Interview with Jodi Goings
Why was IDEA started?
Before IDEA, the Interior Design
Program had the ASID organization only on campus. ASID was
perceived as a more 'residential' target. It was very hard
to get students involved in activities and meetings. IIDA is
a very big part of the Interior Design Community and plays a
huge role for those interior designers specializing in
commercial design. It only seemed natural for Indiana
State to develop a Student Chapter for IIDA. We did not want
students to have to worry about another meeting on top of
ASID and schoolwork. The decision was made by the current
ASID president and myself to form one organization for both
ASID and IIDA. One meeting for both organizations and one
set amount of dues made it much easier for all students. A
competition was held for all interior design students
freshman-senior level to develop a name and logo for the
combined organization. A vote was taken to go with Mary
Holehan's design and name (IDEA).
What was the vision behind starting IDEA?
We were really looking for more student involvement with
interior design organizations. Once in the field, it is very
important to be actively involved in organizations such as
IIDA and/or ASID. We felt if this concept was introduced and
enforced at the student level, it would be a great
foundation for students once they become professionals. We
began a mentoring program for all interior design majors,
regardless if they were IDEA members or not. We paired
freshman and sophomores with juniors and seniors to make
underclassman feel more welcome and encourage participation
within IDEA. We wanted IDEA to be both fun and educational.
What is some advice that you could give to ID students who participate in IDEA so that they make take full advantage of this organization?
Take this opportunity to practice leadership skills, working as a team, and networking. All of these are important skills to have once you are practicing interior design. You never know who you may meet that can help kick-start your ID career.