Ask Ida Q&A

Question - Where can I find the CEU requirements for intern members? 

 

Answer - Continuing Education Unit (CEU) requirements are found on IDA's Continuing Education page on the website. See here. 
To recap, Intern members need:

  • 20 hours of CEUs over a three year reporting cycle. 

    • 5 of these 20 hours must be IDCEC accredited in the health, safety and welfare category, referred to as HSW CEUs. 

    • 15 CEUs can be non-IDCEC certified training or seminars. 

A good target goal is to earn 7 CEUs per year and isn’t too onerous. 

Watch - Tedx Talk - If your life is your biggest project, why not design it?

Ayse Birsel believes that if you have the desire to explore your life from a new point of view, think about it proactively, and change it creatively, there is a way to design the life you love. 

Ayse Birsel is an industrial designer and author, best known for her design work with Herman Miller, and author of Design the Life You Love. The book was inspired by her coursework applying the design process and tools to your life. Birsel was identified by Fast Company as one of the world’s Most Creative People in 2017.

Watch here

A re-cap of the steps outlined:

  • Deconstruction

  • Point of view & heroes

  • Reconstruction

  • Thinking differently

  • Design your life

Mentoring Minute 

It’s easier to get advice than to get feedback. Be specific about what you are looking for.

When asked, many people find it easier to give advice rather than feedback, because giving advice is seen as being helpful rather than critical. It can also feel more helpful for the receiver. Asking for feedback may put someone on the spot, and not everyone is comfortable giving constructive feedback. 

For example: after giving a presentation you ask a colleague, “How did I do?" and they respond with “Good”. What was good? There isn’t really feedback or perspective on what was strong or areas for improvement. A better approach would be to ask, “Do you have any suggestions how I could have better communicated my design concept to the client?” 

The nature of your relationship can impact the comfort level to give or receive feedback. We are most likely to expect feedback from supervisors, instructors, and coaches, and less likely from colleagues and peers. Keep in mind that context is important when you receive both feedback and advice. Sometimes, what worked in your mentor’s situation may not always be applicable in yours. Be receptive, listen openly, and follow the advice that works best for you.

Note

If you have a question for Ask Ida, please submit it to info@idalberta.ca. You can include your initials or be anonymous. If selected, it will be answered by a senior interior designer.

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