First Year Reviews

Dear Paige,

I very much enjoyed participating in your end of year critiques for the Writer’s Retreat project. I could really tell you worked very hard on your project from the clarity of your drawings, the effort you put into planning out your space, and your well rendered perspectives. I only have a few notes for you to consider in future projects.

The first, takes into account presenting/presentations in general. Final presentations are a very special moment for us as students, especially when you have been working on a project all semester. This is the time you get to show off your work to the outside world. So be excited about your work (even if you are sleep deprived). This is important because if you’re excited about your work your enthusiasm will most likely spread to your critics as well.

Dress is also an important part of presentations. Although your attire was more appropriate than others, it’s just something to keep in mind. You should always dress cleanly and professionally. It’s just one more way you can show that you know what you’re doing.

The second takes into account your spoken presentation. Just don’t say JUST. As designers we do everything with a purpose. You never JUST do anything. Also don’t be afraid to practice what you say before hand. It shows up later that you didn’t practice very much when you use words such as “like” and “umm”. In addition, never describe your project using words with negative undertones I.E. “congested.” You don’t want to describe your work as being congested. Try words like encapsulated, or compartmentalized. They are much more flattering.

Finally, when composing your board think about it from the viewers’ perspective. Compose your drawings in a way one can see how they relate to one another. This may mean placing your elevations next to the wall they were drawn from (or have them clearly labeled in a font you can see from a distance), or something as simple as placing your second floor plan above that of the first. I would like to commend you on being one of the few, which I observed, to use scale figures. They can really add to your work when done correctly. Be sure that they are proportionate to your space. Lastly, don’t be afraid to do more than what is required of you. Your professors will take notice if you do.

Congratulations on a job well done. I look forward to seeing your work as a second year.

Regards,

Kelly M. Harris