Hello from Holly! A newsletter from your Program Head

What a start to an amazing fall semester! I would like to formally welcome new and returning students back to the Interior Design Program. I would like to take this time to share with you what's new and exciting opportunities that our students embarked on for the new semester.

With the begin of the semester I had the opportunity to participate and accompany one of our second year students, Amarinh Kongimanivong, to the WithIT Leadership Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. Amarinh was presented at the WOW Awards Dinner, the Jena Hall Scholarship, which is awarded to two students nationally that exhibit talent and leadership in the field of design. At the conference, I was introduced to an amazing talent of women professionals in the industry. Many of these women are willing to share opportunities to our students.

WithIt is a national organization dedicated to encouraging and developing leadership, mentoring, education and networking opportunities for professional individuals in the home and furnishings industries (http://www.withit.org/). In keeping with this mission, WithIt has planned a Day of Mentoring for female and male students of architecture, interior design, furniture design, marketing/communications, manufacturing, textiles and sales, which we plan to participate. Students benefit by meeting a professional in their area of interest, as possible, and gaining an insider’s perspective on the High Point Furniture Market. The date as been set for October 20th. I look forward to seeing everyone there.

The second year students are currently competing in the PAVE (Planning and Visual Education Partnership)Design Competition for Godiva Chocolatier. Students are competing against other two, four, and five year programs for a chance for $5,000 worth of cash and prizes. The competition is heating up as we try for another sweet victory.

Interior Design is also hosting "Technology Lecture Series" in which professionals in the field discuss topics involving technological advancements in lighting, software, and social medias for marketing.

Many more details on program involvement are to come!

Concepts Presented for the Alton Cox Learning Resource Center

This summer, Students of Commercial/Contract I presented design concepts for the Alton R. Cox Learning Resource Center on the campus of Randolph Community College. Students worked in two teams to investigate ways to transform the space into an emerging cultural center. Students looked at ways to showcase talent through performance art, cultural events, and displaying student work.

The design provided an art gallery in the main foyer to showcase displaying student work completed various areas on campus. The auditorium received aesthetic upgrades and studies completed to better sound and lighting quality.

Overall students reflected on the emerging image of the college and its transformation over the past 50 years. A dedication wall will by present detailing the history.

Student work by: Emily Chandler, Amarinh Kongmanivong, Alex Hoover, and Kerri Beth Frazier. Students were under the direction of Holly Barker, Program head, Interior Design

Concepts Presented for the Alton Cox Learning Resource Center

The above design is that of Sallie Sullivan, Claire Albright, Chelsea Haga, Savannah Chappell, and Misty Eagle. The class was under the instruction of Holly Barker, Program Head, Interior Design.