Photo: MASI 2019 Gold Recipient, Office under $80/foot, Jerilyn Wright and Deb Simmons,

Jerilyn Wright & Associates Interior Design, Calgary, Alberta

President's Message

Hello, Friends.

 

I don’t know about you, but I have found the sheer amount of CONTENT coming at me in the past couple of weeks to be overwhelming.

 

We’re all already trying to stay on top of extreme changes to work, family and personal routines. At the same time I have found my inbox to be overflowing with invitations to CEUs, requests for virtual product knowledge sessions, people just wanting to chat online. When I do attend, the sessions can be hit or miss in terms of relevance.

 

I am finding it a bit much – especially when combined with the overarching worry and uncertainty we’re all feeling. But I fully appreciate and understand the instinct to help, to offer whatever guidance we can at this time.

 

IDA wants to help too. We are actively seeking out resources and opportunities that can be particularly useful to our members. We know you’re being inundated, and we would like to help curate your list so your energy is reserved for the most useful resources.

 

To that end, please read below for information about a special webinar opportunity ONLY for IDA members. We have worked with Charette Venture Group, a consultancy that specializes in business and financial planning for small and medium architectural / interior design firms. They have put together a closed session just for our members during which you will have the opportunity to ask your questions directly of their professionals. I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity.

 

Whatever different shape your life has taken on lately, I hope you find a moment each day to reconnect with a sense of calmness and security. Instead of thinking of our routine as “the new normal,” I prefer to call it “the temporary normal” – we have to adjust for the immediate future, but it won’t be like this forever. This too shall pass, and the only way out is through.

 

Meanwhile, we can take comfort in one thing we know for sure: interior designers are problem solvers. In our daily work we regularly encounter situations that are challenging, that require us to adjust our expectations and think flexibly, and where we lead our teams to successful resolutions. We find solutions for a living – and we will continue to do the same for ourselves, our clients, and our communities, whatever the future brings.

Member Matters

If you were planning to write in the October 2020 session the exam blueprint will follow the current spring exam blueprint. The rollout of the new exam blueprint will be done in 2021.

Here is a guide on the NCIDQ website for studying for the exams and the October 2020 exam blueprints.

In this unprecedented time, it is critical for firms to be proactive and maintain forward-thinking strategies. Charrette Venture Group is committed to helping small and mid-sized design firms become stronger businesses, which includes sharing how to resolve critical business decisions in times of crisis. This timely webinar will outline financial planning, operational, and business development strategies tailored to fostering business continuity and sustainability. Topics include how to prepare revenue projections in a time of uncertainty; how to match staff production capacity to workload demands; and how to communicate your value to clients during stressful times. There will be ample opportunity during the live presentation to ask questions of the speaker and share comments with your colleagues.

 

A FEW RESOURCES 

IDA Member Project Feature

Project: Office under $80/foot

Designer: Jerilyn Wright and Deb Simmons, Jerilyn Wright & Associates Interior Design

Location: Calgary, AB

 

Three key design intentions were established early in the process for the new headquarters of this Malaysian state‐owned energy company. First, create clean, crisp, vibrant space to enhance employee satisfaction and productivity. Second, speak to the importance of this company’s major position in the energy marketplace. Third, do so subtly.

Overall, the design is a bold and commanding representation of inspiration.

 

The design was carefully applied to a standardized set of floor plans as well as the central
reception/meeting spaces. These reception/meeting spaces were intentionally stacked over two floors to ensure views of the adjacent river were available from all guest spaces. Using the river view as inspiration, the Interior Designer created a design solution based on the movement and fluidity of liquid.

 

Two twisting ribbons of steel that form a dramatic stairwell to the guest spaces above the reception area. This staircase is self‐supported from the two 19mm thick, plate‐steel ribbons. It was formed in Quebec, fully assembled in a local manufacturing facility, then disassembled, transported to site, reassembled and site finished (requiring a full automotive grade paint booth to be built within an operating office tower).

 

We would love to showcase the work of our members on our social media platforms. Simply use the hashtag: #idalbertainteriors for a chance to be featured. Our next feature will be in May, providing plenty of time to get those projects photographed!

JOB BOARD

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