Interior design program partners with local design-build firm

Source: Loren Wood Builders

[The content of this article was originally published at the website of local design-build firm Loren Wood Builders.The collaboration between Loren Wood and the Eskenazi School Interior Design program described was spearheaded by Lecturer Kim Dutkosky and funded by a grant from the IFDA Educational Foundation.]

We recently had the opportunity to partner with the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design at Indiana University. Interior designer, Kim Dutkosky from the IU [Interior] Design [program], had the idea and sought our help in creating hands-on educational modules for their students. Specifically, we developed four wall systems designed for the practical application of finishes and sheet goods, enabling students to engage in real-world construction scenarios rather than relying solely on theoretical learning through drawings or models.

Site Manager and Carpenter, Jesse Harris, worked with IU and sourced and built the modules from recycled materials found at our job sites. Given the diversity in construction practices among builders, each module was crafted using varied materials such as metal or wood studs, electrical receptacles, and low-voltage media ports.

They were built on castors for easy transport and have cabinets below for storage. Bryan Orthel, Program Director and Associate Professor of Interior Design, emphasized their significance, "In the real world, it would be ideal to bring my students to construction sites for hands-on training with actual materials. However, due to scheduling and safety constraints, this isn’t always feasible. These modules provide the next best learning experience for my students."

We value partnerships within our community and particularly enjoy collaborating with the [Interior] Design [program] at IU. Jesse found this interim project particularly rewarding because it was a dynamic and enjoyable experience.