Design Philosophy
Designers are presented with the unique opportunity to redefine and create remarkable interiors. But what’s most interesting is the ability to be creative and think outside the box. For the designer this is perfectly acceptable (as long as it’s safe and functional). Interior design is a service profession to be practiced by caring individuals who value the needs of others. Good design reflects the needs and wants of the client and understands and appreciates their needs as well.
It’s a satisfying feeling to know that as a designer, the interiors created are something tangible that will impact the lives of other, yet realizing that design is bigger than you or me, it’s global. We should have an appreciation for other cultures and embrace the diversity each one brings. I am fascinated with other cultures and it’s fun to try to understand the world from someone else’s perspective. The world is forever changing and society is always reinventing itself, but it’s important not to get caught up in fads and trends because they don’t last long and ultimately neither will the design. Design should possess a timeless quality that can transcend expectations and leave an environmentally friendly footprint. Mother Earth’s resources are depleting and that’s why it’s important to practice sustainability. While meeting the needs of the client a designer needs to think about the efficient proper use of materials and their effects on the environment. Ethical practices are as important in the area of design as in other professional disciplines.
By nature I am very inquisitive and I am not afraid to ask questions or say I don’t know. What’s great about that is that I am always learning and looking for ways to gain more exposure to the field. As I continue my quest for knowledge I know that there will be obstacles to overcome and hurdles to jump over but that’s part of the exploration! My education, technical knowledge, and my own intuition are key components that will definitely help me be able to enter the design field as a competent, confident designer.
Elaine Griffin Interior Design, New York, NY, US, Interior Design Intern
•Assisted in the staging and design production for master bedroom remodel. Design was featured in a well-known magazine publication.
•Returned fabrics and material samples to D&D building and other office duties.
Habitat for Humanity NYC, New York, NY, US, AmeriCorps-Construction Crew Leader
•Construction Crew Leader for the Critical Home Repair Project responsible for rehabilitating homes damaged by Hurricane Sandy.
•Completed over 1700 service hours.
•Led over 200 hundred volunteers from schools, faith groups, corporations, and other organizations in various on-site construction, safety, and tool training.
•Led volunteers in the engagement of on-site educational training on affordable housing issues in New York City.
•Aided in the coordination of the 30th Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter Work Project, a week-long event with President Carter, his wife, and over 100 volunteers where 10 homes on Staten Island were rehabilitated.
Engineering Ministries International, Atenas, Costa Rica, Architectural Design Intern
•Executed the development and coordination of master plan and design for new structures, i.e.: site survey, dormitory plans, specified standards.
•Identified design problems and generated viable solutions for production of construction documents, marketing posters, and boards for client presentations.
•Translated provided services for client from English to Spanish.
Allen Saunders, Inc., Miami, FL, US, Interior Design Intern
•Identification of appropriate selection of fabrics and finishes.
•Researched furniture, products and concept ideas, maintained communication with vendors.
•Conducted meetings with sales representatives to preview new products (fabric lines, rugs, and wallpapers) and assisted in the preparation for client presentations.
•Expedited faxes, memo samples and obtained price quotes, visited job sites, maintained sample library, conducted field measurements, and coordinated and met with the painter and furniture maker.
