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PDU's and Service Projects
Professional Development Units:
Professional Development Units:
As students at Olivet Nazarene University, we are provided with numerous opportunities for both academic and professional growth through educational lectures known as PDUs, or Professional Development Units. PDUs consist of hour-long lectures covering a wide range of topics relevant to the design world. These opportunities have included guest speakers who visit campus, conferences such as Design Chicago, and even virtual meetings!
Sherwin Willams Student Colormax Forecast 2025
Design Chicago Conference
In this lecture, I learned that color trend forecasting predicts popular colors based on research, not personal preference. Trends can be long-term, macro, or short-term, with interior design trends lasting 2-5 years and building materials around 15 years. Sherwin Williams uses continuous analysis and annual forecasting, with this year’s color themes including Chrysalis, Paradox Spring, and Kindred.
"So You Want to Be an Interior Designer"
Class of 2020 Talk
The presentation featured ONU Interior Design grads, highlighting their career paths and current roles. Key points included the importance of communication with project managers and building strong relationships with clients and contractors. Designers worked on diverse projects, including construction, remodeling, and commercial spaces.
Burton & Company Design Studio
Olivet Campus Visitors
In this session, two designers from Burton-Co Design Studio discussed the importance of having a mentor when starting out. They shared their design process, which includes client meetings, budget discussions, and ongoing communication. They emphasized the need for continuous learning and not assuming clients know everything about the project.
Timeless Rugs Re-Imagined
Design Chicago Conference
The discussion focused on rug trends, including color changes and less emphasis on perfection. One rug featured a distressed look, while another had 20,000 knots with different languages. To maintain rugs, use a vacuum without a beater bar. Repairs are possible since rugs are individually knotted.
Brock Milliman: Process of Design Development of His Story
Olivet Campus Visitor
In this session, Brock discussed his education and portfolio, which includes projects like a gas station sign, a boat house, a microhome, and a church renovation. He emphasized the importance of a portfolio as it showcases a student's capabilities. One of his studio projects involved transforming a cement plant into a residential facility, completed as part of a midterm with another student.
Neuroaesthetics: The Science of Beauty in Interior Design
Design Chicago Conference
Linda, a member of WEN AP and SIDA, discussed neuroaesthetics in interior design, which focuses on creating spaces that promote psychological well-being. Designers should be aware of how individuals interact with spaces. Symmetry and intentional design can improve comfort and reduce stress. For example, Apple uses thicker tables to subconsciously appeal to users, and fractals can reduce stress by 60%.
Concrete Manufacturing
Olivet Campus Visitor
This presentation discussed how a designer used metals and materials in projects around the area, including the creation of a "MANTENO" sign made of carbon metal, which took about 3 years to complete. Some materials like aluminum don't weld well, and certain metals, like copper, can be dangerous to work with. It’s important to understand the materials you're working with, as prices for materials can fluctuate, affecting overall project costs.
Disney Tea Room
Design Chicago Conference
From this presentation, I learned that designers were tasked with using traditional Disney patterns in adult spaces, like hotel rooms and chill-out areas. They incorporated Disney themes through elements like staircase runners and fabrics, proving that such patterns can work in adult contexts.
Sherwin Williams Colormax Forecast 2024
Design Chicago Conference
From this lecture, I learned that colors often reflect trends at the time. Currently, warmer colors like pink and mineral-toned neutrals are popular, but dark colors can evoke drama and comfort. They add depth but need to be balanced with lighter elements. In 2024, a soft pastel palette is expected to emerge, helping reduce the need for artificial lighting and creating brighter, more energy-efficient spaces.
20 Trends Neuroscientists Believe Designers Should Know
ASID Bootcamp
This presentation, titled "20 Trends that Neuroscientists Believe Designers Should Know," covered how color impacts mood, as well as how sensory experiences—like comfort, sound, and posture—affect us. It highlighted that extroverts thrive in open spaces, while introverts perform better in quieter, enclosed areas.
Kitchens of the Future
Design Chicago Conference
Lisa, a trade rep, discussed how kitchens have evolved, influenced by social media and food culture. The "wellness kitchen" is now popular, focusing on comfort and ventilation. New refrigerators even pump clean air to preserve food quality.
Hulten Custom Cabinets
Olivet Campus Visitors
This presentation covered cabinet design, highlighting the importance of inspiration and using tools like AutoCAD. While designers provide detailed plans, cabinet makers interpret and bring these designs to life. It's key to think about how to make your designs unique and stand out.
Global Color and Design Trends
Design Chicago Conference
From this lecture, I learned that trends are long-lasting patterns, while fads are short-lived. Sustainability is bringing more green and warm tones into design, and nature-inspired elements, like softened edges, are becoming popular in furnishings.
Service Projects:
Service Projects:
Service projects are also a large part of our Architectural and Interior Design program at Olivet. As a student, it’s important to me to give back to the community in ways I can—through my skills as well as my time. Below are the program-sponsored service projects I had the opportunity to participate in!
Mattea's Joy
For this service project, I helped pack care packages for Mattea's Joy, a foundation that provides care packages to families in the hospital. The goal is to let the families know they are not forgotten and to make their time in the hospital a little easier.
Warm Their Hearts
For this service project, we created dog toys out of fabric and old t-shirts for Kankakee County Animal Control. These items provide the dogs at the shelter with the opportunity to play and engage their minds, which is essential for their well-being. The aim of this project was to make their stay more comfortable and enriching by enhancing their environment,
Meal Train
This service project was created two partners and I. It was opened to the rest of the FACS students. We hosted two nights for different families, cooking meals of chili and lasagna to drop off. We used an organization called Meal Train, which is designed to support families with loved ones in the hospital.
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