Greetings from the Connecticut Chapter of ASID!

The Connecticut Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers is the premier association for professional interior designers in our state, representing:

• Over 500 members from 86 towns and 8 counties: 57% from Fairfield County ,18% from New Haven County and 14% from Hartford County
• 341 Professional and Allied members, in both residential and commercial design
• Over 70 Industry Partner members, representing furniture, flooring and fabric manufacturers, lighting designers, painters, tile and stone suppliers, photographers, antique dealers and other resources for high quality design related services
• Approximately 100 interior design students from ASID Student Chapters at the University of New Haven , Paier College of Art, and the University of Bridgeport

Through our programs and events, we promote our commitment to education and to the community:

• Continuing Education courses have covered diverse topics such as sustainable design, good business practices and color trends
• Support for Covenant to Care remains our focus community service project - raising funds, donating services to renovate office space, and providing over 500 holiday gifts for abused and neglected children
• Career Night events for students enable them to hear inspirational presentations from professionals in publishing and design, to practice interviewing skills, and to network with potential employers
• The Fashion Show brings students, design firms and Industry Partners together to showcase their efforts at creating wearable art from the products of manufacturers serving our industry. it's a fun evening for all and a great student mentoring opportunity
• Buildings of architectural interest toured recently are the Greenwich Library, the new Film Studies Building at Wesleyan University , and Greenwich Academy

Upcoming events include:

• A Design & Resource Forum "Making Raves" on June 3, a day of CEUs, speakers and table top displays
• Our annual Awards Dinner Banquet to honor volunteers on September 21, 2005

We are proud of our organization because it allows each member to have a far greater impact on our communities than we could ever have as individuals.

ASID brings design to life!

The February Meeting: A Medley of Experiences

With the majority of our chapter’s membership in Fairfield County, it’s not surprising many chapter meetings are held in the New Haven area or the southern part of the state.  As program chair 2004-05, one of my goals was to make sure at least one meeting would be held at a location convenient to our Hartford members.  Therefore, our traditional February ‘Town Hall’ meeting was held at the new Film Studies Building of Wesleyan University in Middletown.  And what a great meeting it was!  Even with the increased traveling distance for our Fairfield County members (and in winter weather, too) we had over 85 in attendance.

Representatives from Jeter Cook & Jepson, the architectural firm for the building, were on hand to give small, informal tours.  The design team used movie film as a recurring motif in the building, and as you looked around the space, you could notice the regular repetition of rectangles, like frames of film, in the windows, floors, and choice of wall coverings.  The building contains a large screening auditorium, where our program took place.  But before the program, attendees enjoyed an extended social hour and fabulous hors d’oeuvres by Tallulah’s Catering, who crafted a menu centered on ‘comfort’ foods for the wintertime.

When we were well sated, we moved into the auditorium, where Terry Scarborough, ASID, (CT Chapter President) gave us a brief overview of chapter activities during her term to date.  This was followed by an excellent presentation on the psychology of color by Rebecca Ewing, a member of the Color Marketing Group.  Among numerous interesting facts, we learned that yellow stimulates the appetite and that red leads people to be more impulsive (for instance, to order dessert even though on a diet), and so these colors are frequently used in restaurants.  Green is the most neutral of all the colors (excluding variations of black and white, of course), and so is an excellent choice for clients who are afraid of color yet want to use it. 

The success of this meeting was due to the excellent and enthusiastic committee who took great care in its planning: Jan Bobereck, Allied Member ASID, Jeannette O’Connell, ASID, Mike Pietraszek, ASID Industry Partner, Hollie Sutherland, ASID, and myself, with the invaluable assistance of Terry Scarborough, ASID.  Special thanks also to our generous sponsors: Mill Supply Division, (who we are thrilled to say have now joined our chapter as an Industry Partner), ICI Paints North America, Aram A. Kaz Company, and Holly Whiting Custom Painting.

Maggie Cole (Industry Partner board member) and Hollie Sutherland, ASID committee members
for the Film Studies Building tour with new ASID Allied Member Barbara Schmidt.

Gold Sponsor Lee Tannenbaum from Mill Supply Division discusses Hunter Douglas blinds
with member Dianne Lowenthal, ASID

Maggie Cole, ASID Industry Partner

2004-2005 Programs Chair

ASID CT 2005 Member Outreach Meetings

Annual ASID CT Membership Outreach Meetings were held on January 20th in Greenwich, hosted by Laurie Singer from the Designers Loft & Workroom, and on February 3rd in Guilford, hosted by Jennifer Walker from Walker Interiors.  The attendance and enthusiasm of the meetings were very encouraging.  We want to thank everyone for their participation, especially the board members who enjoyed the opportunity to connect with members one-on-one.  A special thanks goes out to our hostesses who created a wonderful environment and dinner for our guests. 

Attendees included:

Greenwich Event:

Laurie Singer (hostess)

Jason Landau  

Alida Albert    

Joann Franchi              

Alice Hayes     

Pat Shannon    

Bill Shannon   

Pilar, friend of the Shannon's

Donna Straat   

Judy Harrison                

Linda Shockley           

Lina Ever         

Carol Rice

Debra Konner
Sara Hopkins
Evelyn Salazar
Laura Williamson

Greenwich hostess Laurie Singer
with president-elect Anne Garland

Guilford Event:

Jennifer Walker, (hostess)

Margo Estrada

Michele DiStasio

Sharon McCormick

Jean Callan King

Melissa Kradas

Kelly Hickey

Susan Markow

Leslie Neal Driscoll

Janice Blonder

Violet Nastri

Victoria Dryden

Melanie Ward

Thom Steinson

Michelle Raiti

Guilford hostess Jennifer Walker

Membership Outreach Meetings are a continuation of an ASID Chapter initiative begun about six years ago.  They are designed to foster better communication and networking among members; to benefit both the individual and the Chapter.  Conducted as social evenings where members get to know one another they serve as open forums for the exchange of ideas.

A view of the Greenwich Outreach audience.

A questionnaire is usually distributed to obtain feedback on member participation.  Typically the number one concern for attendance/participation at meetings is location.  After receiving a state map showing member concentrations, guests had a more sympathetic understanding of how difficult it can be to please everyone with meeting locations.  

Understanding that this doesn’t solve the location issue for Greenwich members who don’t want to drive at night to Hartford, nor for New London members who don’t want to drive to Fairfield County, we offered suggestions that members were receptive to.

This pie chart illustrates ASID CT membership distribution within the state:

For example, carpooling has become very active within the membership and finding members in an area to carpool with has become even easier with our fabulous new website. 

Any member can access other members in their zip code by going to www.asid.org thanks to webmaster Bob Mass.

                 Bob Mass, ASID CT Webmaster

Guests were very anxious to see the presentation webmaster Bob Mass gave on the new website.  Many members were not even aware of the member listing that is available to the public to search or that they should check to ensure contact information is correct and current.  (Note: the ASID national website also has a complete listing which members should update as contact information changes.)  When attendees learned that for $200.00 per year they could post photos and become a featured designer – and therefore to have their own web presence - most were ready to sign up.  As Bob always says, “all you need is one photo to start up; one job photo, a photo of yourself, your logo”  …  just contact Bob at bob@masssolutions.com.

At both meetings, the invitation list included area members who are less active in ASID.  Arriving with some hesitation about what to expect, members left feeling connected and excited, with new opportunities and knowledge.

Robin McGarry

Yours truly,

Robin McGarry, ASID

Director of Membership

Making Raves! Design Forum

Our Industry Partners are at it again!  Following the smashing success of last year’s event, Making Waves at the Milford Yacht Club, our Industry Partners have gotten together to produce a bigger, better summer kick-off event.  Making Raves was held June 3rd at The Belvedere in New Haven.  Conceived as a mini-conference, this full-day event featured a CEU-accredited seminar, The Power of Technology, presented by Sally Tucker of Visionary Concepts and Bob Mass of Mass Solutions, both of whom are Industry Partners in our chapter.  This seminar proved particularly beneficial to designers who are beginners in using technology to organize and systematize their businesses. 

Among the objectives of this seminar were:

• presenting recommendations and guidelines for choosing equipment and software that offer the most appropriate features and benefits for interior design business management, project planning and presentation;

• demonstrating the use of digital cameras, internet web sites, email, and photo/image editing software;

• inspiring participants to use technology in new ways that will enhance their business organization, efficiency, and marketing.

Presenters at Making Raves:

Sally Tucker
Visionary Concepts
Since 1990, Visionary Concepts has helped window-covering professionals across te U.S. and aborad close sales more quickly through its innovative window treatment overlay system.

Bob, ASID Industry Partner
Mass Solutions
A full range of computer IT services for your office as well as sales and support for the premier office management and accounting software: Studio Designer.

During lunch, keynote speaker Jane Pollak addressed the enthusiasm, drive, and persistence it takes to thrive in one’s own small business.  Jane Pollak, recently named Home-Based Business Advocate of the Year for New England, is an internationally known entrepreneur, artist, professional speaker and author.  Her latest book is Soul Proprietor: 101 Lessons from a Lifestyle Entrepreneur.

In the afternoon, over 35 tabletop displays were available showing some of the products and services offered by ASID Industry Partners.  The availability of these products and services, many of which are exclusively to-the-trade, is a resource which the interior design industry brings to the general public and which the general public would not ordinarily have access to.  Yet another reason to hire an interior designer and another way “ASID brings design to life”.  The afternoon also featured optional educational presentations by a select group of Industry Partners on topics of interest (and intrigue) including How to make a Fake: Art Production Techniques Designed to Fool the Eye and the Pocketbook, and What on Earth is a Flitch and Why is it a Good Thing? regarding wood veneers. 

The event wrapped up with a wine and cheese social hour sponsored by A World of Color, CORT Furniture Rental, Rockwell Art and Framing, and Nautical Senses.

The event’s chosen title “Making Raves” turned out to be prophetic as the design forum committee received enthusiastic comments from the over 130 designers, industry partners and students who attended.  One vendor, who flew in from Iowa for Making Raves – and who has represented her company at 12 such events so far this year – said it was "the best trade show I've been to!"  Others commented on the good organization, helpful presentations, educational programs, inspirational luncheon speaker – and the receptive audiences.

Maggie Cole, ASID Industry Partner

2004-2005 Programs Chair

DATELINE: San Diego INTERIORS ’05

Terry Scarborough, ASID, CMKBD:  ASID CT Chapter president 2004-05

Returning from Interiors ’05, the ASID Conference on Design in San Diego, I am reflecting proudly on the CT Chapter, our members and our energy.  I can tell you that our Chapter shines!

Over 850 people attended the conference and enjoyed four days of speakers, Continuing Education seminars, networking and special events.

In our Presidents’ Forum on “Best Practices,” the president of the Wisconsin Chapter stood up and said, “The Connecticut website rocks!”  Many people asked about how we had planned and accomplished this great site, with the new ASID logo, the news and information, the portfolios of members, and the on-line newsletter.  I can’t praise Bob Mass, our Industry Partner member and Webmaster Extraordinaire, enough for his generous and talented efforts.  As Director of Communications, Lynette Edmunds has provided the vision and coordination for all of our publicity and information.  And Kim Plavcan, as Newsletter Editor, has launched us into a new era of more timely news by getting our newsletter on line.  We are the envy of many ASID Chapters.  Regularly check out the latest Connecticut info on www.asidct.org.

While several other Chapters complained of a lack of volunteers and participation, we in Connecticut have seen an increase in membership, in attendance at meetings and in our volunteer base.  So many people (Professional, Allied Member and Industry Partner) have come forward to get involved - serving on a committee, sponsoring a meeting, forming a team for the Fashion Show, or interviewing students at Career Night.  We need you!  Call or write me, or any Board Member and let us know how you’d like to get involved.  I promise you’ll get more out of your ASID association than you ever imagined.

For those of you who asked me to deliver this message to the National Board and Headquarters team, I have good news:  ASID is finally working on ways to advertise the ASID brand nationally.  Now that the research has been done on what our mission and strengths are, the new branding initiative is in place and the message can be delivered.  Look for more information in the months ahead.

We heard some excellent speakers at Interiors ’05.  Janine Benyus, biologist and writer, was particularly outstanding.  She has identified the emerging science that seeks sustainable solutions by mimicking nature’s designs and processes.  She has coined the phrase “biomimicry” and wonders what kind of interiors would be possible if we begin to ask - “What would nature do here?”  You might want to read her book, Biomimicry:  Innovation Inspired by Nature.

We are proud of our Connecticut ASID Fellows who were recognized at the Awards Celebration:  Roz Cama, FASID, Ken Deck, FASID, and Fran Wilson, FASID.  Also attending the Interiors ’05 Conference were President Elect Anne Garland, ASID, and past presidents Ed Bottomley, ASID, and Alex Lanuk, ASID.

As President of the Connecticut Chapter, I attended a leadership training session for my role next year under the new chapter model guidelines - Chair of Nominating.  The Board will be selecting the Nominating Committee who will be charged with slating a President Elect, Director of Membership, and Director-at-Large (director positions are a two year term).  Do let us know if you are interested in serving the Chapter in a leadership position.

I look forward to seeing you at future events and meetings.

Warm wishes to each of you for a Happy Summer!

Terry

terry@tscarborough.com

Terry Scarborough

President, Connecticut Chapter 2004-05

receiving her citation from ASID President Anita Baltimore, FASID

A distinguished trio from Connecticut in San Diego

Do You Know Your Appellation ABC’s?

Everyone is proud to be an ASID member; however, membership in ASID also means subscribing to and adhering to the Society’s bylaws and guidelines.  They include a Code of Ethics for practitioners and Industry Partners and prescribed use of appellations. 

The appellation varies for membership categories but they are easy to remember.

• Professional designers may use ASID after their names only, not a business name (e.g. Professional Design Services, ASID) nor can it be part of a business name
  (e.g. Your Name, ASID Custom Interiors).  The ASID logo is registered by the Society and cannot be used on other than ASID stationary.
• Designers enroute to their professional best via National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certification – along with educators - are usually Allied Members.  The appropriate form is Their Name, Allied Member ASID.  Note that Allied ASID is incorrect and the same holds true for using ASID in association with a business name.
• It’s also easy for Industry Partners to take pride in their membership by using Industry Partner ASID after their name.  There are variations on this for use in conjunction with a business name since a company/corporation is usually the Industry Partner. 
  Partner members should check www.asid.org for a sticker to use on catalogues and other material. 
  I am surprised by how few IP ASID members use a phrase like ‘an ASID Industry Partner’ in their ads.

The ASID appellation is not an indication of certification or endorsement and should not be used as such e.g. Your Name, an ASID certified interior designer.  The organization that certifies interior designers is NCIDQ and according to that organization’s bylaws the use of NCIDQ after a designer’s name is prohibited.  The correct indication of meeting NCIDQ’s eligibility requirements is the designation: NCIDQ Certificate No. 00000.

In states with statute limiting use of the title interior designer or the practice of interior design to NCIDQ certificate holders, a qualified designer can list the state, type of registration and the number – as in – Connecticut interior design registration 0000.

This is similar to any professional registration or license and should not to be constructed to imply or indicate endorsement by the state.

Locally, the Connecticut Coalition of Interior Designers is an active association whose mission is to protect the right of interior designers to practice in state.  CCID deserves every interior designer’s support through membership dues, but remember; CCID is neither an accrediting or certifying body nor a professional business organization akin to ASID or NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association).  Membership in CCID is not indicated by any initials after a designer’s name.

In addition, ASID members should be aware that because of the numerous organizations interior designers may be associated with, (IIDA, NKBA, AIA to name the top three) the newsletter may limit appellations after mention of a designer’s name in a caption.

Kim Plavcan, ASID

Editor

Here’s a Look at Past Events

Since this issue recaps several recent events, the archives section also recaps some memorable events from the past.

Above Elouise Spelbrink and Donna Straat (left to right) in a 1985 press release for a tag sale fund raiser.  Tag sales of left-over products and materials or misguided purchases donated by designers and offered for sale to the public proved so profitable they became an annual event for several years. 

These photos from the 1989 sale show Ken Deck, Ted Pappas, and Judy Swann working to defray the costs of LifeHaven - the Chapter’s community service project.  LifeHaven provided residence and skill building for homeless unwed mothers.

One benefit the Chapter receives from community service projects is free publicity and this article from 1993 featuring Linka Lewis opens with:

Performing community service is part of the American Society of Interior Designers’ blueprint for fulfillment, leaders of the state chapter said Friday as they prepared to help renovate the town’s homeless shelter.

And of course the greatest publicity, along with the greatest fun, came from the 1992 Haunted House staged as a fund-raiser for the Children’s Hospital Yale-New Haven.

But sometimes we do things just for us.  When the Chapter moved to a new 5x8 format for the directory, Mary Ann Howell inspired an advertising committee to sell sufficient ads to defray the cost of new binders.  As a reward, some pastry chef created this replica cake of the new format.

Linda Scinto, ASID

Chapter Historian

Kim Plavcan, ASID

Editor

Epilogue

Won’t you join us for more ASID Connecticut events and help write our Chapter’s future?

Check out our website for more information: www.asidct.org

The Connecticut Chapter leadership team (left to right):

current president Terry Scarborough (2004-05), president-elect Anne Garland (2005-06),

and future president Laura Bordeaux (2006-07).

One last view of the February Town Hall meeting –

Great tour, great food, great speaker, great people, who could ask for anything more?