OverviewIn this episode of Mile Long Trace we dive into the importance and value of internships in the design profession. We speak from a practitioner and student perspective to highlight how to pay it forward. Guest SummaryKatja Marquart is a professor at the University of Wisconsin in the Interior Architecture program within the School of Design and Communication. Katja works with students in her program to aid in internship placement and speaks with us on the role and value of interns...

In this episode we discuss: Strategies for taking the WELL Building ExamThe importance of designing for building healthHow to apply the strategies of WELL to the design of a project“The role buildings can play in human health and well-being has never been more evident or more important. Thanks to an evolving evidence base, we understand more about the relationship between the physical environment and human health than ever before. We know how to create spaces that enhance – rather than h...

Mile Long Trace speaks with Becca Dobosh about how she has woven the principles of biophilia into hospitality design.Guest SummaryBecca Dobosh has over 16 years of experience in the interior design industry, with a focus on and passion for sustainability. For the past thirteen years she has been an integral part of SERA’s Hospitality Studio, which focuses on custom packages for branded hotels in complex, urban environments. Her approach to incorporating sustainability into projects is d...

Mile Long Trace speaks with Rachel Codd to explore the concept of designing for public spaces and place based design. We discuss a diversity of project sectors to talk about the importance of post occupancy evaluation, and how we can inform the design of public spaces using place based strategies. Guest SummaryRachel Codd is working on her MA in Interior Architecture and Design at Heriot Watt University. She brings with her a background in illustration design and spent a decade working ...

Ever wonder how you can level up your design career? In this episode, Mile Long Trace speaks with Nita Posada about how to elevate oneself professionally between 5pm and 9am.Guest SummaryNita Posada is a Principal at Skylab Architecture in Portland, Oregon. IIDA Chapter President and Strategic Advisory Committee MemberShe holds a NCIDQ Certificate and is a LEED AP BD+CShe has a Bachelor of Interior Architecture from University of OregonShe has worked on projects that span across healthc...

The architecture and design field is a service-based industry. A designer must somehow bring in a profit and how we do that is through the design services we provide. In this episode we explore: What a service-based industry means? Why have good customer service?How to apply a client centric approach to your projects?“As one becomes more experienced in their practice they can begin to see warning signs with clients. You can head off challenging clients by practicing a service-based ...

In this episode we will look at the transition of starting a new design position:Discuss how you know it is time to transitionInterview tipsHow to approach your new position physically and emotionallyFor 5 tips on how to approach your new job position read the full show notes. Don't forget to leave a rave review in your favorite podcast app and follow us on instagram to stay in the loop as new episodes release.Curious about a topic you would like for us to cover contact us. Till next tim...

We take a dive into the practice of design from a parenting practitioner’s perspective. This episode is for you if you have kids or are thinking about having kids or your curious about the term work life balance. We will look at how parenting impacts the design process. Guest SummaryMegan Plante is a A&D Marketing Manager with OFS. She is a mother of two and has started a social media account called Mothers of Design, also known as MOD Squad. MOD Squad's vision is to create a voice a...

As we zoom into 2021 we take a look at the digital presentation process to set you up for success.In this episode we will talk about:How to prep for a design meetingHow to structure a meeting with a clear agendaEffective verbal and visual presentation stylesLook at zoom etiquetteHow to maximize client engagement and form a relationship digitally Now lets elevate your practice by crafting successful design meetings.To get professional tips on how to design, run and shape a digital d...

In this episode we talk about the relationship of architecture and interiors as a practice, we size up the ARE and the NCIDQ, we discuss pursuing a masters in architecture and provide insightful tips to help you elevate your practice.Guest SummaryMichael Riscica is founder, creator, brainchild and show host of Young Architect. Graduated from the New York School of Technology with a Bachelor of ArchitectureRegistered Architect with his NCARB Certificate Volunteered for Architec...

Interior designers have the capacity to produce thought provoking work that is regionally empathetic and culturally diverse. When we travel, we open up to observing and learning about other cultures. During the process of observation we break down internal cultural biases. We become empathetic to other ways of living, working and socializing. We learn how to create culturally appropriate responses to global design problems. We increase tolerance among other cultures, religions and race. ...

As designers strive to become more innovative, working in groups is at the root of harvesting a larger breadth of creativity. Collaboration is a tool for reaching greater innovation and creativity in the design field. In this episode we will offer 10 tips to creating a collaborative culture. “When we collaborate creativity unfolds across people; the sparks fly faster and the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Collaboration drives creativity because innovation always emerg...

How does one foster creativity? In this episode we will talk about the moment in the design process when one needs to summon the creative voices inside. We will unpack how to be creative and offer 10 tips to foster creativity in the design process.“I believe that inspiration will always try its best to work with you – but if you are not ready or available, it may indeed choose to leave you and to search for a different human collaborator.” - Elizabeth Gilbert, Author of Big Magic“The shear ac...

When we hear the terms equity and inclusive design these days our ears perk up, but if you are like me you are left wondering, what does equity really look like in the built environment and how does a busy designer apply the concept of spatial justice to their practice? In this week’s episode we will look at:An overview of what spatial justice meansDiscuss the range of inclusion that should be consideredLook closely at mobility and access to sharpen your design practiceDiscuss how to adopt a ...

In order to minimize the viral spread in the built environment, designers across the world are exploring a vast array of strategies from space planning, to finishes to lighting. In today’s episode we are going to unpack UV lighting to understand the pros and cons of introducing it into mainstream built environments. UV has traditionally been used in health care applications such as surgical exam rooms to remove virus from surfaces. As designers explore how this technology translates to other ...

We bring into focus the microbiome of the built environment to understand what is happening on a micro level to interior spaces. In this episode we address what is on designers’ minds right now, COVID-19 in the built environment.“Designers have a big role to play in the mitigation of virus transfer. Designers also have a role to play in the climate crisis. Buildings consume a lot of energy. While we're talking about biology right now, we really should be talking about energy because they go h...

Overview In a matter of weeks, we have seen our entire health system retract, our economic system crash and our political system divide. Ironic! Guess again. We are in the middle of reorganizing some of the largest systems we value; our health, our economy and our political structure. In today’s episode, we are going to take a deep dive into the concept of design resiliency to unpack and inspire you as a designer to embrace change and sustain your design practice. Design Res...

Design Justice is the intersection of race, culture and architecture. With protesters across the nation calling upon communities saying, “it isn’t enough to be silent anymore.” The design community should do more, a lot more, but how? Even though the systems at play are so massively broken, doing something is a start. In this episode Elizabeth explores how architects and interior designers can start to address social change and equity in the design process.“We need to adopt a new r...

We are in week 10 of a worldwide pandemic. Many Architecture and Interior Design firms around the world have normalized the working from home culture. Yet we are left wondering where our collaborative design process is heading? We find in times of change, we as a human race are turned upside down, brought out of our comfort zone and forced to recon with thoughts that were always there but were masked by the bustling of the daily race. In this episode industry leader Bill Bouchey joins Elizabe...

In this episode you will hear first hand how to navigate the profession of interior design. Guest Peter Harrison and Elizabeth discuss:How to be resilient during different economic climatesHow to transition from school to practiceHow to approach the intimidating topic of networkingHow to make yourself indispensable at a firm“You are the driver of your professional destiny. No one is going to hand it to you. Know that whatever happens during a recession you can make things happen for you...