Future Interior Designers Experience “Generation Green” at The Art Institute of Indianapolis

(February 20, 2008)  Indianapolis, IN- Over two hundred interior design students from the state of Indiana will convene at Design Interaction Day 2008 February 22nd at The Art Institute of Indianapolis.  The American Society of Interior Designers formed this event to allow the students an audience with designers in the state of Indiana and learn about their businesses or work experience. 

This year the focus is on green design.  How designers can be environmentally conscious while still meeting their client’s needs.  There will be two keynote speakers. Bill Brown from Browning Day Mullins & Derdorf Architects and member of Greening of the White House national task group, the American Institute of Architects National Committee on the Environment steering committee and Educating Architects for a Sustainable Environment national task force will discuss the future of green building. Senior vice president and principal-in-charge at the Dallas Regional Office of HOK (formerly Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum) Sandra Parét is a registered architect in 18 states will be discussing green design.

The full day program will include break out sessions on other green topics such as historic preservation and LEED certification.  Lunch round tables are scheduled to present the students with the opportunity to get to know a design professional.  At conclusion of the day winners of International Masonry Institute competition will be announced.   Students who competed were given a project with guidelines and one week to complete.  Over 40 entries were received from 3 schools; The Art Institute of Indianapolis, Ball State University, and Purdue University.

Other speakers will include: Patrick Schmidt who will address the latest updates on the SAFE Coalition Status; Steve Overbey, President, SMS Marketing Co., talking about Lighting Design; Rosemary Kilmer, LEED AP, who will discuss topics concerning the LEED Certification Exam; Alyssa Theile instructor at The Art Institute of Indianapolis will host a Photoshop Workshop; Mark Darrall, A2SO4, will specifically talk about LEED Design; Tommy Kleckner, Director, Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana Western Regional Office will address Historic Preservation; as well as, Sandi Pearlman, CKD, CR, will discuss topics on the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA); and Eric Schleef an instructor at The Art Institute of Indianapolis will host a rendering workshop.

American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) hosts Design Interaction Day annually to assist in the growth and education of Interior Designers.  The goal is to link professionals with students to mutually benefit both groups.  For more information on ASID and future design events please go to www.asidindiana.org.

The Art Institute of Indianapolis is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.  Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and certificate in Residential Design are available at The Art Institute of Indianapolis.  For more information visit us at www.aii.edu/indianapolis.