Interior Design program Hosts International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Bootcamp.

On November 7, 2016 the UL interior design program hosted an International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Bootcamp for majors in interior design. Panelists included UL grads Justine Hebert and Kellie Searcy, both of whom now have their own design firms here in Lafayette. Two other panelists included IIDA professional members, Heidi Meibaum, an interior designer, currently an Account Executive with Arc/Com and Andrea “Dru” Lamb, interior designer formerly with Eskew+Dumez+Ripple, who is now the Louisiana Territory Manager at Herman Miller and who sits on the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Interior Designers. Moderator of the panel was Ryan Ben, the Student Engagement and Advancement Manager for IIDA. Cheryl Durst, the Executive Vice President and CEO of IIDA attended the Bootcamp prior to her lecture to SoAD students and faculty.

Ms. Durst’s lecture on the future of design explored the value of design as a social, cultural and economic force globally, and what the implications are for design students today. Her engaging talk was peppered with Ms. Durst’s observations and experiences based on her extensive travel and connections throughout the world. As a strong advocate for the role of design in the future of our world, Ms. Durst challenged the students to become visionary leaders in their practice of design.