July 2013
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President's Message

C McCarthy Photo

 

Dear Member:

 

An interior designer is constantly involved in research analysis - exploring new products, innovations in technology, the latest business approaches, and so on. As an educator, I am committed to creating an environment that promotes critical thinking in the classroom as well as encouraging my students to feel inspired when looking for future resources to further their education. I am regularly looking for opportunities to enrich my knowledge of design.

 

In June, I attended an interactive presentation and workshop with a group of design professionals. The main discussion evolved around how the physical environment can facilitate or inhibit behaviors that are linked to creative function and innovation.  The presenter pointed out that "creativity is the new productivity." She did so by highlighting that creative thinking is important to business organizations and their survival in the 21st century. There are studies that discuss the influence of outside forces in the creative process. These forces can be the aging process (children have been found to think more creatively than adults); the environment we live or work in; our attitude or mood; and cultural background to name a few.

 

We were reminded that the human brain reacts positively to joyful moods, to the view of nature, to laughter, and to the lack of stress or chaos. Creativity enhancers may be formed by finding a place to rest our minds, by engaging in physical activity, by building a "mental toy box" (think of Google's workspace), by listening to the sounds of water, or listening to Mozart. All of these can stimulate the non-conscious mind (where our thought process begins) and increase the creative ideation process. As designers we must be aware of how our minds react to the environment in order to recommend interiors that promote our health in addition to enhancing our creativity.

 

After the presentation, the larger group was divided into teams; each team was given a short program/company's description and asked to create a "thing" using a variety of craft supplies, such as tape, colorful pipe cleaners, sticks, and more.  The exercise proved the value of teamwork in the process of creativity; emphasizing that although we may think differently as individuals, the significance of each team member's input enriches the process of discovery of the solution to the problem.

 

I have also found an amazing energy when discussing ideas in groups. This is evident by the support of ASID members in the chapter's events when we gather to offer input regarding a general discussion. Creating connections, partnerships, and brainstorming in groups enhance our ability to better impact our role in society.

 

This month a group of designers will gather to train for the NCIDQ practicum exam. A partnership with IIDA Cleveland Akron City Centers allowed our chapter to secure enough participants to bring a distinguished facilitator to Cleveland. 


The chapter's Annual Meeting is in the planning stages for September 11th - an exciting chance to meet colleagues and enjoy an original and trendy venue in Cleveland. We are looking for companies to sponsor our annual meeting as well as your attendance at the event. Please let us know if you are able to help out. Watch for your invitation soon.

 

ASID Ohio North and AIA Cleveland have also started planning the Design Awards Competition and Gala for later in the year (more details to come soon; get your projects ready to submit.) 

 

As always, thanks for your support.

 

Best Regards,

 

Cristina McCarthy, MS, Allied ASID

ASID Ohio North President 2012-2013

 
Industry Partner Spotlight
 
As you work to bring the outdoors in, The Pattie Group, Industry Partner ASID, brings the inside out.

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ASID National Conference Makes Successful Debut at Dwell on Design
 
clc
Laura Gills, ASID, President Elect & Therese Kish, Allied ASID, President Elect Elect attended Celebration during CLC '13.
For the first time, ASID hosted its national conference in conjunction with Dwell on Design in Los Angeles, the largest combined consumer and design trade conference in the country, June 21-23, 2013.  The successful partnership rounds out both organizations' mission to bring together the design community and consumers to celebrate and advance great design.
 
 
Upcoming Events
Click underlined title for link or flyer

"Appy" Hour
CEU & Networking Event
Wednesday, July 17, 2013 Session 1 begins at 3 pm - sign up for 1, 2 or all 3!  Invite a friend to attend with you!

Click here for the exciting details!

RSVP:  [email protected] or call Lisa Matthews at 440.886.6666


Joint Association Social 
Friday, July 26, 2013
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Nano Brew - Ohio City
1859 West 25th Street
Cleveland, Ohio   44113

Join your peers on the newly renovated patio and bring a friend to share in the festivities!

Click here for flyer to share!


Art Walk & Member Celebration

September 11, 2013
Watch your e-mails for details!

 
Bosendorfer of Vienna Selection Event 

Cleveland has been selected as one of only six cities in North America to be the site of a rare international selection.  Seven magnificent Bosendorfer Pianos are arriving at Classic Pianos, Industry Partner ASID, Eton on Chagrin location - July 18th through August 5th.

As a member of the trade, you are invited to become a registered partner to acquire Bosendorfer pianos at "to the trade" prices".

Call 216.831.1600 for information or to make an appointment.

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Get Your Mo-Jo On 

With the summer weather NE Ohio has been having lately visit some interesting and unique stores . . .

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Congratulations!
 
During the recently held commencement ceremony at Virginia Marti College of Art & Design, Elizabeth Dall, Allied ASID, was awarded the school's Synergy Award in recognition of her hard work, dedication, and leadership.
 
 
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