Design Diary: Week 1

Wednesday-June 3rd
First day interning at The Sechrest Design Company went very well. I felt completely in my element and I am so excited for all the knowledge I will gain from this experience. The business is located in an older house (1940's?)  in downtown Tallahassee that has been remodeled to fit their needs. Today I began to learn my daily duties and explored the many resources in their library. I observed while Amy redlined a renovation plan to send back to the the drafters and then collaborated with Amy and Clay on design and space planing solutions for this plan. This evening, Sechrest had an information table set up at FSU's University club local business showcase. I helped pack up and set up the product samples, flyers, business cards, and accessories to display on the table. I also got to see FSU's football stadium and a bit of their beautiful campus. Day one was a success! Now for some pictures

This is the Intern room where shipments come in and most of my work will be completed. 

Conference room where Amy and Clay meet with clients. This is also part of the furniture and accessory showroom. Most of the antique and unique pieces shown are for sale.

Resource room that holds paint samples, flooring options, and a variety of finishes. Basically any non-fabric samples are located here along with an extensive catalog collection that extends into the hall. 

Upstairs is where all the fabric books, samples, and memos are stored. This is one of the fabric rooms with many various textile companies represented including commercially rated upholstery fabrics.

The second fabric room has mostly Kravet and Schumaker fabric represented. 

 Thursday- June 4th 

 Today was only a half day because Amy and Clay had various things going on this afternoon. I started with putting away all the samples we had brought to the showcase last night and making sure they were in the correct location. I also put up and organized new catalogs and pricing lists. One of the tasks I was asked to do is to hand draft a copy of the renovation plan they were working on yesterday so that they could communicate to the drafters what specifically needed changing in the plans.

It's so weird how all the things I have been learning in school are actually used on a very normal basis by "real world" designers. Today was a short day, but I look forward to next week.
Design Diva,
K.L.E