By: Rory Donohue

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For more than 30 years, the Interior Design Student Organization (IDSO) at Florida State University has been helping Interior Architecture and Design students develop their skills, build their portfolios and connect with other professionals in the industry through organizations such as the American Society of Interior Designers and the International Interior Design Association.  

Under the leadership of co-presidents Jaymie Kennedy and Ciara Iglesias, both undergraduate seniors majoring in Interior Architecture and Design, the organization promotes students’ work and fosters growth within the Department of Interior Architecture & Design at FSU.  

 In the Fall 2023 semester alone, the group hosted various social, networking, and workshopping events, took a tour of the Old Willis Dairy Farm in Tallahassee and took a group trip to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Spring House.  

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“They do all this while envisioning fun and creative activities that support their peers,” said faculty advisor Kelley Robinson. “I am so proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing how their leadership experience in this role will unfold in their futures as interior design professionals.”  

“Making connections with local landowners and being able to learn their personal history is really special and something we hope to continue,” said Kennedy. 

The site visits and events planned by IDSO have a real impact for the students. By visiting one of the iconic architects works in person and through conversations with President of Spring House Institute Byrd Lewis Mashburn, students were able to better understand Wright’s design process. 

IDSO’s leadership prides itself on helping students build their professional portfolios and offering mentorship and creating a strong community among the department’s students. To Kennedy and Iglesias, building that community is the most important part of IDSO’s mission. They offer “student spotlights” on the organization’s Instagram account (@fsu_idso) to highlight their work to a larger platform and expose them to potential clients and employers. They also host headshot photography events, portfolio workshops, and more. 

“IDSO has provided an environment where I am surrounded by hard-working peers and knowledgeable faculty who are genuinely invested in my success,” said Iglesias, who recently acquired an internship with Atlanta-based Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry. “It has been an indispensable resource in facilitating my professional growth.”  

“IDSO expands my confidence and leadership skills not only in the classroom, but in the workforce,” said Kennedy, who credits the organization with helping her succeed in her recent internship. 

This semester, IDSO plans to get a first-hand look at the development of a local design firm’s project. They are also hosting their annual prep events with FSU’s Career Center to help get students prepared for the career fair this March.  

Updates about membership and events can be found on the organization’s Instagram at  @fsu_idso.  

FSU IDSO Board: 

ASID VP: Hanna Watson (Junior) 

IIDA VP: Sarah Tavares (Junior) 

Secretary: Grayson Avriett (Senior) 

Treasurer: Caroline Serrahn (Senior) 

Social Media Chair: Morgan Kolb (Senior) 

Historian: Gabriela De Vasconcellos (Junior) 

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The Florida State University Department of Interior Architecture recently hosted its eleventh annual Charrette, a competition in which teams of students compete to solve unique design problems. In past years, students have tackled such creative challenges as building a zombie apocalypse bunker or developing a “life size” version of a favorite childhood game.  

This year’s theme, “Decades of Inspiration” challenged the teams to envision a black-tie event to honor the Department’s own 50th anniversary. Each of the teams were assigned a decade, from the 1970s through the 2010s to base their designs around, leading to a diverse set of styles.  

“Our students work incredibly hard on their Charrette projects each year and I am always impressed with them,” said Terry Londy, assistant professor and director of the Charrette. “It was so interesting to see how each of the teams interpreted the time periods they were assigned. We’re so proud of what they accomplished.” 

Emeritus Professor Lisa Waxman presented a History of Interior Design Education to the entire student body at the event’s Kickoff, to provide context behind the anniversary. Students were given a tour of the FSU Alumni Center Ballroom, where the event will be held.  Students from FSU’s Dedman College of Hospitality also served as special advisors to each group, helping them consider special needs associated with an event. 

Three expert guest judges volunteered to judge this year’s competition:  

 

Marie Roberts (BS 1985) 

Roberts has decades of experience in design and marketing and serves as a Senior Designer at Bright Red Agency, a marketing and advertising firm located in Tallahassee.  

Emory Johnson (BS 1972) 

One of the first alumni of the FSU Interior Design program, Johnson has more than 40 years of experience in the field. He has long been an advocate for the professionalization of the industry, and currently serves as a member of State Regulatory Board of Architecture and Interior Design. Johnson is also a founding member of FSU’s Interior Architecture and Design Advisory Council. 

Michael Fornaro, PhD 

Fornaro, the founder and principal of Luxe Design Associates is a published author, designer and educator with more than 20 years of experience in the design field. He is the current chair of the Interior Architecture & Design Advisory Council.  

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Announcing our 2024 Charrette Winners:   

First Place: Team 383 “1970s” 

Abigail Walrath 

Reegan North 

Alisson Angarita 

Peyton Kimble 

Consultant: Pamela Cabrera  

Second Place: Team 395 “1990s” 

Kayla Reiff 

Ciara Lee 

Alejandro Beltran 

Isabella Escruceria 

Consultant: Sydney Hilgert 

Third Place: Team 387 “1980s” 

James Dzwil 

Victoria Perree 

Isabella Montilla Liscano 

Kate Wankelman 

Consultant: Nydia Clement 

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The winning posters will be on display at the department’s 50th Anniversary Celebration on March 2. The first-place team will attend the celebration as special guests, and elements of their designs have been incorporated into the online promotion of the event.  

 

 

Register for the 50th Anniversary Celebration and Alumni Weekend  

Can’t attend? Honor your time at FSU by making a gift to advance the Department at https://give.fsu.edu/interiordesign.