Students help design their program’s first graduation

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ROBERT SGOTTO

When people think about interior design, they might only think it’s about colours and materials, but it’s much more than that. You’re wearing more hats than just being creative.

This spring will mark Sheridan College’s first graduating class of students to the Bachelor of Interior Design program.

It’s been a challenging four years for Sheridan’s Interior Design students, but the faculty and students couldn’t be prouder of the work they’ve done and the obstacles they’ve overcome.

“There’s a lot of pressure, but at the same time it’s good pressure. It’s something to be very proud of,” said Danielle Palumbo, a fourth-year Interior Design student.

To commemorate, the students will hold a graduation show at the Arta Gallery in Toronto on May 1.

“It’s an opportunity to celebrate the work of four long years of getting a degree. We’re very excited because this is our first graduating class,” said Raymond Dunning, co-ordinator and faculty member of the Bachelor of Interior Design program.

The show, which will display the students’ collective work, will see various industry veterans attending. Gordon Stratford, senior vice-president of the global design firm HOK, will be there to give a keynote speech.

To help cover the cost of the graduation show, the students have hosted fundraisers and have worked around the clock as the event draws closer.

The class is in the midst of a bottle drive, and will accept all donations to G-wing’s room 404.

“We live in this room, so there will always be someone here, and we’re all very friendly,” said Rachele Claessens, a fourth-year Interior Design student.

“We’re trying to do different and unique things to raise money,” said her classmate Lisa Blois. “We’ve been thinking about hosting a pub night. It would be interesting to see what themes students might like.”

Claessens said the design students have a special fundraiser planned around Valentine’s Day, and asks students to keep an eye out for it.

If anyone is interested in contributing to the graduation show, or has ideas or suggestions, the students want to hear them and can be reached in room 404, in G-wing, or on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/pages/THINK-2014-Sheridan-Interior-Design-Grad-Show/255214137968548

You can also view the students’ website at www.think-id.ca/#welcome-e