OSU chapter accents versatility of interior design

The term “interior design” is often associated with paint colors, fabrics and furniture sets. But a closer look at Oregon State University’s interior-design chapter proves that the industry, and the chapter itself, encompasses much more than what most people understand as interior design.

“I think a lot of people just in general think that when you say ‘interior design,’ they think of HGTV and picking colors,” said Alana Pulay. “There’s actually a lot more to it. There’s a science behind it.”

Pulay is a doctoral candidate in interior design who also serves as the faculty adviser for OSU’s American Society of Interior Designers and International Interior Design Association student chapter.

OSU’s chapter represents both the IIDA and the ASID organizations, but it is not required that students are members in either professional organization to be involved with the club.

“Even if you can’t afford to join the professional organization, it still looks good to be a part of our student chapter,” said Courtney Nelson, senior interior design major and IIDA president.

One of the primary goals of the IIDA and ASID chapter is to provide opportunities for students to network with industry professionals.

“It’s great exposure,” Pulay said. “It’s a great way to get internships and recommendations, and to just see what’s out there.”

Kyle Holzkamp, the IIDA vice president and fundraising chairman, is currently interning with a designer he met through the chapter’s former adviser. Holzkamp is a senior majoring in interior design and art history.

As a club officer, Holzkamp is responsible for contacting industry professionals for club events.

“Most of the time they’re happy to do it, because there’s this great idea of fostering the educational community,” Holzkamp said.

In addition to promoting regional events sponsored by the ASID and IIDA, the chapter also hosts its own events on campus. Sondra Jakubowski, a Portland-based interior designer and OSU alumna, will speak at a chapter event Friday. The event is free and open to students.

Pulay believes the club is useful for any students interested in art, architecture or design.

“It’s a great program, especially here on campus, because we don’t have an architecture school,” said Pulay, who has a bachelor’s degree in interior design and a master’s degree in architecture.

As of this year, the School of Design and Human Environment, which includes the interior design major, merged with the College of Business.

“There’s a strong business aspect to our profession and our curriculum,” Holzkamp said.

Interior design curriculum directly benefits OSU’s campus when student projects are used to redesign portions of university buildings. Student presentations have been used for redesigns of Java II and several Memorial Union conference rooms. Students are also currently working on presentations for the Student Experience Center.

Pulay also teaches advanced design communication, in which students are working on design presentations for Wilson Elementary School.

“The students are conducting client interviews with the staff at the school, then utilizing that information to design a more productive space for not only the children, but also the staff,” Pulay said. “There is a strong possibility that an OSU student’s work could be implemented at Wilson Elementary School.”

Nelson hopes to see the IIDA and ASID chapter increase membership in the coming years. Both Nelson and Holzkamp would also like to see the chapter compete in local design competitions in the future.

“We have a lot of information, and what I really want to see is the university take advantage of that,” Holzkamp said. “We have a lot of talented students here.”

Mackie Swan, news reporter
news@dailybarometer.com