2024 Campus Center Award Winner: George Fox University

Aug 27, 2024 By Jessica Jones

George Fox University students talk importance of having a campus center and detail their experiences working in their new program the STUDIO

By Jessica Jones Aug 27, 2024

Published in Articles

(Above image: Students enter the STUDIO program with open minds to learn the ins and outs of the design process. Image courtesy of Casey Martin)

Students at George Fox University gained real-world experience designing residential and commercial projects in their communities, working alongside university staff for the STUDIO. The STUDIO derived from a need for students to get more experience working on projects in the field, giving them real-world experience. Assistant professor of Interior Design, Casey Martin, IIDA, says this work allows students to develop an empathy-based practice, and to be the change they want to see in the world and in the design industry.

Martin ran the program much like a design firm where students served as leaders on projects, handled multiple projects at once, and had one-on-one time with real clients. “As their instructor, I found it hard to teach certain design elements in the classroom that they needed to know, so The STUDIO was born as a way for them to get more experience on the logistical side of design,” said Casey Martin, IIDA.

Casey Martin, IIDA, assistant professor of interior design and campus center leader at George Fox University.

Throughout the program students would average about 5-6 projects per semester within their own communities, building their confidence in how to talk to and work with clients throughout the entire design process. Every semester students were paid a stipend for at least one project they worked on. Many of the projects featured designs for nonprofits and local businesses that couldn’t afford to hire a design firm. Each project teaches students different aspects of what it's like to be a designer and how they can truly change people's lives through the built environment. Seeing their projects come into fruition exemplifies who they are as changemakers.

This project was impactful to both the students, and to their communities, making George Fox University IIDA’s 2024 Campus Center Awards Sponsored by OFS winner. The campus center mission to develop and nurture socially-conscious, innovative, and open-minded individuals who exhibit strong design skills for a successful career in the worldwide design industry exemplifies the campus center, students, and Martin as changemakers who are enhancing their communities through design.

Students Ava Heflen, Student IIDA, Taylor Ho, and Alexis McCabe share their thoughts on the STUDIO, the importance of having a campus center and what it means to build with and for your community.

Ava Heflen, Student IIDA
George Fox University

Taylor Ho
George Fox University

Image courtesy of Taylor Ho

Lexi McCabe
George Fox University

Image courtesy of Lexi McCabe

Describe your experience working in the STUDIO, and how it’s changed how you think about design?

Ava Heflen, Student IIDA (AH): Working on this project gave me more insight into how the design process works in real-time with real clients. By working within a specific budget, repurposing furniture the client wants to use, sticking to a timeline, and accommodating the client's changes, I am more prepared for my design career ahead.

Taylor Ho (TH): Working in the STUDIO has been one of the most important pieces of my education in the George Fox Interior Design program, because it’s where everything I learned was applied. It allowed me to put my skills towards real world projects and helped me understand how what I’m learning and practicing in class can actually unfold into a real design for real clients. It also puts realistic limitations on projects, for example budget or space, challenging me to think more practically about design.

Alexis McCabe (AM): Working on projects for the STUDIO has been incredible, challenging, and eye-opening! The best part about working with real clients while still being in school is the opportunity to grow my design knowledge and skillset to better prepare me for working professionally post-graduation. Through the STUDIO and the specific projects I have been a part of, I have learned how to listen intently to client’s feedback, requests, and insight and make changes accordingly; I have been able to exercise my presentation skills and grow in the area of communicating design concepts; and I’ve also been stretched in my 3D modeling skills in Revit while creating detailed and precise models for the clients. The STUDIO has allowed me to think about design in a new light by showing me that through collaboration, positive change can be made to impact the livelihood of others on a day to day basis.