Shaping students to be competitive in the marketplace and add value to the field of design
My objective is to build an environment where students are motivated to research, draft, iterate and produce high-quality, innovative design solutions that have a positive and lasting impact. My role in their career path is more than instructor, I am mentor, advocate, client, supervisor, colleague and critic for them. Every encounter with a student is an opportunity to teach critical thinking and problem solving skills and how to apply them in a real-world situation. In the end, students will understand what and why they are contributing to the field of design, be mindful about how their work impacts culture and society and consider the ethical impact their work may make.
With every student I have an opportunity, and an obligation, to aid them along their design journey. Post-secondary education is a special, memorable and unique place for students and teacher — a place of honesty and integrity — that allows students to discover what their gifts and strengths are, to hone them and use them in a meaningful way. Every encounter is an unique opportunity to learn, grow, connect and produce.
My classroom is a true prepping ground designed for students to shape their professional practice. I deliver quality instruction on technique and technical tools, mentor them on design, entrepreneurship and business.
I believe there are two essential elements in creating a conducive learning environment: My intent is to create a 1) safe and 2) open space. A safe space is one where they can push boundaries, raise questions, challenge the status quo and offer alternative solutions without fear. An open space is where fellow students demonstrate tolerance and learn to listen. A safe and open space is where your ideas ARE challenged and you listen to those challenges and formulate responses and solutions. Students are afforded the opportunity to agree/argue, compliment/critique, build upon/tear down. Conversation is encouraged through listening, reflecting and responding in a timely, constructive, professional and courteous manner.
My goal as teacher, mentor, and professional advisor is to have every student armed with the ability to present their work in a quantitative and quantifiable manner as-well-as analyze the work of their peers, their superiors or subordinates in the same objective and subjective ways. Through projects created to echo current market trends, students will have opportunities to problem solve independently as well as part of a team. They will be equipped with technical skills through design study, writing skills through research and reflection and communication skills through group work, presentation and public speaking.