Inside/Out | New Staff
One of the highlights of being a student again has been running Inside/Out. I find it inspiring from a design perspective and enjoy listening to our guests' "starting out" stories, which are often a little clumsy and unexpected. Unofficially, we made this vulnerability a core theme that ties together this year's lectures. Recently, I was disappointed to learn that I didn't get a job I really wanted. I had put a lot of thought and effort into the application, but unfortunately, the position was removed before I even started due to uncertain market conditions. Part of my disappointment was because I had rested so much hope on this position to elevate me and automatically bridge me over to Architecture/Design adjacent careers that would broaden my skills and scope of services. Sometimes, running Inside/Out feels self-indulgent, but it has been so helpful and affirming for me as a student leader and a member of the audience. We invite guests who are at the cutting edge of their craft, ask them to share their stories with us, and curate and ask follow-up questions that benefit us and our careers.
The format of this lecture was slightly different from previous ones because it was a panel of speakers moderated by my teammates Evgeniya and Alex. We invited the new staff of the Interior Design course, including Amelia Jane Hankin, Pierre Shaw, Simon Hamilton, Owain Caruana-Davies, and Kazumasa Takada, to speak broadly about how and why they got into teaching, interior design in academia, adapting and evolving practice, and starting out career advice. This event occurred on Thursday, Jan 19th, 2023.
Being Broad while being Focused & Nimble
It was affirming to learn that broadening one's career options is essential. A wide-ranging career can be intellectually exciting and expand one's network, providing more opportunities to gain exciting experiences. Personally, I'm interested in finding a way to teach part-time. I've been interviewing candidates for Cornell's Architecture program for several years now, and what I enjoy most is sharing knowledge and listening to people. I love talking to candidates, hearing their stories, understanding their motivations, and finding ways to help them within my control.
Interior Design + Architecture, not, Interior Design v. Architecture
Having worked in both the architecture and interiors world, I've noticed that some firms tend to pigeonhole designers into specific categories. Over time, this has widened the deepening divisions between capital-A Architecture, Interior Design, and Interior Decoration/Decorating. I've also observed that architects tend to think of themselves as being at the top of the design food chain, with high egos that scoff at the "fluffiness" of interior design.
Working at the school shop, whenever I ask students what course they're in, those in architecture tend to take a deep breath, give a stern look, and say, "Architecture." While architects may believe they can design an interior, it's not always the case. As design professionals, we should set aside our egos and work together for the collective goal of creating an amazing finished product. We should appreciate and value the expertise of our colleagues in other design disciplines and be open to collaboration. Ultimately, we should strive to break down the barriers between different design fields and work together to achieve great design.
Don’t be a D*ck
Amelia's advice was straightforward but requires re-emphasizing: "Someone once said this to me, and I hope that I've stuck to it, and that is not to be a dick. And I think it's as simple as that. I think you need to treat people with kindness, look after each other, and support one another. It's good to make a plan, but it's also okay to shift and shuffle through it. We're always learning, and we're all still growing and changing. We will continue to learn for the rest of our lives."
Amelia's words serve as a reminder that success isn't just about following a strict plan, but also about treating others with kindness and empathy. It's important to support and lift each other up, even when things don't go according to plan. We should be flexible and willing to adapt, as learning and growth are lifelong processes. Ultimately, Amelia's advice highlights the importance of being a kind and compassionate person, both personally and professionally.
Do what you need to do to exist and eventually, thrive.
The importance of having a side hustle cannot be overstated. It can be beneficial to have a job like working in a restaurant or a cinema, where you have time during the day to focus on your creative work, and the tips can also provide a good source of income. Working at the cinema was particularly great because not only did it allow for exposure to great films, but the colleagues were also creatives, including a sculptor, a writer, and some filmmakers. It was enjoyable to find joy in such an environment.
When starting out on your own, it's important to let everyone you know about your new venture. Networking can be very useful, as it was for the speaker who received a small bathroom design project from a friend, which helped her set up and start. Often, there is a network available that one might not be utilizing. Being resourceful and creative can open up a lot of opportunities. It's important to recognize that the skills and experience you have can be valuable in unexpected ways. Freelancing and taking on short-term projects can be a great way to utilize your skills and earn some extra income. And taking advantage of artist opportunities and funding can help you develop your craft and advance your career. Keep an open mind and be willing to explore different avenues to achieve your goals.
