reception was a popular place for Villa alums and students. Sharon Kostek was representing Visionary Bath in the Young Professional’s Bathroom and John Paul Balbierz of Kitchen World , also a Villa alum, was lead designer for the Empty Nester’s Kitchen.  A key feature of the Smart Lofts is the integration of technology in the home.

Pictured in the kitchen are Karen Bialowski from Kittinger Furniture and Karen Mattoon from the Tile Shoppe.  Karen Bialowski is currently using her Internship Site Certificate to attend classes at Villa.  She says she  enjoys studying the History of Interior Architecture. Welcome to our new student!

The show is open two weekends only, March 9 – 11 and March 16 – 18.  Visit their web site at www.BuffaloHomeShow.com .

Audrey Blanchard ’10 B.F.A. is pictured in the loft with Kristin Wing.  Audrey was working the MP Carroll Hardwood exhibitors booth, but wasn’t too tired to join in the festivities to celebrate the opening of the Smart Loft.