I am a senior interior design student at the University of Northern Iowa. This page is all about life as an interior design student including day in my life’s, projects, design trips, and more.
Interior design visualization refers to the use of digital software to create visual models of a space. These visualizations can be 2D floor plans, detailed renderings, and 3D models. Visualization tools allow designers to experiment with various layouts, materials colors, and furnishings. Creating a visual allows designers to convey their design intent with ease to peers, clients, and the community. These realistic digital environments can develop a better understand and feel for the space.
Benefits of Using Interior Design Visualization
Visualization tools provide practical and creative advantages in designing spaces:
Improved Communication – Interior designers can more effectively communicate their design intent to clients rather than using schematics and construction drawings.
Accurate Space Plans – Visualization tools allow designers to experiment with floor plans, understand the proportions, and identify any issues.
Experimentation – Visualization software allows designers to play with materials, furnishings, textures, techniques, finishes, and more. Let’s designers understand how these factors can work together and experiment with new ideas.
Fast Turn Around – Technology allows designers to quickly make changes to designs or experiment with a few clicks of a button.
Cost Savings – Design visualization tools reduce the potential changes during construction due misunderstood design intent. Allowing the designer, contractors, and clients to have a visual before beginning construction ensures everyone understands how a space is designed to look.
Popular Interior Design Visualization Softwares
Designers have many visualization softwares to choose from. Each software has its pros and cons with cost, ease of use, and visualization capabilities being big factors. Here are just a few…
AutoCAD
Revit
SketchUp
2020 Design
CET
Enscape
Photoshop
Reception using Revit & EnscapeKitchen using Revit and EnscapeFloor plan using AutoCAD and PhotoshopKitchen using 2020 Design
Designing for the Future
Design visualization is just getting started! New tools and softwares are being developed and enhanced everyday. These techniques are the way to the future and understand design intent.
The interior design trip didn’t end in Wisconsin; we traveled to Illinois to explore more interior design and architecture. The interior design trip to Illinois included observing the Baha’i Worship Temple, taking a architecture river boat tour, and visiting interior design firms.
During the interior design trip to Illinois we visited the Baha’i Worship Temple in Wilmette. The temple was designed to communicate the Baha’i faith through its architecture. The magnificent structure features intricate detailing, white marble facade, and incorporates nine gardens and doors to reflect the unity of religions.
The Baha’i property creates a tranquil and serene atmosphere throughout the gardens and interior of the temple. The structure shows design elements and principles that bring a sense of unity and serenity to its users. Observing this temple enriches the understanding of incorporating cultural aesthetics into design.
The next stop in Illinois was the Chicago Architecture River Cruise. This cruise navigated through the Chicago waterways while showcasing the historic treasures and modern innovations. A docent named each skyscraper while talking about its history along with its design movement. Each building tells a story of design evolution and modernization showcasing a variety of construction methods, materials, and styles.
The river cruise provided valuable insights on Chicago’s innovative and continuously growing skyline. The city has blended together historic and modern architecture to create a functional and artsy landscape. The tour sparked inspiration and new methods to apply to my own design projects and philosophy.
The highlight of the trip was visiting interior design firms and learning from experts in the field. Kadlec Architecture & Design and Lamar Johnson Creative took time out of their day to introduce us to their company’s and workspaces. This beneficial experience allows us to communicate with professionals about what being an interior designer looks like. We had the opportunity to ask questions, gaining a better understanding of the challenges and rewards of working in the industry.
Insights from Kadlec Architecture & Design
The first visit was at Kadlec Architecture & Design which is a residential firm located in Chicago with projects throughout the country. The firm’s approach to interior design and architecture is to elevate everyday life with quiet confidence and thoughtful considerations. With the firm’s diverse portfolio, they design spaces to create a personal connection while still being sophisticated and relatable.
As we toured their office, we engaged in meaningful conversations about their design philosophy which prioritizes client collaboration. The team showcased their recent projects highlighting their creative views and challenges along the way. Getting to see professionals in the workplace is always an inspiring and motivating factor to strive for career goals. It also brings along inspiration for current projects that may need an extra touch.
Lamar Johnson’s Design Expertise
The next firm visit was Lamar Johnson Collaborative which is a commercial firm with various locations throughout the country. The firm is a full service design and architecture firm striving to enhance human experience and improve how design impacts emotions. The team presented their latest projects discussing their design process and collaboration between professionals throughout various industries.
While exploring their workspace, we had the opportunity to encounter working professionals and collaboration. We also had the chance to see their material library along with current project materials. Engaging directly with talented designers provides fresh perspectives and practical workplace insights.
A Memorable Experience
After three long days of exploring new cities and spaces, the interior design trip came to an end. Experiencing new places sparks new ideas and creativity especially when it is thoughtfully curated design. It brings new ways to design and innovate within our projects. Along with our invaluable educational experience, the trip is always a blast with our peers!
Interior Design Trip to Wisconsin! Every year the UNI interior design program takes a design trip to a different city. During these trips we further our interior design knowledge by visiting design firms, art museums, and famous architecture in that city. For the 2024 interior design trip we ventured to Wisconsin and Illinois. The design trip started in Wisconsin at the Monona Terrace & Milwaukee Art Museum.
A Work of (ART-chitecture): Monona Terrace
The Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center is a remarkable building designed by the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. This building is located in Madison, Wisconsin along the Monona Lake and spans 90’ onto the water. Wright designed this building to be used by all members of the community and be multi-purpose whether it is for a convention, wedding ceremony, business meeting, or public event.
Wright believed that nature was sacred and wanted to create structures that blended in with the surrounding environment. He loved using organic shapes and materials, geometric forms, windows for natural light, and open concept interiors. Wright didn’t believe in adding artwork to his buildings; instead he wanted his architecture to speak for itself and be the main character.
A docent that has lived in the community for her entire life gave us the backstory of Wright and his masterpiece. During this tour I noticed the large windows connecting the inside to the outside environment. Organic shapes were used all throughout the building including the door handles, structural columns, window shapes, lighting fixtures, ceiling elements, and room signage. The building lacks ornamentation which is what Wright wanted to convey by making his design the focal point. I loved getting to experience Wright’s work in person and can’t wait to explore more of his designs.
The next stop was the Milwaukee Art Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The museum is a combination of three buildings designed by three well-known architects. The part of the museum that we focused on was the Quadracci Pavilion and Windhover Hall designed by Santiago Calatrava. This structure on Lake Michigan includes a reception hall, auditorium, exhibition space for art, gift shop, and cafe.
Calatrava’s designs are inspired by nature. Through his architecture he mimics naturally occurring aspects such as animal features and weather movements. Calatrava wanted this part of the museum to bring together the city and natural landscape. He also incorporated state of the art technology with architectural wings that can contract and expand.
When arriving at the Milwaukee Art Museum, I was stunned by the immaculate size and sculpture of the Quadracci Pavilion. The interior included curvilinear lines, tall ceilings with ribbed detailing, and floor to ceiling windows overlooking Lake Michigan. Marble flooring, glass windows/ceiling, and reinforced concrete were the main materials throughout the space. These materials along with white finishes and clean lines throughout the space came together to create this postmodernism work of art.
The interior design trip allows us to experience design outside of the classroom and our typical environment. Analyzing our surroundings is something that designers do on a daily basis. Getting out into a new environment allows us to expand our knowledge and understanding the industry and potential areas we could design in.
