IIDA Campus Center: Professor Tanya Shanklin (Owner /CEO ICS)

(Above: Howard University, Washington, DC. Photo by Nikolaus Fogle)

IIDA Campus Centers serve our students in and outside of the classroom, with programming that enhances their education, and introduces them to their local interior design community. Howard University Campus Center is IIDA’s first Historical Black College or University Campus Center, and an important way to promote a more diverse field.

IIDA Board Member Mike Johnson II, IIDA, and Howard University Chadwick A Boseman College of Fine Arts Adjunct Professor Tanya Shanklin, ASID, tell us about their work forming this campus center, and why it’s so important for the industry to support minority students pursuing careers in design. Students join the conversation to share their experience and express their wants for the future of design.

Tell us a little bit about the history of the Howard University Campus Center—what prompted you to start the work, and what is your goal and mission with the campus center?

Mike Johnson: I’ve always given back to my alma mater, Howard University, through raising scholarship funds, desk crits, and providing professional opportunities. When I joined IIDA, it was a personal goal of mine to make sure there was a presence on Howard’s campus to show how much the design community cares about and supports these students. The mission is to help build a pipeline of diverse talent for the interior design industry. By attracting and supporting black students, the industry can benefit from a broader range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas.

Mike Johnson II, IIDA | IIDA Board Member and Co-Founder of the IIDA Howard University Campus Center

Tanya Shanklin: The Howard University Campus Center was started in the beginning of the global pandemic during the 2020 Fall Semester. During the year when all faculty was teaching online classes I accepted an invitation from Mike, and we had a conversation via ZOOM that led to establishing the IIDA Campus Center for Howard University Interior Design Department. Mike was able to connect me with an IIDA representative for student membership, and we were able to establish four members during the pandemic. The mission behind the IIDA Campus Chapter at Howard University is for interior design students to network with design professionals through IIDA and to focus on building connections with more African-American interior designers that have worked in this industry.

Interior Design Students at Howard University Year:: 2021

Why is IIDA's presence at Howard and other HBCUs important not only as an educator but as a professional and to the industry at large?

TS: IIDA’s presence at Howard University helps with establishing our interior design program. There is not a lot of recognition for interior design programs at HBCUs because of the issue of diversity in the profession. You often see Ivy League Universities that have strong programs where students immediately are able to intern at corporate architecture or engineering firms and be certified in their program. We are often overlooked because of our cultural characteristics. It is unique for Howard University to have an Interior Design program which has been in existence for 10 years. IIDA as a professional interior design organization is a good network for Howard University students to gain opportunities in this profession, network with other students from interior design schools, and promote diversity in this profession.

Tanya Shanklin, ASID | Howard University Chadwick A Boseman College of Fine Arts Adjunct Professor and Co-Founder of the IIDA Howard University Campus Center

MJ: IIDA’s presence at Howard University and other HBCUs is important because it shows a commitment from the design community to increase diversity and promote inclusion. Not only will this relationship support and provide opportunities to black students that they might not normally have, but it will give students access to resources and support to help them succeed in their studies and future career. IIDA Scholarships such as the John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship and Fund provides a generous monetary scholarship to help benefit black students. Locally, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter offers portfolio reviews, free professional headshots, and tailored networking events for them to meet other students, but most importantly our design professionals.

As a black professional, why is it important to support black students in their educational journey?

MJ: As a black professional, I have a personal responsibility to give back to our community, to help uplift the next generation, to show them that there is room and show them what success looks like. It’s important to support their educational journey so that we empower a more diverse leadership in the future. Black students are the future of design, and we can help develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed and become agents of change within interior design and our communities.

TS: It is very important for myself as an interior design professional to support students because I was in their shoes ten years ago when I attended Howard University back in 1989 and graduated in 1992. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design with a minor in Architecture from the former School of Human Ecology. I had two good Professors at Howard University that supported us as students, and both belonged to design industry organizations. Students need mentors and those who have continued to practice in the profession. African American interior design students need a network where they can be creative and are able to thrive in this profession.

Tanya Shanklin with interior designr students. Image courtesy of Shanklin

What is most exciting about working with your chapter, and how does the professional community support your members?

TS: The best part about the Howard IIDA Campus Center is having the presence of a professional interior design organization on campus that African American students can be members of. We are able to get interior design students involved where there is a need for connection and affiliation is important and needed—we also have the recognition that an IIDA Campus Center is on Howard University’s campus.

What does the future of design look like to you?

TS: My hope for the future of the interior design profession is more digital focused in presentations and more globally focused. Students being able to take a class on our campus while being in another country is a possibility. I see students taking classes on campus and online in another state or overseas. Being aware of how you can fit in a group or organization can make an impact in improving the diversity of this profession—crossing borders and being more multicultural. We are at a turning point where more presentations are not just tactile but digital. This is something that I have been in awe of as a current interior design practitioner and educator.

Ryane Smith, Interior Design Student: Howard University

Ryane Smith, Student IIDA and member of the Howard University Campus Center joins the conversation to share her experience and express her hopes for the future of design.

Why was it important to you to attend Howard University, and what makes the interior design community on campus special?

Ryane Smith: It was important for me to attend Howard University because I wanted to study at a prestigious institute and also be able to study and learn from others that understand the struggle that comes with being a person of color in the interior design industry. The Interior Design program at Howard University is small and there are not a lot of students in the program so this allows us to create a sense of community and encouragement while still pushing and wanting the best for each other.

Ryane Smith, Student IIDA | Member of the Howard University Campus Center

How has attending an HBCU influenced your future career?

RS: Attending Howard University has given me access to design professionals, opportunities and mentors. It has also strengthened my passion for design equity, giving me the opportunity to minor in Swahili, and take classes that are only offered at Howard University all while learning about the impact of Black designers in various design fields.

What does the future of design look like to you?

RS: The future of design to me will be more inclusive and aware. Not just when it comes to race but overall equity. That means embracing design equity, universal design and being more sustainable.

What have you learned from being a part of IIDA Campus Center that you don’t learn in the classroom?

RS: The reach and access that comes with being an IIDA member. There are IIDA chapters all around the world. Being part of an organization like that allows me to increase my network and potential opportunities to meet designers from all over.

For more information about forming your own IIDA Campus Center, contact Melissa Cook at mcook@iida.org

https://iida.org/articles/campus-center-spotlight-howard-university

Smile Photo Studio: Columbia Mall

One of our newest project is a Smile Photo Studio in Columbia Mall, This is a new retail space which was once a jewerly store and now being converted over to a photographer studio. The owner is Mrs. Maryum Raza who is a freelance photographer and business owner.

The retail space is 1500 sq ft which was once a jewerly store in Columbia Mall. The studio has five rooms. This includes an open studio, playroom, baby studio , restroom and utitlity room.

Prince George's Family Justice Center: Lactation Room

Recently the Prince George’s Family Justice Center had opened a new wing in their facility which is a Lactation Room for their clients. This lactation room was designed by Independent Consulting Service and donated by non-for-profit organization Zonta Club of Mid-Maryland. The use of the room is for mothers in need of a place to nurse their children in a calm atmosphere. In ideal lactation rooms for some facilities are less private for most workplaces. This serves as an ideal for private rooms for mothers in need of treatment for themselves and their children.

In the begining stages like most facilities the actual room before it was re-designed was plain and uninviting for a women going through treatment .

In the redesign of the room that included volunteers from Zonta Club of Mid-Maryland in painting the room. Independent Consulting Service donated the furniture to brighten the room . Local Artist - Sasha McClain designed the giraffe mural which make the room more kid friendly. The examples of after the room was redesigned for public use.

The inspiration message: “Every child is a different kind of flower and all together make the world a Beautiful Garden”.

In developing the concept of this room which included a 3D rendition created by Autodesk software for this Lactation Room.

SoBe Resturant & Lounge-Resturant Design

One of the more active resturants that has opened in Prince George's County which has recieved more patrons since their opening.  SoBe Resturant & Lounge which is located in Lanham, MD that has opened since February 2015 and has recieved excellent reviews from many of its patrons.  What the local community does not know is the Design Team that helped this resturant since its first opening last year.  

This was through the partnership of Richardson Design Studio and Independent Consulting Service for the patio atrium of this resturant.   In working with architectural process which starts though sketches and conceptural design as shown here by the Architect.

Sketch by Kendrick Richardson, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB

The Richardson Design Studio

Website:  therichstudio.com

Through the Richardson Design Studio from these sketches produced what would be the plans for the outside atrium of SoBe Resturant & Lounge.

Construction Documents for Parking Atrium

Richardson Design Group

Furniture selection developed by Independent Consulting Service which includes lounge patio seating for the new resturant.

The final completion of the completion of the project was issued on August 2014.   SoBe Restaurant and Lounge opening took place on February 2015 and is in full operation.
 To see more images of SoBe Restaurantyou can view their website:  http://www.soberestaurantandlounge.com.

6 Reasons to Hire a Home Designer →

Jeffrey Veffer, B. Arch, MBA December 14, 2013     Houzz Contributor

Who hasn’t heard that regular trips to the dentist can prevent the spread of tooth decay? Even though sitting in that chair isn’t the most enjoyable way to spend time, most of us know that a dentist has the knowledge and expertise to check all aspects of our oral health. Similarly, residential designers (architects, interior designers and others) bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to make sure all aspects of remodeling and custom home projects go as smoothly as possible. 

Talk with almost anyone who’s ever tried to do a construction project without pro help, and you’ll likely hear one statement over and over again: “I wished I had hired a designer.” Even in smaller projects, like a one-room remodel, once you open up those walls, situations arise for which only an experienced professional can apply his or her creative problem solving to save time and money. 

Here’s why it’s worth it to hire a designer.

1. You’ll save time. 

You may not know how structural choices can impact the installation of the mechanical system. Or about options for new materials or technologies that might be cheaper, better or more appropriate than what you are familiar with. Figuring those things out takes time, and lots of it. A skilled professional will have this information at the ready for you. 

Plus, with advances in technology, new building envelope techniques are coming on the market with increasing frequency, and new, tougher energy-efficiency requirements are transforming how walls are constructed and bringing an end to many traditional building practices. So it’s more crucial than ever to have someone on your team who understands how your building assembly meets current building code requirements. 

These codes are typically complex texts that are difficult for those outside the building industry to understand. When designers submit drawings to the building authority, a plans examiner reviews them and issues a revision notice to address any variances from the current codes and construction standards. 

A well-informed designer with up-to-date knowledge of building science can get building projects through with the minimum number of revisions. Since each revision takes time to be completed, having fewer revisions will allow you to get your permit faster. Low-quality or incomplete documents can delay your construction. Hiring a designer will help ensure that your project meets relevant codes so it can progress smoothly through your municipality’s process.  This could save you many sleepless nights and potentially weeks on your project trying to determine what is needed to satisfy the code requirements.

2. You’ll get their expertise and understanding of the overall construction process. 

The basic function of a designer is interpreting your needs and coming up with a professional plan for any building project. Although you may hire him or her only for this task, the designer will also provide a wide variety of other resources to make sure the whole building process goes off without a hitch. 

Depending on your needs and budget, a designer can guide you through the relevant building application process, research planning legislation, assist in the hiring of surveyors and general contractors, recommend subcontractors and manage the construction phase of a project on your behalf to ensure that building plans are accurately followed.

Trying to do this yourself would mean hours and hours of research and potential delays.

There are many types of designers working in the home building industry. Some are licensed professionals; others are builders who have expanded their services into design as well as construction of custom homes and home renovations. 

Design-builders and unlicensed designers make up a large contingent of the individuals working in the procurement of custom homes and renovations. They tend to be cost effective and can be the right fit for your project, so long as you find a reputable person to work with. 

Architects are generally more expensive to hire but bring to a project a broader set of skills
and talent that can result in both an exceptional project and an exceptional experience. This
results from the additional work an architect puts into coordinating everyone involved in your project, as well as the unique skills and knowledge related to current technology, materials and construction processes. 

That said, not every project requires an architect, and not every design-builder can deliver on your vision. The rule of thumb is that the more unique and challenging the project is, the better suited an architect is for it.

3. They speak the language. 

Because so much information on your project is communicated using two-dimensional drawings, there are many conventions on howplans, sections and elevations are interpreted. Your project revolves around translating the 2-D drawing to 3-D construction using wood studs, insulation and other materials. 

There can be misinterpretations of these drawings, which gives rise to confusion about how building elements go together. Especially if the drawings show something that the contractor might not be familiar with. Or if the contractor is busy and hasn’t had the time to really look at certain parts of the drawings, critical elements of the details can be overlooked. A designer knows how to stay on top of this.

On a recent project a client who was supervising his own construction project found the contractors hadn’t correctly followed the detail drawings. They had inadvertently switched the location of the vapor barrier from the warm side of the building envelope to the cold side, where the wall meets the floor. Doesn’t sound like much, but most problems with mold and rot in building are cause by prolonged periods of condensation occurring within the wall and floor assembly. 

Over time the presence of moisture will give rise to the mold’s bacteria and fungus, which lead to rot and structural failure. The only way to fix this was to rip out several courses of brick all around the house, costing the client almost $10,000.

Having someone onboard who speaks the language can prevent these costly missteps.

 

4. They’ll be your advocate. 

If you’re having problems with contractors on your project, it might be tough for you to verify that they are properly carrying out the intent of the drawings, or even which contractor is actually responsible for the issue. 

It can be hard to know where the responsibility for one contractor ends and the other begins. Time and again we’ve seen things get overlooked or improperly constructed early in the process, which affects contractors later in the job. And if that earlier contractor has left to another job, it’s oftentimes difficult to get the person back onsite to fix those mistakes. Plus, it’s costly for new contractors to fix another’s mistakes. 

We had one client who didn’t elect to procure our construction management services. He had to bring in a second team of drywall contractors near the end of the project to fix the poor job done by the initial subcontractors, who wouldn’t come back to fix areas that weren’t up to standard. It cost the client an additional $3,500 out of his pocket to fix the mistakes that weren’t caught earlier.

Substandard drywalling can cause a whole host of problems at the finishing stage, not the least of which is uneven tile, because the tile contractors can’t get a straight line to adhere tile. Problems that may not be very apparent when looking at a whole wall of drywall under construction lighting are magnified when the tile is on and the pot lights are showing areas where the tile doesn’t meet properly or is uneven.

Contract administration can be accessed on a fixed fee or an hourly basis. Expect to budget 3½ to 4½ percent of your construction cost to this for a typical project.

5. You’ll get their design sense and attention to detail.

A designer translates your needs to functional spaces but also makes them beautiful. Good designers are consummate three-dimensional thinkers and can use their abilities to find special opportunities in a design that might not easily be understood in two-dimensional drawings. Additionally, they are always keeping up-to-date on trends in local and international design. 

If you want a space that has lasting appeal and adds to the value of your investment, you need to hire a designer. Designers have the skills to include the features that will maximize your house, while making sure your project runs smoothly.

Not all architectural details are reflected in drawings. Architects can also specify plumbing fixtures, expected quality levels, finishes, electrical fixtures and other related information that’s communicated in drawings or in specifications written for the contractors working on the project. If the architect does not prepare written specifications, then you could be faced with change orders, which can slow down the process. 

Change orders are instructions to the contractor to make an onsite change from what’s specified in the contract documents. It can simplify construction based on site conditions, but it also can add costs when it requires redoing part of the construction due to oversights.

6. You’ll get access to other skilled pros. 

Being in the design business means meeting lots of other pros who also work on residential projects. From structural engineers to painters, your designer probably has quite the network of skilled contractors who can get the job done within the given budget. 

And, again, the point here is that the additional cost for a quality design team can mean savings in the long run. I think one of the contractors we are working with said it best with a quote at the bottom of the company letterhead, which reads, “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” 
 

Reid Community Development Center

The Reid Community Development Center was established in 1994 in Prince George's County. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for low and moderate income persons and the elderly (55 and older) who live in Prince Georges’ County Maryland and surrounding communities. These programs/services include: a) micro business development; b) job creation and workforce development; c) affordable home ownership programs; d) foreclosure mitigation seminars; and e) Senior wellness.  Reid Community Development Center operates a senior wellness center for 37-40 seniors, provides business development training and workshops for 160 persons a year and housing ownership and foreclosure prevention seminars for dozens of persons a year.  These programs have been in operation for at least 8 years and  the longest area of operation is the senior wellness center that began in 1999.

The development of the office build-out for Reid Community Development Center began in July 2011 and was completed by October 2012.  This office serves as a workforce training center and business incubator for the region of Prince George's County.  The office footprint is 1825 sq. ft. of space which has three offices, reception , training/conference room (as a swing space), kitchenette, copy room and business incubator.  The function of this space is to be used for the general public and business organizations.  conceptual designs of this office was developed to give an ideal corporate office/training center  which would have swing space to be converted for various uses such as meeting, training sessions and business transactions.  The occupancy for this suite is 20-50 persons which the organization expectations of growth to include another wing.   In reference to the build out location and conceptual space plan designs which gives an ideal business incubator for other models.

Mt. Rainer Bank- Artist Studio

In section near University of Maryland and Arts District of Hyattsville is a community with now is slowly being revitalized –Mount Rainer.  The Investment bank at 3800 34th Street which is now being considered for renovation to fit with the now Artist community in Mt. Rainer.  Neighborhood Design Center of Prince George’s County which has volunteers who are Architects, Interior Designers, Urban Planners and Architectural Students.   This existing bank will now be used as an artist studio and retail for the disabled.  The new owner of the property Compass Inc. which deals with rehabilitation of the disabled is looking to use the once Investment Bank as an artist studio for their patrons to display and sell their work.  The existing bank will have new paint, flooring, stairwell, elevator, and artist studio/classroom on the first floor, retail in the entry, artist studio on the second floor and accessible restrooms.   Examples of the project from the beginning stages to the final presentation drawings.

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Alfred Street Baptist Church - Facility Renovation

The facility renovation at Alfred Street Baptist Church which it is located in Alexandria, VA. This renovation was focused on the public restrooms within the church facility. All required work involved removing existing utility fixtures, upgrading the HVAC system and upgrade the lighting system. The aesthetic part of the upgrade required new tile, restroom fixtures, new partitions and new lighting. In the concept for this upgrade to make the new public restrooms spacious, with ample lighting and clean look for public use. All sources that were selected through Interior Design and Facilities Administrator. In the finishes that were selected included Silestone, Daltile, American Standard, Scranton Products and Interceramic Tile. To develop a more updated state-of-the art restroom facilities the utility products selected where sensored which included the lighting. All tile and lighting sources followed USGB guidelines for LEED specifications.
The noted examples are exhibited in this portfolio of visual presentation, 3D rendition and final construction.

Examples are taken from the presentation for this project at this Religous facility which includes showing the final construction of the new restrooms which follow ADA compliance codes.

4800 Block Rhode Island Avenue- Volunteer Project

The 4800 Block of Rhode Island Avenue (Shops of Critterden) is a volunteer project sponsored by Neighborhood Design Center (Prince George’s County Affiliate). In the focus of this conceptual project to develop an existing garage to be re-used for open office space with an artist gallery and apartment studio. For the existing space furniture from Haworth and Herman Miller for the proposed Artist Studio.
The project location is at the Arts District of Hyattsville in Maryland which is on Baltimore Avenue. In the charrette sponsored by Neighborhood Design Center, participating students from University of Maryland School of Architecture was given the assignment to produce “conceptual” sketches for the existing garage and store front at the Shops at Crittterden. The charette took place at Hyattsville City Hall on February 2, 2013.
As part of the charette, existing photos were taken and preliminary sketches were produced for the exterior and interior of these spaces. In the entry that was my task for the Interior Design and space planning of the existing garage. The images that are shown are existing photos, interior design sketches, and 3D images for the proposed site location.

Neighborhood Revitalization in Hyattsville, MD

In the past nine years Hyattsville, MD has gone through a renaissance which new development has increase where once abandon town. The town is near University of Maryland which the main artery road is Baltimore Avenue near University Town Center. The current population in this town is 17,551 from the 2010 census. About 20.5% of the populations hold a college degree , 16.7 percent hold post-graduate degree and 28.4% have a high school diploma. The City of Hyattsville is culturally diverse community which various individual, college students and businesses moved to this region. One of their programs is the Community Sustainablity Plan for various parts of Hyattsville. This includes community parks, schools and public buildings. The effort is to improve growth and develop more sustainable enviornment . This woudl be considered smarth growth in this local town. Many of the once abandoned buildings are now being reused for mixed-use projects. This includes retail, restaurant, office space and residential. In the movement of the privatization, the volunteer work of concept projects which involve municipal center, local garage and retail. Much of the redevelpment in Hyattsville,Md is being conducted through non-for-profit organizations, City of Hyattsville and Prince George's County Government.