New York, 4 April 2014 — Playing off the quick fire challenges made popular by the likes of Top Chef and Project Runway, The International Interior Design Association’s New York Chapter (IIDA NY) on Wednesday hosted Design This!, a friendly competition where New York area design students had one hour to redesign a Humanscale showroom, including the reception area and conference room.

Six pairs of students were tasked with creating an educational environment where Humanscale’s customers could learn about ergonomics, functional design, simplicity, and experience the products. At the end of the hour, which included two breaks where mentors jumped in to give feedback, each group presented their final work on trace paper, which had to include at least three of the following deliverables: floor plan, elevation, 3D perspective sketch, details such as product display, and material concepts.

“We are thrilled to host the New York IIDA Chapter for the student ‘Design This!’ event. We welcome the students’ energy, enthusiasm, and fresh approach to design. Seeing their perspective of our brand through this quick exercise was insightful. We very much appreciate their engagement and creativity,” said Chris Gibson, Vice President of Marketing, Humanscale.

Two IIDA NY members and Chris Gibson picked the winning concept designed by PenpornTeerasukprasarn, a student at the New York School of Interior Design, and EsinEkincioglu, a student at Pratt. The duo walked away with a Humanscale chair for their design, which the judge’s agreed had a realistic approach to a successful showroom design, having efficient flow for visitors and excellent opportunities to showcase Humanscale brand and product. The runners-up, Indira Lourenco of NYSID and Jana Homes of Pratt, received a Humanscale lamp for their presentation.

Design This! is an extension of IIDA NY’s Speed Mentoring events, which started back in 2008 to help address the stress graduating students were feeling about meek job perspectives. The events seek to engage with students, providing them an opportunity to expand their network and introduce themselves to what design professionals do on a daily basis. Past design challenges include a wallcoverings design and faucet fixture design.

“Connections are so critical for a design graduate’s first steps to their career,” said Lance Amato, Senior Associate and Project Director at Voco, former IIDA NY president, and event judge. “Design This! has been a valuable asset in the NY design market in fostering relationships between up and coming designers and established professionals.”

“IIDA NY has been a tremendous resource as a designer. As a student, I benefitted from having an IIDA mentor and after school I felt that I already found a great network within the New York design community. Design This! is a great opportunity for students to get real world experience and have a fun night of friendly competition,” said event judge Katherine Plunkett, Designer, Gensler.

About IIDA NY

The IIDA New York Chapter (IIDA NY) is a professional networking and educational association of more than 800 Members in ten specialty Forums. IIDA NY provides its Members with the resources to reach expertise, knowledge and contacts. Networking events allow professionals and industry members to connect on more personal terms that encourage trust, collaboration, and innovation. The Chapter is proud to have been recognized as IIDA Large Chapter of the Year in 2011, 2008, 2001 and 2000. For more information, visit: http://www.iidany.org/. 


Contact: 

Alan Goodin
IIDA NY Executive Director
T: 212.297.2122
E: Email Contact

Megan Rivers
UpSpringPR
T: 646.722.8146
E: Email Contact