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.