Sunday, December 11, 2011

Red to Black Final Project Fall 2011

This is a prototype for a Red to Black advising office for student financial management.  The client will be between the ages of 18 and 28.  This project is designed to make clients feel comfortable and safe to discuss very personal problems and needs. 

The existing space is a 36’ x 24’ space in the Student Union Building.  There are no exterior windows.  The smallness of the space and the lack of light will be a challenge that will have to be overcome with good design.

Inspiration for the Space

Solution Statement

The idea of this office space is to provide a comfortable and home-like atmosphere for clients to come to during times of financial troubles.  There is a need for materials that are both warm and comfortable.  But, this has to be done while maintaining safety in the space.   Durability has to be taken into consideration, because this is a public space.  Using warm colors and appropriate materials the space can be transformed from a seemingly dark and cramped space into a warm and spacious area.  Each material used will add to the feeling of comfort while still being appropriate for a public space such as this one.

Floor Plan

Finish Schedule

Wall Covering



Material:  Vinyl Wall Covering

Company: Avant

Product Number: AV-ST-08

Color Name: Stucco

Size: 54 inch width

Fire Rating: Class A

Sustainability:

This wall covering employs ECORE Advanced Wall Technology that employs a construction using nano-structures that create an innovative, lightweight, non-PVC substrate.

This wall covering is also partially recyclable.    

Installation:

This wall covering must not be hung over existing wall covering.  I the case of a fire, this would lead to increased smoke and toxicities in the air.

This covering must be installed using a heavy duty, clear based adhesive that contains a mold inhibitor.

This particular wall covering should be installed as a random reverse match.  Using a professional will ensure that this installation matching is done correctly.

Maintenance:

Stains should be blotted clean as soon as possible.

A clean, damp sponge with warm water will remove any common smudges and dirt.  If the damp sponge fails to clean the dirt there are other methods of cleaning.

A laundry spot remover along with a damp sponge or soft bristle brush can work to remove tough stains.  First, this type of spot remover should be tested in an inconspicuous area to make sure it will not discolor the wall covering.

Lipstick, ball point pen, oil, some food, crayons, and markers will all stain this wall covering.

Pricing:

Cost = $8.78 per yard

Reception room = 800 sq feet of wall space

Required Wall Covering = 71 yards

Total Cost for Wall Covering = $623.38


Wood Laminate


Material:  Commercial Wood Laminate

Company: Armstrong

Product Number: L8711

Color Name: Toasty Jatoba

Size: 47.24 in x 4.92 in x .47 in

Gloss Level: Medium

Light Reflectivity: 10-14%

Sustainability:

Because this is a commercial grade floor, it will have a long life span.  It has 20 times more resistance than its engineered wood counterpart.

Installation:

This floor has an ArmaLock Installation System, so the pieces snap together.

No acclimation is required for this flooring.

S-1800 Laminate Glue or Bruce EverSeal Adhesive is to b used in commercial installations such as this one.  A 3/32” bead of glue is to be used on the top tongue only.

Can be installed over concrete, which is perfect in this situation.

Maintenance:

Do not wax or polish this floor.

This floor can be vacuumed with a wand attachment or mopped with a damp mop.

Use a laminate floor cleaner for buildup grime.  Do not scrub the floor with an abrasive cleaner or scrubbing pads.

Protective pads under furniture will help to protect the floor.  Soft rubber castors on moveable furniture will protect floor.

Pricing:

Cost = $5.43 per sq ft.

Entire Space = 864 sq ft

Required Laminate = 67 cases of 12.92 sq ft to cover the area

Total Cost for Wall Covering = $4695.16


Table and Desk Tops


Material:  Walnut Topped Table

Company: Room&Board

Product Number: 713308

Color Name: Walnut

Finish: Lacquer

Sustainability:

The tables are made of walnut and steel, therefore they are sustainable.

Installation:

Tables come with tops attached once ordered from Room&Board.

Maintenance:

Spills should be cleaned up immediately, so that they do not hurt the finish.

Dust with dry, soft cloth or an untreated dusting cloth.

Citrus cleaners can be used on this product because it has a lacquer finish.

Avoid cleaners that use ammonia.

Air and sunlight will change the color of the natural wood.  In this financial planning office, there are no widows, so this will not be a concern.

Fluctuating humidity levels and temperatures can warp or harm the wood.  Because Lubbock, Texas has a dry climate, humidity levels are not an issue.  But, the air temperature should be kept constant or close to constant to avoid damage to the wood’s structure.

Do not set hot or damp items directly on the furniture, such as drinks.  Use coasters.

Pricing:

Cost = $659 per square table

        = $829 per round table

        = $1728 per desk with return

Entire Space = 2 square tables, 2 round tables, 2 desks with returns

Total Cost for Walnut Topped Tables= $6,432.00


Chair Upholstery Fabric


Material:  Chair Upholstery Fabric

Company: Greenhouse Fabrics

Product Number: 96993

Color Name: Raja

Fiber Content: 57% Rayon, 43% Polyester

Double Rubs: 45,000

Safety Rating: Manufactured to meet the Flammability Safety Rating contained in California Technical Bulletin #117, Section E (CS-191-53) Class 1

Sustainability:

This upholstery fabric is suitable for high traffic seating in commercial use.

Installation:

The chairs will need to be upholstered by a professional.

Maintenance:

Water can be used to clean spills.  But, only use the minimum amount of water required.  Do not over soak the material.

Clean as large of an area as possible to avoid leaving a ring or spot on the surface of the furniture.

Fabric can be vacuumed to remove dust.

Fabric can be spot cleaned with a fabric cleaner.  Test an inconspicuous area first to make sure cleaner does not affect color.

Pricing:

Cost = $18 per yards

Total Yards per Chair = 7 yards

Total Number of Chairs = 24

Total Cost for Chairs= $3,024


Sofa Upholstery Fabric


Material:  Velvet Sofa Upholstery

Company: La France Industries

Product Number: 6016727

Color Name: Dunhill Pebble Gray

Fiber Content: 100% Cotton

Double Rubs: 50,000

Safety Rating: Manufactured to meet the Flammability Safety Rating contained in California Technical Bulletin #117, Section E (CS-191-53) Class 1

Sustainability:

This upholstery fabric is suitable for high traffic seating in commercial use.

Installation:

The sofa will have to be upholstered by a professional.

On furniture, the nap should run down on seat backs and toward the front on seat cushions.  This aligns with how our bodies move when we sit down and get up.   The fabric will wear better if the nap is running in the right direction.

Maintenance:

Water can be used to clean spills.  But, only use the minimum amount of water required.  Do not over soak the material.

Clean as large of an area as possible to avoid leaving a ring or spot on the surface of the furniture.

Damp fluffing and brushing can be a regular maintenance tool for a velvet sofa.

Pricing:

Cost = $26 per yards

Total Yards Needed = 8 yards

Total Cost for Sofa= $208




Love Seat Upholstery Fabric


Material:  Love Seat Upholstery Fabric
Company: Greenhouse Fabrics
Product Number: 97845
Color Name: Butter
Fiber Content: 84% Polyester, 16% Cotton
Double Rubs: 63,000
Safety Rating: Manufactured to meet the Flammability Safety Rating contained in California Technical Bulletin #117, Section E (CS-191-53) Class 1
Sustainability:
This upholstery fabric is suitable for high traffic seating in commercial use.
Installation:
The sofa will need to be upholstered by a professional.
Maintenance:
Water can be used to clean spills.  But, only use the minimum amount of water required.  Do not over soak the material.
Clean as large of an area as possible to avoid leaving a ring or spot on the surface of the furniture.
Fabric can be vacuumed to remove dust.
Fabric can be spot cleaned with a fabric cleaner.
Pricing:
Cost = $16 per yards
Total Yards Needed = 7 yards
Total Cost for Love Seat= $112

Final Calculations


Monday, December 5, 2011

Reflection


A Reflection on my Materials Class

The materials class that I have taken this semester has been great.  I have learned a lot about different types of flooring, wall coverings, and fabrics.  I also received a lot of great information on the elements of design.  I have to say that this is one of the most relevant classes I have taken during the interior design program.  The three things that stuck out to me the most were the types of flooring I learned about, the sustainable design I saw, and the applications of wall coverings I was able to see and touch.  I am positive that all of the knowledge I have gained throughout the duration of this class, will be relevant every day in my future career as well as during the remainder of my time in school.

I loved learning about flooring, because it is one of the most beautiful and creative things in a space most of the time.  Through the two fieldtrips we took to different tile flooring and stone businesses, Collin’s Tile and Stone and Leftwich Chapman, I learned a lot about floors.  These were the kinds of things that I could have not learned in a classroom.  The whole class was able to look at and touch the different materials resented to us.  By physically feeling the materials, I was able to better remember proper installation and appropriate uses for the different materials.  These materials ranged from cork, leather and hardwood, to stone, carpet and tile.  Although I am not yet an actual designer working out in the field, I have already applied my new learned skills by helping friends of mine who have redone the floors in their house.  Having knowledge on the subject made my opinions and advice more professional and relevant to their situation.  I know that this confidence and knowledge will also help me in my future career.

On the fieldtrip to Parkhill Smith and Cooper, I learned many different facts about sustainable and environmentally friendly design.  Because they actually had a LEED certified building at their site, I was able to see firsthand how sustainable design in the professional community actually works. My class was able to see skylights for natural light, special air vents for better air circulation, and hear a lot of advice and information on sustainable design.  I know that I will use this information to present myself as informed and educated on the subject of sustainable design.  The more that I learn, the more confident I get about what I am talking about.  I know that I can now relay information on sustainable design and the environment to anyone that I need to.  This is a definite confidence booster.  As the movement toward environmentally friendly design continues into my career, I will have the skills to create sustainable design on my own.  Having knowledge of the specific materials and brands that I have learned about will help me in my future as an interior designer.  I find environmental design so interesting, that I would like to eventually incorporate it into all of the designs that I create.  Without this foundation of knowledge on the subject, I would have a much more difficult time trying to create actual sustainable design.

Learning about industrial and commercial wall coverings both through class lectures and a visit from a wall covering professional, gave me a good understanding of the different things that can be done with materials such as wall paper.  I have learned that although wall paper is a thing of the past, it will also be in my future.  Being able to see many of the different designs that are being created has helped me to broaden my understanding of both commercial and residential design when it comes to walls.  There have been many different patterns and designs created over the past few years.  These include damask, glass beads, sand, and much more.  My favorite wall covering are those made with small glass beads.  The sand gives a similar look to this that is actually less expensive to purchase.  Information like this will be especially useful as I get out of school and into a real job.

Along with these three main things, I learned a lot about fabrics, laws for testing materials, and quality of different materials.  I have learned about different grades, weaves and texture of fabrics.  I learned a lot about different fire and safety codes.  Along with this I have also seen how different materials will be more durable than others.  All of these things will help me to make appropriate decisions when suggesting materials for certain spaces.  These three things will also stick with me throughout my career. 

I am thankful to have had the opportunity to take this materials class.  I feel that it has done nothing but help me to be a better designer.  The class has also helped me in my interior design studio that I am currently taking.  My knowledge on materials has made it easier for me to pick out things like flooring, countertops, and wall coverings in my projects.  I know that this information will not just help me now, but also in my future.





           

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Parkhill Smith and Cooper


PSC Fieldtrip

Up until the past few weeks, I did not know a lot about environmentally friendly and sustainable design.  I have been studying this concept in both of my interior design classes.  Last week I took a fieldtrip to Parkhill Smith and Cooper with my class.  This company owns the first LEED certified building in Lubbock.  This trip led me to have a lot more interest in environmentally friendly design than I ever have before.

One concept that PSC’s green building contains is self sustainability.  They have employed a roof system that basically consists of a layer of earth.  Natural dirt is a great insulator.  The plants on the roof are all watered with the reuse of rain drainage on the property.  This is a great way to use natural materials for environmental benefit when building a large building.  We only saw pictures of the roof.  But, after seeing diagrams and reading information on the roof, I was assured that it is a good way to use less energy.

Another thing that I learned at PSC was that there are many different materials available that are environmentally friendly.  This includes things that are recycled, recyclable, sustainable, and naturally made.  The LEED certified building had things such as fabric air vents, large window systems, sun lights, and grass parking spaces. After doing some research online, I realized just how many companies are working hard to provide these types of building materials.  I now know that it truly is possible to do environmentally friendly design without much more trouble than doing any normal design job.

The most interesting thing that I leaned at PSC, is that environmentally friendly interiors are actually a healthier environment to live and work in.  We were informed that the LEED certified building at PSC has 12% less sick days taken that the non-LEED certified building.  It is also true that hospitals have better recovery rates when the employ environmentally friendly materials and let in natural light. Productivity is also increased in an environmentally friendly work place with sunlight.  Upon first hearing that environmentally friendly design affects the wellness of the inhabitants of a space, I thought it was just a rumor.  After learning more about the harmful effects of harsh chemicals, I can believe this statement.  I also learned that the human connection to nature is a large part of why environmentally friendly living and working can be healthier for many people.

I have become very interested in environmental design within these past couple of weeks.  I would love to do a real interior someday that could employ these kinds of concepts and materials.  It has become obvious that this type of design is becoming important and will stay important all around the world.  As an interior designer, I am glad to have gotten a taste of this type of design.  I know that I will be using it in my future.


Monday, November 14, 2011

Jeff Seal



Jeff Seal Home Tour

            Last week, I had the opportunity, along with my fellow classmates, to get a tour through two of Jeff Seal’s homes here in Lubbock.  Jeff Seal is a very talented and artistic architect.  He works alongside an interior designer who graduated from Texas Tech.  The trip made me start thinking about what it will be like to be an interior designer and gave me inspiration to do unique and custom work.

            The first home we visited had a very Mediterranean feel and was my favorite.  The front entry and living areas were gorgeous.  All of the walls were plastered and left a very neutral color that contrasted the ornate nature of the home.  There was a lot of detail throughout the entire house.  The front windows were in the shape of a Gothic arch.  This matched the custom made Gothic arched wood front door.    All of the floors throughout the house were real hard wood.  When we visited they were still in their original state, but before the house is finished the wood will be scraped and stained to achieve a distressed look. The beautiful entry and immediate areas sets a grand and inviting.

            From the hand painted cabinets to the barrel arched brick ceiling, the entire kitchen had been completely custom made.  Although it was not completely finished, we could all see that the outcome was going to be beautiful.  There was even a brick oven to accompany the double oven below a custom carved vent hood.  A hutch had also been designed to be included in the breakfast area. It was hand painted distressed blues and golds that complimented the colors throughout the house.  Although the kitchen area was very fancy, it was also very inviting.

            All of the bedrooms had a lot of unique features as well.  One of the guest bedrooms had thirteen foot high ceilings because it was in the tower part of the house.  It also had custom cabinetry for bookshelves as well as a custom vanity in the bathroom.  The master bedroom had what was basically an enlarged closet for a personal work area.  This area could be completely shut off from the bedroom to create a feeling of calmness.  The bathroom had a walk-in shower and a place for a free standing tub.  My favorite part of the bathroom was the heated travertine floors.  This would be a master suite anyone could enjoy.

            The house also had a private outdoor patio with a fire place, a beautiful iron banister, a huge laundry room, and many other great features.  The second house we visited displayed many different ideas that were also unique to that home. In the future, I could see myself working with someone like Jeff Seal or doing work similar to his.  I love how he takes the time to create a house that will be different from any other house available.  I am very interested in fantastic work such as this.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Field Trip to Leftwich and Chapman Flooring Store

Leftwich Chapman

                The fieldtrip to the flooring and stone company, Leftwich Chapman, was both interesting and informative.  They had wood, laminate, tile, stone, and carpet.  My class was lucky enough to get a personal tour from the owner.  He presented many unique types of flooring.  He was very informative and was able to give my advice and ideas that will apply to future projects.

                The flooring material that surmised me the most was leather.  I was scared to stand on the sample on the floor thinking that it would be fragile.  The owner of the store assured us that it was durable enough for light commercial use.  As he began to intentionally scratch the sample we all began to cringe.  Surprisingly, the sample wouldn’t scratch.  Apparently, it was made from ground up pieces of recycled leather.  The small pieces are all bonded together to make a very tough flooring material.  This could be applied in residential and commercial settings to achieve a unique look.

                Another interesting material available at the store was bamboo flooring.  It looked very similar to wood, but had a more grainy texture.  Although it is available at the store, the owner told my class that he rarely recommends the particular product here in Lubbock.  This is because the bamboo needs moisture.  If its surroundings are too dry, it will become porous and begin to break down.  After learning this, I now know that bamboo would only be a suitable solution in moist areas.

                After we received information on all of the wood and wood-like flooring, we moved on to the carpet section of the store.  The most interesting carpet we were introduced to was actually made from corn.   Therefore this SmartStrand carpet is environmentally friendly.  It is also one of the softest carpets available.  This would be a perfect material for a client who wants to be environmentally friendly.

                The store also had many beautiful and textured rugs and carpets.  It was a wonderful selection to choose form when doing a commercial or residential design.  There were many tuft heights and thicknesses suitable for many different uses.  The variety in the selection would make this store a great place to go when doing any type of project that would need carpet.

                Vinyl flooring was one of the last sections we visited in the store.  The progress that these vinyl companies have made is outstanding.  They are now creating patterns of wood, brick, and tile that look real.  These would be perfect for use in a travel home that would need flooring with some give to it.  The wood vinyl flooring would be good in places where moisture is present but wood is also wanted.  Although wood would warp due to the moisture, the vinyl flooring would not.

                The collection of glass and mosaic stone tile could provide numerous looks in a kitchen.  This tile is like the pretty jewelry in a great space.  This look is very popular right now, and gives the store an extra edge.  Although the collection could be overwhelming to a client, with some help, almost any look could be achieved.

                After visiting with one of the owners, I know that it is a trustworthy company.  The selection is amazing and the prices are fair.  Places like this one carry quality materials that can be trusted.  Leftwich and Chapman is a store that I would use for clients and myself without thinking twice. 

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Collin’s Tile and Stone

            Of the field trips my class has taken this semester, the trip to Collin’s Tile and Stone was my favorite.  Although the company carries many types of tile, their specialty seemed to be their stone and imitation stone for countertops. 

            The granite carried by the company ranged in price.  The lower priced granite was around sixty dollars per square foot and was very nice.  They also carried granite prices up to 150 dollars per square foot.  Although expensive, this granite was absolutely beautiful.  I learned a lot about the different types of granite.  There were many that had consistent patterns.  There were also a lot that had random streaks and multiple colors.  These randomly colored and patterned granites were m favorite.  The selection available seemed to have something for many different tastes.

            Collin’s Tile and Stone also carried different types of marble ranging in different colors.  My favorite is the Carerra Marble, a classic and beautiful material.  Although this marble is white and grey in color, there were also other marble is green and pink colors.  Although the marble is not as stain and scratch resistant as granite, it is still very popular due to its look.

            Another beautiful stone that the company carries is travertine.  This stone is mostly used as tile and ranges in color.  The stone has indentions of fossils throughout the surface.  This is because travertine is a sea bed rock.  Therefore, fossils of shells and small animals can be seen randomly in the stone.  This makes for beautiful and unique flooring.

            One of the neatest materials available was made by Cambria.  Many companies try to imitate granite.  But, usually this effort is a failure.  Cambria has made imitation granite that looks exactly like the real thing.  Due to the popularity of granite and the technology put into this material, the price is almost as expensive as just using actual granite.  It is very interesting to see how far these technologies have come.

            The trip to Collin’s Tile and Stone was both fun and informative.  I learned a lot about the uses and properties of many types of stones.  This will help me in my future career as an interior designer. 

           


Monday, October 24, 2011

The Elements and Principles of Design



Elements and Principles Applied

When looking at an interior space, it is obvious whether or not it looks appealing.  Many people do not know or understand the factors that make a room feel this way.  This is why interior designers have a knowledge of the elements and principles of design.  These elements and principles categorize the different factors that add to the feeling and appearance of a space.  This picture of an extravagant and beautiful living room shows many good examples of the elements and principles seen in good designs.
When looking at the back wall of the picture many horizontal lines are seen in the wood paneling.  This feature uses the element of line to make the room appear taller.  This leads to the grand and large feeling in the space. The back wall also puts and emphasis on the fireplace.  Emphasis is a principle of design that works to make a certain feature stand out.  The fact that all the lines in the photograph are pointing to the fire place, makes it obvious that it is the center of the room.  The bright white color of the fire place against the taupe walls also make it stand out by highlighting it with a different color.  The back wall alone has an appearance that is made beautiful by many of the elements and principles.
The furniture and its arrangement also use elements and principles of design.  The three couches are all white, which employs the use of color in bringing the principle of unity to the space.  These three main pieces of furniture create a “U” shape which employs the principle of balance. The couches are able to balance out the heavy weight of the massive fire place.  The use of the smaller wood side chairs allows for some variety in the room, another principle of design.  The use of two differently styled coffee tables also adds variety.  This same variety is also seen in the accent pieces used throughout the entire room.
The use of color on the furniture allows for it to stand out.   But, the main taupe color in the room allows for a sense of unity.  Because the furniture brings variety into the room and the taupe color brings a sense of unity, the room is able to achieve harmony.  Harmony is difficult to achieve in a room because it has to employ a mix of variety and unity, two opposite principles of design.  This room is able to achieve harmony, and therefore is very aesthetically appealing.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Unusual Materials

  

The Catacombs of Paris

The thought of bones made into wall designs sounds disgusting at first. But, once given the chance to explore the Catacombs in Paris, France many people begin to find it fascinating. Dating back to medieval times, the catacombs are a system of underground tunnels that run beneath the city of Paris. The bones of thousands of bodies line the walls to form interesting, yet morbid, decorations.

I was very lucky to have the opportunity a few years ago to visit these catacombs. Upon entering all visitors have to receive an introduction. During this introduction, I learned a lot about the history of the catacombs. I was also told not to steal any of the bones. Apparently they have had many situations in the past with missing bones. They had even caught people stealing the bones in their backpacks and purses to take home as a souvenir. Just being in the catacombs made me feel uncomfortable. I could not even imagine taking a piece home with me!

As my family and I entered into the underground tunnels at around two in the afternoon, the sunlight disappeared and artificial light lit the way down into the tunnel system. Thousands of leg and arm bones had been stacked upon one another to form the walls of the tunnel. As we got deeper into the system we came across many of the designs we had been told about during our introduction. Skulls were a decorative piece on many of the walls. Different types of bones had been laid in many directions to form patterns. It was the strangest form of decoration I had ever seen.

We were told that it was not uncommon in centuries past for people to get stuck or abandoned in the tunnels. About half of the way through the tour we came across a carving that had been made into the rock side of a tunnel. A man who had been trapped in the tunnels had carved a small castle model into the stone siding. This was also the place that he died after creating his masterpiece. This was only one of the creepy stories that we were told during the tour. Although I was extremely interested in the tunnels I could not stop thinking about how creepy the experience had become.

The wall designs and tunnel systems were very fascinating and beautiful. Although it took me a while to get used to looking at so many human bones, the tour became a good experience that I will never forget. It is interesting to see how unusual materials can be applied in different types of places.  This is the most interesting use of an unusual material that I have ever experienced.

Texas Tech Interior Design Expo 2011


Design Expo

In the real world, we interior designers will have to go to market and learn about new and trending products in order to keep up with the changing trends.  A design expo was held last week at Texas Tech in the Merket Alumni Center.  It was very just like the type of market the professionals must attend.  The experience was fun and gave my classmates and me a look into our future. 
We began the show by entering into large ball room at the Alumni Center where the expo was to take place.  At first glance I was overwhelmed by the amount of vendors that came to our show.  I am sure that talking to learning designers is a good marketing tool for these vendors.  Therefore, they were all very excited to talk with us about the different types of product they had to offer.  This helped me learn a lot about many different types of products that I have not had the opportunity to learn about yet.
I learned about many new products that are currently trending.  This included things such as office chairs, Crypton fabric products, and wallpaper.  This kind of information taught me a lot about the types of things that designers need to continually research in order to stay updated.
My favorite product at the expo was the Crypton fabric products.  These are wonderful for commercial use, which is a field of study I am focusing on this semester.  When I think of commercial fabrics, I usually think of ugly geometric patterns, scratchy surfaces, and ugly stains.  These fabrics had surprisingly beautiful patterns, soft surfaces, and were stain resistant.  Some of these Crypton materials could even resist the permanency of a Sharpie pen.  Learning about these fabrics could really help me in my future career if I am in need of a stain resistant and durable material for a commercial space.
            The atmosphere of the expo was exciting and inspired me to want to learn with my classmates.  The vendors were very happy to be there and were doing their best to sell their product in the most intriguing way possible.  There were buffet tables set up in the middle of the room with food and drinks.   This added more to the social aspect of the event.  I have learned over the past few years that this fast paced and fun atmosphere is common at market and expos.  Being around this type of activity, I was able to even better understand the way things work in the interior design world.
            The expo inspired me to do even more trend researching on my own.  I know that using the internet I have access to all kinds of information.  It is up to me whether or not I actually put that information to use.  Seeing all of the different types of materials and designs at the expo gave me inspiration that I can put into my projects.  The expo further inspired me to do research for the classes that I am taking now.  For my last project, a tile project, I spent a good amount of time looking at tile designs online and in magazines before I started my work.  This gave me ideas that I would have never thought of before.  Because I have not been out in the workforce yet, I haven’t had the opportunity to see large amounts of designs and ideas.  Going to the expo reminded me that by doing a little research I can get inspiration that will only lead to better products on my part.
            I am very glad that Texas Tech hosts a design expo every year.  It gave me a great learning opportunity.  I am sure that it will also help me in the years to come.  It will only help me to be more prepared and confident in myself for my future career.