Students Participate in Real World Design Week!

ASID RealWorld DesignWeek is the Society’s first cohesive, national program to educate future interior designers. Debuting in 2008, this program focuses on career development, and offers both classroom and hands-on learning experiences to introduce students to the real world of interior design. 

During RealWorld DesignWeek, October 19 – 25, 2008, ASID student members will participate in one-day shadow experiences with ASID professional and allied members, as well as Industry Partner representatives on-site at work locations.  In addition, the week will be book-ended by a pair of online instructional seminars —Prepare and Position—hosted by prominent guest speakers.

This innovative program exists exclusively for ASID members—students and practitioners (allied, professional and Industry Partner representatives)—and has the potential to touch thousands of members at once provided ASID members are committed to the cause of design education and sign up to participate. 

The benefits are numerous. RealWorld DesignWeek will empower students to succeed in the industry, build relationships with the design community and provide them with the tools to jumpstart their careers. Design practitioners will have confidence that the future leaders of interior design are primed to act responsibly and carry the industry to a higher level and the program also offers a unique mechanism for filling an internship or entry-level job opening. Moreover, professional chapters will experience increased membership and improved relations between professionals and students.

To facilitate the organization of the shadow experiences that will take place during RealWorld DesignWeek, practitioners and students will be paired online in a self-service fashion on a secure Web site in April or May 2008. Practitioners will be given an initial window of time to post their profiles and availability on the site. Once this window is closed, students will then be able to log on, view the profiles and self-select which practitioner they would most like to shadow.   Pairings will be first come, first served, so students should sign up early!

Practitioners currently have the option of completing a Practitioner Agreement Form and submitting it to ASID via mail or fax by April 4, 2008. By submitting this form, the practitioner makes a prior commitment to participating in RealWorld DesignWeek. ASID staff will post their profile online in April 2008. 

Additional information on RealWorld DesignWeek and a copy of the Practioner Agreement form are available on www.asid.org/rwdw. Participate in RealWorld DesignWeek and make a difference in your life as an interior designer and ASID member. Be a part. It’s your profession.