Texas Tech University

Department of Design Advisory Board Meeting

 

Department of Design Advisory Board members attend First Friday Art Trail with graduate students and met to discuss program goals and progress.

DOD Advisory Board MeetingOn Friday, May 5, the Interior Design Advisory Board met to discuss program goals, progress, and future endeavors for the program. The Advisory Board is composed of volunteers with a background in design expertise. The members lend a hand in providing feedback and support for the Department of Design (DOD).

The purpose of the Advisory Board meetings is to promote good will and public relations among the department, provide assistance in curriculum review, discovery of scholarship and fellowship opportunities, and to fulfill any other program development needs.

Kristi Gaines, Ph.D., says that the Advisory Board is essential in ensuring support for students is met with innovative ideas through the selection of sources, funding, and academic opportunities.

"The board was very impressed by the quality of the work of our students. They are excited about our program and are enthusiastically willing to serve."

During the Advisory Board meeting, the board members and faculty presented the latest DOD program updates, research announcements, direction of curriculum, and future goals.

"The Board members are very well-respected in the field of design. The next meeting is scheduled for October in Dallas. The board will be instrumental in obtaining our goals."

Following the meeting, board members and faculty were invited to view student art work during a trip to McPherson Cellars and the First Friday Art Trail in Lubbock. Board members were able to provide feedback and network with graduate design students.

Kristi says that the First Friday Art Trail provides an excellence venue to feature the work of DOD graduate students.

"The student projects address a variety of issues that benefit the public. Topics addressed include designing for aging, sustainable environments, healthcare design, learning environments, retail design, considerations for physiological, psychological differences, and many others."

The graduate students were able to explain the research behind their projects and mingle with board members in a unique, real-world setting and the added benefit of having their artwork on display for the city of Lubbock.