Monthly Archives: April 2012

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.