Real World Design Week- Let’s make a difference!
So what is all this talk about Real World Design Week? If you are new to ASID or just missed out last year - Real World Design Week exists exclusively for ASID members. During Real World Design Week, ASID student members will participate in a one-day shadow experience with ASID professional, allied, and industry partner representatives.
Why Participate? Simple, without practitioner participation students will not have the opportunity to participate. Did you know last year more students were registered than practitioners in our area? (Nationally, only 58% of interested students were accommodated) Certainly we can each give a day or more! The more practitioner participation the better the variety of industry experiences for the students. For those who are not able to hire interns or devote time to training, this is a perfect way to impart your wisdom and experience as a one day occurrence! For those looking for interns, this is a great opportunity to identify ideal candidates for internship or job placement within your firm! Either way you can make a positive change in an aspiring designer’s life in just one day, and contribute to the elevation of the interior design profession. For more info and FAQ go to: http://www.asid.org/rwdw
When is it? Real World Design Week is held Nationwide November 7-13, 2010, with the minimum of four hours and a maximum of eight hours for the day. You may register for multiple days as you like.
How do I participate? Register! Registration opened June 1st for Professional, Allied, and Industry Partner members. Registration is set up through ASID Connex: go to http://rwdw.asid.org/welcome then log on, click "Join", click "Register for Real World Design Week", submit contact information, a description of your practice area, and your availability. Just follow the instructions on the site! Students register September 1st; they will be able to browse the shadow day listings created by practitioners and self-register for the one they are interested in. Pairings will be first come, first serve. After you are paired you will be able to coordinate logistics directly with the student. For participation tips and shadow day experience ideas visit: www.asid.org/custom/rwdw/practitioner_tips.asp
Past Student Member Heather Adams after Shadowing Holly Frye:
“The time we spent going over estimating material mounts and cost was definitely beneficial; it does not seem like such a foreign thing to me now. Aside from that specifically, I really appreciate you sharing your time with me and your knowledge of the Interior Design Industry. I value these learning experiences, especially as I get closer to graduating.”
“We spent two days together, the student who came was thrilled to see and do everything. This is a wonderful way to introduce students to what the real world is like. Volunteering is good not only for us Mentors, but for closet mentors as well. It really does not take much time or commitment to volunteer a day or two of your time during the year.”
-Joan Glassner, ASID
“You (Holly Frye) were a great source of inspiration to me as I watched you in action. You are a model of calm professionalism and you have such a flair for design. Thank you for all of your tips and allowing me to view your business”
-Beth Simon
“It was good to be able to offer information and experience, to answer any questions asked. I was excited to be able to help someone just starting out to avoid potential difficulties in their future careers.”
Dawn M. Esposito, allied member, ASID