The School of Architecture has launched a Continuing Education Program in Contemporary Design aimed at updating the knowledge base of professionals in the field. During the course, participants will analyze the latest trends and work through four specific modules that will provide “a comprehensive overview of the areas of practice for interior designers,” explained Dis. Flavio Morán*, the program’s academic coordinator. The professor said the program will seek to foster “reflection and innovation from an academic perspective but with a strong professional foundation,” for which leading international experts in the field will be invited to speak.
-How did the idea for a Continuing Education Program in Contemporary Design come about?
-Recognizing the urgent need to stay current on design-related topics, as the scope of interior design in the 21st century requires professionals to hone their skills across all aspects of the field. This professional development must span from conceptual development to the execution of interior spaces; from the re-elaboration of acquired knowledge to notable contemporary research in biomimetic design resources and the development of custom materials, to name a few examples. Independent designers, interdisciplinary teams, and design firms require continuous training to absorb the enormous amount of relevant information that comes our way. Furthermore, they require planning that allows the product offered to be positioned openly and clearly, where the experience of the human habitat is reclaimed and the designer’s sensibility is developed within spaces of technological virtuality capable of proposing the inclusion of all the senses: the tactile, aromas, and the material as an experiential strategy. This acceleration of information, generated on multiple fronts, means we must delve deeper into reading and rereading, navigate the web to access the latest information, subscribe to foreign websites, and participate in all guest lectures at our Faculty: architects, designers, technicians, and companies. Aware that there are several generations of Interior Design graduates, we believe it is necessary to open spaces for research and the discussion of ideas where sharing and dialogue are direct and open.
-Specifically, what is the purpose of this program?
-The program consists of four modules: Contemporary Professional Management, Contemporary Design, Contemporary Technologies, and Contemporary Integrated Project. These modules can be taken independently, each concentrated into a one-month period, making them both feasible and appealing. The program offers a comprehensive overview of the professional interior designer’s scope of practice. This allows students to design interiors and furnishings; participate in lectures by leading international professionals at the start of the Design module; analyze design trends from the past decade at the national and international levels; re-examine and develop the professional’s or their studio’s brand identity; study the processes of entering the job market and developing appropriate communication strategies; enhance the professional’s training in their interactions with clients, suppliers, and construction sites; specialize in knowledge of home automation, alternative renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainability, and certification; and conduct, under supervision, research on the topics covered that are of interest to the participant.
-What new knowledge will participants gain from taking part in it?
-The program covers key contemporary topics such as direct professional interactions that combine design and branding; client and supplier management; the proper use of social media and marketing; design techniques addressing essential topics such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainability, certification, and technologies like home automation; and integrative design—a synthesis of research on topics of interest to the designer, fostering reflection and proposals grounded in academic inquiry yet deeply rooted in professional practice. In addition to this, design and contemporary trends are studied with the participation of prominent international guests.
-In short, what are the new contemporary demands in the field of design that professionals need to be aware of?
-Professionally manage your projects, strengthening ties with all stakeholders in the system while highlighting and bringing your proposal to fruition. Incorporate new technologies while respecting the environment, proposing initiatives to generate new forms of energy, raising awareness of our current era, and maximizing project efficiency. Analyze current design trends, exchange ideas with international professionals, and develop concepts in a creative workshop. Research and propose new design options, updated project processes, and the development and use of contemporary materials. All of this is approached through the lens of ethics and excellence, grounded in the belief that lifelong learning is an essential tool for today’s professionals.
*Flavio Morán is a member of the Otroestudiomas studio (which specializes in architecture, design, and interior design projects). He received the Award for Teaching Excellence in 2008 from the School of Architecture. He is a tenured professor of Interior Design and Furnishings in the Bachelor of Interior Design program.
Interview published in September 2012