The Future of Design

Bright and early Monday morning, Social Media Editor Beth Powell and I headed over to Bell Works in Holmdel to attend project presentations by Brookdale Community College’s second-year interior design students.

The assignment was as follows: Given an approximately 2,500-square-foot tenant space in the central atrium, students were to design a retail, office, wellness or restaurant use for the space while generally keeping within Bell Works’ guidelines.

The power point game was strong in that room.

While I was breaking out into hives just remembering my own college finals week, these students were confidently presenting their astute business ideas along with well-thought-out designs to support and enhance them. And, they did this with a panel of judges front and center and ready to ask questions.  Every idea was intriguing – from the Asian restaurant designed to appeal to all the senses to the doggie daycare/coffee bar (and accompanying cat corner) to the space for craft hobbyists.

The 3-D renderings were fantastic.

Design boards and 3-d models brought each project to life.

Beth and I knew this would be a great way to spend a morning, and we weren’t disappointed. We were impressed by the sophistication and expertise exhibited in each of the presentations and we’re looking forward to the bright future of New Jersey interior design.

Students and teachers

Many thanks to Celeste Chirichello, ASID, IDEC, NCIDQ, Brookdale’s Design Department Chair, for the invitation.  For more information on the school’s interior design program, visit the department page.