From the Inside and Out, the International Academy of Design & Technology Brings Innovative Interior Design to the Greater Seattle Community

Seattle, WA (PRWEB) April 21, 2008 -- The International Academy of Design & Technology in Seattle (Academy - Seattle) has been working on some community-based projects through The Studio, its innovative design group composed of students who are currently enrolled in the Academy's Interior Design Program. The mission of The Studio is to expand far beyond the Academy's classroom walls by giving back to the community. The Studio balances a mixture of pro-bono projects. The range of projects expands from the renovation of one of Seattle's historic landmark buildings to raising the design & livability profile in a brand new condo apartment.

From floor to ceiling, the remodel of the old Rainier Brewery Brew House on Airport Way is a historically significant project. The student designers have taken the building's landmark status to heart and have thoroughly researched the history of the Georgetown area in order to come up with a design that is quintessential Industrial Seattle. By using a wide assortment of metal, the renovation keeps the original look and feel of the building's place in a very industrial neighborhood while giving the building a strong and vital presence that fits the postmodern age. The Sabey Corporation, known for its thirty-year history of innovation and quality, and its expertise in commercial real estate, construction and investments, is behind the renovation and remodel. According to Sabey Project Manager Shawn Sullivan, "It has been a pleasure working with the students so far. I am excited to see what they come up with!"

Another project for the Academy-Seattle involved a very small condo in downtown Seattle. New owner Yukari Odora didn't have a large budget and really needed some cost effective ideas to make the condo more livable and fun. The Studio came to the rescue and helped Yukari pick out some paint colors, new furniture, decorations and new countertops for her kitchen. It wasn't an overly complicated project, but the condo was transformed from a bed, a desk and white walls to condo magic.

Bringing in strong talent from outside the campus is another ongoing practice of the Academy-Seattle. Several prominent Seattle-based industry professionals have been making their way to the Academy. This past March 5th, the international artist, architect and designer Milan Heger gave a lecture on the "Integration of Art in Interior Design." And on April 30th, Alicia Silva who is internationally recognized as a pioneer in green building and is the founder and president of the Seattle-based Synergy Design Studio, will talk on "The Ultimate Tools to Create Environments that Enhance your Life." These two speakers are part of the Academy - Seattle Lecture Series 2008, which gives everyone the opportunity to meet the finest industry professionals in a relaxed and informal setting. The public is invited to attend at no charge.

Academy-Seattle has encouraged leading industry talent to become involved with its events, curricula and its projects and its students by creating a forum for ongoing industry involvement and community dialogue. The Academy has just announced the new members of its Advisory Committee Program in Interior Design. The new advisory committee members will serve 2008 - 2009 in an advisory capacity to the Academy's faculty and administrators. Sharice Giacomini, President of Academy-Seattle, said, "Congratulations to the new Advisory Committee members in Interior Design; we look forward to being an important and growing resource for your businesses now and in the future."

2008 - 2009 Program Advisory Committee Interior Design

·    Alexandra Milton, IIDA - Alexa Milton Interior Design Inc.

·    Amely Wurmbrand, Interior Designer, ASID - Allied Member - Amely Wurmbrand Designs

·    Belle Ampoan, HR/Business Operations - Dawson Design Associates, Inc.

·    Colleen Hazelrigs, Principal - Hazelrigs Architecture & Design

·    Katie Unrath, Project Designer - SJ Barrett & Company, Inc.

·    Lesa McIntyre, Principal - Greenworks / Architectural Design

·    Matthew Spenny, Manager - Robert Allen Group

·    Roshele Allison, CKD, Senior Designer - Potter Construction

·    Stephanie Deshaies, IDCW President, Market Manager - Architex International

·    Tim Broxholm, Director of HR, Business Interiors Northwest (BINW)

About Academy - Seattle

The International Academy of Design & Technology provides educational programs that are designed to prepare students for professional opportunities and career success in select design and technology fields. At the Academy, students are part of an energetic community that shares ideas, solves problems, and finds new ways to approach work today and in the future. While enrolled at the Academy, each student is given an opportunity to grow vocationally, intellectually and professionally.

The Seattle campus, which opened in 2004, offers a variety of Associate of Applied Science and Bachelor of Fine Arts Degrees in Fashion Design, Interior Design, Visual Communication, Graphic Design, Digital Media Production, Fashion Merchandising and Game Design & Development. Both credential levels are not available for all programs. The International Academy of Design & Technology is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award associate's degrees and bachelor's degrees. The Academy is a member of the Career Education Corporation (NASDAQ:CECO) network of universities, colleges and schools. For more information on the Academy- Seattle, call 206.575.1865 or visit www.iadtseattle.com.

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