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. Katja works with students in her program to aid in internship placement and speaks with us on the role and value of internships.   In this episode we discuss:  1. The value of interior design internships from a st ..read more

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 emerges from a series of sparks – never a single flash of insight.”  - Sawyer Read the full shownotes ..read more

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 Summary Rachel 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 as a research librarian. While working in the library, it occurred to her she has a passion for how t ..read more

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 act of freeing your mind to be creative in another medium can un-lock your brain enough to be able to ..read more

In this episode we discuss:  Strategies for taking the WELL Building Exam The importance of designing for building health How 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 hinder – health and well-being. We can measure – and then improve – the quality of our air, water ..read more

Mile Long Trace speaks with Becca Dobosh about how she has woven the principles of biophilia into hospitality design. Guest Summary Becca 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 deeply immersed in biophilic design with an emphasis on creating healthy interior spaces that are gro ..read more

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 and emotionally For 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 time keep designing y'all.  ..read more

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 hand in hand. As we take measures to mitigate COVID-19 many of them have energy implications. They have ..read more

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 holds a NCIDQ Certificate and is a LEED AP BD+C She has a Bachelor of Interior Architecture from University of Oregon She has worked on projects that span across healthcare, higher education, hospitality and residential market sectors.  She enjoys participati ..read more

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 Resiliency is the practice of adapting to change. Being nimble, flexible, reflective, adaptive, and even ..read more