Monthly Archives: October 2012

Villa Maria College students take 1st, 2nd and 3rd in ASID competion!

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The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has announced the winners of the Upstate New York and Eastern Canada Network 2012 design competition.  There are three professional categories including Residential, Commercial under 3,000 square feet and Commercial  over 3,000 square feet plus one student competition category.  Winners for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place are awarded in each.  In the student competition category all three winning entries are from the Interior Design program at Villa Maria College.  Third place, for her Studio 5 Dzintari Health and Wellness Center is Sandra Zygaj Borowski.  The project location is Latvia, in the city of Sigulda.  Students Skype with the project architect, Gunta Graudupe as well as the owner/client Dr. Anda Polna. Ms. Zygaj Borowski researched Latvian folklore and history, selecting the symbol of the Cross Hatch Star to inspire her design.  The second place winner, for her Studio 4 Sephora Pop-Retail Design is Savana Czekalski.  The students in this studio travelled to New York City to visit the newest Sephora retail store, gain first hand knowledge of the business and study other examples of retail design.  Ms. Czekalski based her design on the concept, ‘Tis the Season to be Pretty. The first place winner, also for the Studio 5 project in Latvia was also Savana Czekalski. Students were required to design sustainable interiors applying universal design principles and reflecting the unique cultural and regional properties of the location in Latvia.  The projects were also critiqued by Professor Daina Gaga, from the Latvia Culture College located in Riga, Latvia. Both studios are taught in the Junior year. Faculty advisor for Studio 4 is Professor Paul Brinkworth and Faculty advisor for Studio 5 is Professor Sandra Reicis.

 

Villa Students at IIDEX in Toronto

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Canada’s national design and architecture exposition was held September 20th and 21st at the Direct Energy Center in Toronto, and Villa Maria College Interior Design students were there.  From left Jason Meneely, University of Florida joined our photo opportunity in the Teknion booth.  Pictured further are Natalia Albul, Geraldine Liquidano, Jessica Foster, Lauren Whitworth, Kayla Alba, Sandra Reicis, Emily Dorton, Mary Gortzik and Stacey Skurzewski.  Just a quick two hour drive away,  Canada’s largest National Design +Architecture Expo and Conference, IIDEX Canada brings together over 15,000 interior designers, architects, facility managers, real estate and business executives in a national forum which powers the design industry in Canada. During two action packed days in September, IIDEX Canada’s 350 exhibitors showcase hundreds of innovative products and services, from all areas of design – workplace, hospitality, retail, healthcare, lighting and sustainable design. The CEU accredited international conference program ensures attendees receive expert advice on the issues shaping this rapidly changing industry. IIDEX also offers numerous opportunities to network, through receptions, award ceremonies and tours. Now in its 28th year, IIDEX holds a truly unique position in the Canadian design industry as the only major design exposition owned by a professional association, the Interior Designers of Canada.

After our visit to IIDEX we hopped back on our bus to visit the Historic Distillery District. Here you find a dramatic fusion of old and new. It’s a blend of Victorian Industrial architecture and stunning 21st century design and creativity. An internationally  acclaimed village of one-of-a-kind stores, shops, galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes, theatres and more, we enjoyed strolling along the cobblestone streets. 

The Distillery Historic District opened in 2003 and today it is widely regarded as Canada’s premier arts, culture and entertainment destination. We stayed for a wonderful dinner at the Boiler House restaurant and then hopped on the bus again for our ride back to Buffalo!