Interior Design Student Exhibit and Awards

Harrison WalshVilla Maria College hosted the 2014 Interior Design Student Exhibit opening night reception on Friday, April 11, 2014.  President Sister Marcella Marie Garus was present at the event.  The reception was a resounding success culminating with the announcement of the Distinguished Students of the Year.  A jury of 21 distinguished designers and educators assessed the exhibit prior to it’s public opening and based on their votes the 1st place award was given to Harrison Walsh ’14.  He receives the Humanscale Diffrient Task Light, donated by Millington Lockwood.   Jessica FosterThe 2nd place winner was Jessica Foster ’14 who receives the HON Motivate Chair, donated by Integrity Office Supply. The 3rd place winner was Tara Clack ’15 who receives the Buffalo Office Interiors chair.  Tara ClackEach of the students is pictured in front of the exhibit of their body of work.  Members of the jury included Ike Lowry, Cannon Design; Robert Reeder, Robert Reeder Interiors; Lee Schlatterer and Todd Piotrowski, Carmina Wood Morris; Nina Lewis, DIRTT Environmental Solutions; Edna Czyc, Wolf Gordon; Megan Ebert, DalTile; Mimi Fierle, Buffalo Office Interiors; Sandra Zygaj-Borowski, Integrity Office Solutions; Mary Golden, Ferguson Lighting and Bath Showroom; Barbara Reformat, Tiles International; Ryan Renshaw, Schenne & Associates; Jim Constantin, Laura Shoemaker,  Ryan Hanes, Charles Gattie, Roswell Park Cancer Institute; Therese Smith, Villa Alum; and Villa Faculty members, Brian Duffy, Michael Bosworth, Joyce Kessel and Bob Grizanti  In addition to the selection of the distinguished students there is also a best of show category for the freshmen students.  Due to the high caliber of the freshman work, this was a difficult year for voting, but the majority votes went to Ana Spanake.  She wins a full-size drafting table donated by Seneca Blueprint.  Congratulations to all the winners!  The exhibit will run until April 25, 2014.

Krug Showroom Tour with the IIDA

Faculty and Students at KrugVilla Maria College Interior Design students and faculty were fortunate to participate in the IIDA Buffalo City Center sponsored trip to the Krug showroom in Toronto.  Incorporated into the Studio 5 experience, and open to all students at the college, this was a professional development opportunity for students and faculty alike.  A CEU presentation on Level was a key component to the visit, as was an informative and entertaining tour of the Krug showroom.  Villa Faculty Students and AlumWe were treated to breakfast as well as lunch.  Following the showroom visit there was free time to explore Toronto before catching the chartered coach bus back to Buffalo.  A great day that contributes to the body of professional development hours that all Villa students must earn.  Together with our alum we were a group of 19 participants strong!  Go Villa!

Emily Bolles Participates at the Calico Corners Designer Challenge

 

Emily Bolles at Design ChallengeCalico Corners, a fabulous fabric retail outlet servicing the industry as well as the public, has begun a fun tradition inspired by the many HGTV challenge shows.  Students have the opportunity to create beautiful spaces, in one hour, using the Calico Corners product and then present to a panel of design professionals.  Representing Villa this year was junior Emily Bolles.  She was supported by faculty member Sandra Reicis and internship coordinator Judy Piskun.  Emily Bolles with Calico prizeEmily presented a very professional design, focusing on the rapidly growing importance of being able to age in place.  Her design featured many Universal Design principles.  Check out the ABC’s of Universal Design on Cynthia Leibrock’s web site, which features her beautiful home, designed to follow the principles of Universal design.  Congratulations to Emily for winning a $250.00 gift certificate to Calico Corners!