IIDA x OFS ROUND TABLE
- untidsa
- Oct 13
- 1 min read
This past Tuesday, we had an excellent roundtable discussion with industry professionals Sara Ables, Emma Smith, Amy Trojacek, and Maria VanDeman, who shared their valuable insights about navigating a career in the design industry and finding fulfillment in the field! 💡
They emphasized the importance of exploring different paths, discovering personal strengths, and connecting with a supportive community. A typical workday in design can vary widely, requiring flexibility, communication, and collaboration through presentations, client meetings, and project coordination. Attendees were encouraged to approach each day as a learning opportunity and to remain open to new challenges and experiences.
The speakers also addressed common challenges, including adapting to client preferences, managing lengthy project timelines, and navigating economic fluctuations. They highlighted the importance of soft skills, especially communication, emotional intelligence, and confidence in presenting ideas.
To thrive in the corporate world, designers should focus on networking, understanding all the business side of design, and staying informed about new materials and technologies. Above all, maintaining a work-life balance and prioritizing mental health were emphasized as key to long-term success and resilience in a creative career.
“Look at design holistically - pay attention to the work happening outside of your scope - learn about the architects and builders’ roles.”
- Emma Smith
Thank you to all our panelists for discussing design with us!
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