Q&A Weave Compelling Stories with Sarah Weber

Overview

In this episode of Mile Long Trace we dive into the importance and value of internships in the design profession. We speak from a practitioner and student perspective to highlight how to pay it forward. 

Guest Summary

Katja Marquart is a professor at the University of Wisconsin in the Interior Architecture program within the School of Design and Communication. Katja works with students in her program to aid in internship placement and speaks with us on the role and value of internships.  

In this episode we discuss: 

1. The value of interior design internships from a student and practitioner perspective 

2. What students and practitioners are looking to get out of the experience

3. The reality of how internships weave into the business of design 

4. What skillsets practitioners are looking for

5. Meaningful ways practitioners can engage with interns

6. The difference between mentorship and sponsorship 

In this episode we discuss: 

1. Strategies for taking the WELL Building Exam
2. The importance of designing for building health
3. How to apply the strategies of WELL to the design of a project

“The role buildings can play in human health and well-being has never been more evident or more important. Thanks to an evolving evidence base, we understand more about the relationship between the physical environment and human health than ever before. We know how to create spaces that enhance – rather than hinder – health and well-being. We can measure – and then improve – the quality of our air, water and light. We can design environments that fuel our bodies, move us, keep us connected, inspire our best work and facilitate a good night's sleep.” - WELL

Guest Summary

Becca Dobosh has over 16 years of experience in the interior design industry, with a focus on and passion for sustainability.  For the past thirteen years she has been an integral part of SERA’s Hospitality Studio, which focuses on custom packages for branded hotels in complex, urban environments. Her approach to incorporating sustainability into projects is deeply immersed in biophilic design with an emphasis on creating healthy interior spaces that are grounded in occupant engagement through compelling storytelling. By creating spaces that strengthen the symbiotic relationship between humans and our environment, Becca designs for long-term resiliency and wellbeing.  She is a LEED & WELL AP, and Associate Interior Designer at SERA Architects.

To listen to the show and read the show notes on tips for taking the Well Building exam.

Follow us on instragram to stay in the loop on future episodes.

Interested in being a guest or have a topic covered, contact Mile Long Trace. We love hearing from our guests. 

Till next time keep designing yawl. 

Mile Long Trace speaks with Becca Dobosh about how she has woven the principles of biophilia into hospitality design.

Guest Summary

Becca Dobosh has over 16 years of experience in the interior design industry, with a focus on and passion for sustainability.  For the past thirteen years she has been an integral part of SERA’s Hospitality Studio, which focuses on custom packages for branded hotels in complex, urban environments. Her approach to incorporating sustainability into projects is deeply immersed in biophilic design with an emphasis on creating healthy interior spaces that are grounded in occupant engagement through compelling storytelling. By creating spaces that strengthen the symbiotic relationship between humans and our environment, Becca designs for long-term resiliency and wellbeing.  She is a LEED & WELL AP, and Associate Interior Designer at SERA Architects.

In this episode we discuss: 

1. What biophilic design is and how to apply it to a project 
2. What lead Becca to learning more about biophilic design
3. How she has applied the principles of biophilic design to a urban hospitality project

“Refuge is the idea that if people or animals or living beings are protected at the back and slightly overhead, they will feel more protected. It is the reason why animals have their deans in caves. The next principle is prospect which is access to views. Back in the day, humans were drawn to prospect because they could see predators coming. It provides a sense of safety. If you combine refuge (protection around and above you) and prospect (with views) you get a space that is very comforting to people". -Becca Dobosh

To listen to the show and read the show notes on tips for how to integrate biophilia into hospitality design. 

Follow us on instragram to stay in the loop on future episodes.

Interested in being a guest or have a topic covered, contact Mile Long Trace. We love hearing from our guests. 

Till next time keep designing yawl. 

Mile Long Trace speaks with Rachel Codd to explore the concept of designing for public spaces and place based design. We discuss a diversity of project sectors to talk about the importance of post occupancy evaluation, and how we can inform the design of public spaces using place based strategies.

Guest Summary

Rachel Codd is working on her MA in Interior Architecture and Design at Heriot Watt University.  She brings with her a background in illustration design and spent a decade working as a research librarian. While working in the library, it occurred to her she has a passion for how the built environment could be better through post occupancy evaluation and place based design strategies.  She brings with her a background in illustration design and spent a decade working as a research librarian. While working in the library, it occurred to her she has a passion for how the built environment could be better through post occupancy evaluation and place based design strategies.

In this episode we discuss: 

1. Why Rachel decided to get a MA in Interior Architecture
2. What her experience is like studying in Scotland 
3. How her background in illustration design has shaped her approach to the built environment
4. How ones mindset has to shift when working in different project sectors 
5. Why it is important to close the loop and perform post occupancy evaluations
6. How a place based design mindset can elevate ones design practice

Read the full show notes for key quotes and details about this episode.

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Feel free to reach out if your itching for a topic to be covered elizabeth@milelongtrace.com. 

Till next time keep designing yawl. 

Ever wonder how you can level up your design career? In this episode, Mile Long Trace speaks with Nita Posada about how to elevate oneself professionally between 5pm and 9am.

Guest Summary

Nita Posada is a Principal at Skylab Architecture in Portland, Oregon.  

• IIDA Chapter President and Strategic Advisory Committee Member
• She holds a NCIDQ Certificate and is a LEED AP BD+C
• She has a Bachelor of Interior Architecture from University of Oregon
• She has worked on projects that span across healthcare, higher education, hospitality and residential market sectors. 
• She enjoys participating in AIA softball leagues and industry golf tournaments. 

“This is an industry where you have to advocate for yourself, and not be afraid to speak up. Carve out your own path to find your passion. If you want to try something new advocate for it.” - Nita Posada

What are things you can do between 5pm and 9am as a design practitioner to elevate your career? Read the show notes to find out.

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Till next time keep designing yawl. 

The architecture and design field is a service-based industry. A designer must somehow bring in a profit and how we do that is through the design services we provide. In this episode we explore: 

• What a service-based industry means? 
• Why have good customer service?
• How to apply a client centric approach to your projects?

“As one becomes more experienced in their practice they can begin to see warning signs with clients. You can head off challenging clients by practicing a service-based mindset.” - Elizabeth

To listen to the show and read the show notes on 10 tips to providing good customer service.

Follow us on instragram to stay in the loop on future episodes.

Interested in being a guest or have a topic covered, contact Mile Long Trace. We love hearing from our guests. 

Till next time keep designing yawl. 

In this episode we will look at the transition of starting a new design position:

• Discuss how you know it is time to transition
• Interview tips
• How to approach your new position physically and emotionally

For 5 tips on how to approach your new job position read the full show notes.

Don't forget to leave a rave review in your favorite podcast app and follow us on instagram to stay in the loop as new episodes release.

Curious about a topic you would like for us to cover contact us. 

Till next time keep designing y'all. 

We take a dive into the practice of design from a parenting practitioner’s perspective. This episode is for you if you have kids or are thinking about having kids or your curious about the term work life balance. We will look at how parenting impacts the design process. 

Guest Summary

Megan Plante is a A&D Marketing Manager with OFS. She is a mother of two and has started a social media account called Mothers of Design, also known as MOD Squad. MOD Squad's vision is to create a voice and recognize that mothers in design exist. She strives to normalizing parenting by creating events around parenting and design. In this episode, Megan and I are going to take a dive into parenting, being a practitioner, and honing our voice of what feels right as a practitioner with a work life balance.

Whether or not you have a family that you're currently living with, or you're thinking about starting a family. We will look at what it means to have a work life balance within the context of a modern day design practice. 

In this episode we asked Megan:

• What led you to starting MOD Squad?
• What have you been hearing and feeling in the design industry from working parents?
• How do you think the profession has shifted since parents are working from home?
• There are parents in the workplace, then there are mothers in the workplace, how are mother's brains wired and how does that impact the workplace? 
• Do you think the 9-5 is realistic for parents?
• What advice do you have for the younger you when thinking about having kids in the design profession?

 “We as practitioners have to remember that working is a relationship. We have a relationship with our job. A relationship means there is a give and take. It is not a constant take. That is not a relationship.” - Elizabeth

“You're going to come across other ways of thinking, other relationships, other people, other upbringings. You are also going to come across people that have a very narrow mindsets, and I think no matter what, honor what is in you. Listen to your inner voice and what it is telling you to do. Be true to yourself.” - Megan

If you are a parent and practitioner that is seeking a work life balance we would love to hear what has worked for you. Please share elizabeth@milelongtrace.com. We want to hear from you and help build this profession together.

Make sure to follow us https://www.instagram.com/milelongtrace_podcast/ and tag a fellow designer that comes to mind when you listen to this episode. 

Till next time keep designing yawl. 

As we zoom into 2021 we take a look at the digital presentation process to set you up for success.

In this episode we will talk about:

• How to prep for a design meeting
• How to structure a meeting with a clear agenda
• Effective verbal and visual presentation styles
• Look at zoom etiquette
• How to maximize client engagement and form a relationship digitally 

Now lets elevate your practice by crafting successful design meetings.

To get  professional tips on how to design, run and shape a digital design presentation check out the show notes.   

Don't forget to leave a rave review in your favorite podcast app and follow us on instagram to stay in the loop as new episodes release.

Curious about a topic you would like for us to cover contact us. 

Till next time keep designing y'all. 

In this episode we talk about the relationship of architecture and interiors as a practice, we size up the ARE and the NCIDQ, we discuss pursuing a masters in architecture and provide insightful tips to help you elevate your practice.

Guest Summary

Michael Riscica is founder, creator, brainchild and show host of Young Architect. 

• Graduated from the New York School of Technology  with a Bachelor of Architecture
• Registered Architect with his NCARB Certificate 
• Volunteered for Architects in schools with Architecture Foundation of Oregon
• 2014 he founded Young Architect - Helping Young Architects navigate the early years of their careers and being more successful in school, work and the Architecture Registration Exam
• Written publications on how to pass the Architectural Registration Exam
• Created an ARE bootcamp to help architectural designers pass the ARE exams

“There are a lot of hats an interior designer can wear. In some way they are the same as an architect and some ways they are different. I think understanding what hats you're great at wearing and how you fit in is important.” - Michael

“If you don't have good bones, if the proportions of the space aren't right, you're just putting lipstick on a pig.” – Elizabeth

Check out the show notes to capture a summary of our discussion.

Don't forget to leave a rave review in your favorite podcast app and follow us on instagram to stay in the loop as new episodes release.

Curious about a topic you would like for us to cover contact us. 

Till next time keep designing y'all.