“Mentorship implies teaching and guiding. The mentor is committing to guiding them through the process which is active and engaged.” - Katja     Katja Marquart, MFA NCIDQ University of Wisconsin Overview In 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 Summary Katja Marquart is a professor at the University of Wisconsin in the Interior Architecture program within the School of Design and Communication. Kat ..read more

“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 hinder – health and well-being. We can measure – and then improve – the quality of our air, water and light. We can design environments that fuel our bodies, move us, keep us connected, inspire our best work and facilitate a good night's sleep.” - WELL     Becca Dobosh, IIDA ..read more

“Refuge is the idea that if people or animals or living beings are protected at the back and slightly overhead, they will feel more protected. It is the reason why animals live in caves. The next principle is prospect which is access to views. Back in the day, humans were drawn to prospect because they could see predators coming. It provides a sense of safety. If you combine refuge (protection around and above you) and prospect (with views) you get a space that is very comforting to people. -Becca Dobosh     Becca Dobosh, IIDA/LEED/WELL AP Associate Interior Designer SERA Archit ..read more

“One can not expect that what they did in one space is going to work in another. One can not lump all project sectors or even project locations together. Especially things like academic libraries, the students themselves and the course subjects make a massive difference in how they want to use the space. I've worked in libraries for law students who really want single private desks to sit down at. Where as, you'll get the art school students who need collaboration space, large layout tables and specific computer software stations.” - Rachel Codd     Rachel Codd, Interior Architec ..read more

“This is an industry where you have to advocate for yourself, and not be afraid to speak up. Carve out your own path to find your passion. If you want to try something new advocate for it.” - Nita Posada     Nita Posada, NCIDQ, LEED AP BD+C Overview 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 Summary Nita Posada is a Principal at Skylab Architecture in Portland, Oregon.  IIDA Chapter President and Strategic Advisory Committee Member She ..read more

“As one becomes more experienced in their practice they can see warning signs with clients. You can head off challenging clients by practicing a service-based mindset.” - Elizabeth   Overview 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? 10 Tips For Good Customer Service 1.      Make ..read more

“Do what feels right to you, not because others think you should do it but because you know in your gut it is right for you. Even if in the meantime it feels hard and hurts. The good that comes long term will out way it all. So grab hold of your life, your career and make it something that you will never regret. Something you will feel proud of when you look back on life.” - Elizabeth   Overview In this episode we will look at the transition of starting a new design position: Discuss how you know it is time to transition Interview tips How to approach your new position physically ..read more

In this episode the microphone turned as Michael Riscica with Young Architect interviewed Elizabeth on how her career emerged, what she loves about the profession, offers tips to keep you from burnout and how you can take your practice to the next level. Episode Highlights Don’t underestimate the importance of lifelong learning. Find the area of your field that you’re most passionate about. Learn how to be very patient. “I was told early on in my career, “this is a field that you have to be extremely passionate about, or you’re not going to make it.” And I think for everyone that’s a ..read more

“We as practitioners have to remember that working is a relationship. We have a relationship with our job. A relationship means there is a give and take. It is not a constant take. That is not a relationship.” - Elizabeth “You're going to come across other ways of thinking, other relationships, other people, other upbringings. You are also going to come across people that have a very narrow mindsets, and I think no matter what, honor what is in you. Listen to your inner voice and what it is telling you to do. Be true to yourself.” - Megan   Megan Plante with MOD Squad Overview We take ..read more

“Our biggest challenge I've seen in the digital platform is forming relationships and creating a collaborative culture. In order for a client or a consultant to trust us, you have to have a relationship established. If you're developing that relationship digitally, you're going to have to lean in and provide time to get to know them. To understand the things that are important to them and what elements are barriers for them. Getting to know a client on a professional level is going to make your job so much easier when you have to pitch a presentation.” - Elizabeth Lockwood Overview As we zoom ..read more