DSA will be at the 2010 International Window Visions Convention EXPO

April 13th, 2010

shutterstock_1373371Hi everyone!

We are headed to Hotlanta! DSA will be at the 2010 International Window Visions Convention EXPO in Atlanta May 13-15 – and you can be, too! All DSA members will receive free VIP passes to attend the event being held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The show is being held in conjunction with the 2010 Southern Building Show.

For the last 10 years, Grace McNamara Inc. has produced the world’s largest window-fashions industry trade show. Show attendees include window fashion retailers, buyers, designers, decorators, workrooms, dealers, installers, fabricators, manufacturers, suppliers, architects, product developers, trend experts and students and faculty.

The Southern Building Show, in its 17th consecutive year, is the premier building industry-attended event for the southern states. Attendees include builders, remodelers, architects, designers, developers, superintendents and specifiers.

“Strategic partnerships are key for any successful event to thrive and grow,” says Grace McNamara, president and CEO of Grace McNamara Inc. “We are excited to reach out to architects, contractors and builders regarding the value of window fashions in today’s homes through our co-location with the Southern Building Show. “Co-locating our shows enables us to demonstrate the importance of window fashion products to a broader audience, benefiting our suppliers and dealers. By joining forces, we will expand the scope and vision of this event.”

Visit wf-vision.com and southernbuildingshow.com for more information about both exciting shows.

Click here to access your free VIP passDSA in the mind of a designer

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HGTV DESIGN STAR season 5 CASTING

November 12th, 2009

Are you a great designer?
Be a part of HGTV Design Star Season 5!

Do you think you have what it takes to host your own series on HGTV? Would you love the challenge of competing in a design-based reality show?
Here’s your chance to be on Design Star!


Design Expertise: We’re looking for great designers. Are you pushing the design envelope? Are you going all “green”? Are you taking the old and making it new and fresh? Whatever your design angle, we want to hear from you!

Personality That Pops: We want to see someone who shines. Design ability and expertise are most important, but you could wind up hosting your own show…do you have the personality millions want to watch?

Passion for Your Work: We’re searching for designers who will bring the world of design and decorating to life in their very own passionate and unique way. The world of design is ever-expanding, so the more invested you are, the better.

HGTV Design Star is an on-air competition to name the network’s next star. Finalists will compete in design-based challenges with one to two designers being eliminated each week. The contestants will be narrowed until the winner is announced in the final episode of the series. Upon which, the winner will become the host of their own design show!

If you are interested in applying, please email David Polanzak at dpo.casting@gmail.com with the following information:

Name:
Age:
Hometown:
Phone:
Photo:

Thanks you for your interest, and good luck!

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October 2nd, 2009
This card is the size of a credit card. The back list members information.
This card is the size of a credit card. The back list members information.

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Designer Portfolio

July 29th, 2009

dsa front pageMake Your Portfolio Work for You!

When meeting a new client for the first time, your portfolio can make or break a deal, depending on how you use it to sell yourself and your design talents. Be sure your entire portfolio reflects your style and abilities, providing potential clients with a clear idea of the level of professional interior design services you are capable of providing.

Your portfolio should contain not only a showcase of your best work, but also be a collection of some of your finest designs and solutions from throughout your career. Of course, if you are a relative newcomer to the industry, your portfolio will be more limited than that of a veteran designer. Nevertheless, you can still create a portfolio that speaks straight to your talents and build on that base as your career progresses. Remember, your portfolio is an ever changing tool to be reinvented throughout the years as you take on more varied and difficult projects. Show them off! This is your opportunity to show a potential client who you are and what you are capable of creating for them.

Thanks to the progression of technology and the Internet, today’s interior designer portfolios are not limited to the traditional portfolio cases or files filled with paper samples of the designer’s work. Today’s designers can amplify the impact of their portfolio by supplementing the paper samples with online photos, electronic images and even virtual tours of past projects. Designers can even create a section of their business website accessible only to them, with updated project photos, before and after shots and even some “virtual designs” that they have yet to complete for an actual client.

How you decide to arrange the information in your portfolio is a personal choice, with some choosing to show a progression of difficulty in design work and others categorizing by design style or even type of room. Portfolios can give a general overview of your talent or offer in-depth information and detail of design elements used in a particular project. You can also use this opportunity to share testimonials from past satisfied clients.

Regardless of how you choose to arrange your work, it is crucial that the portfolio appear clean, organized and professional. After all, what client wants to hire a designer that presents an amateurish portfolio with messy loose, crumpled designs in no apparent order or theme? Your portfolio is often your first impression on a potential client, so make it a good one!

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Did you pass the NCIDQ?

July 21st, 2009

cherry lady If you haven’t passed the NCIDQ exam yet, your rights could be threatened. This fee puts us to work protecting your right to practice. Take action before our offer ends on August 31st and we will throw in IDPC( Interior Design Protection Council) membership as well as DSA (Designer Society of America) membership, a mini- website at no cost. No hidden fees. Our support, resources, networking, and a complimentary website…plus your skill and artistry. What a team. If you are not a member yet, sign up and start protecting yourself and  enjoying the benifits of a society who respects your talents.

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Interior Designers focus on ceilings

July 9th, 2009

ceilings

One of the first objects that your mind focuses on as you open your eyes from a deep sleep every morning is the ceiling. We probably don’t give it any importance nor do our minds even register the vision because it is usually a boring shade of off white, maybe even a little cracked and probably very uninteresting . What if our ceilings were a splendid feast for the eyes, creating our first thoughts of the day as peaceful ones or maybe gave us some inspiration to climb out of bed most mornings? In the past century, for the most part, our architects and home designers have neglected what some have named the “fifth wall” of the room.

Since we have swung for the past few years into a more minimalistic phase in design with a huge focus on sustainability, this is a perfect time to add some interest to the structure and the details of the ceiling. By looking back at the classic elegance of Florida architect Addison Mizner’s structures and those of the infamous Frank Lloyd Wright, which were for the most part built during tough economic times, they never lacked architectural details nor elegance……..plus they had interesting ceilings! With their unique Spanish style, Mizner homes became the style of Palm Beach society back in the late 1920’s.

Adorned with barrel tile roofs and roughly textured stucco walls, his style was labeled as “Mediterranean revival.” Mizner played with Florida beach and surf to design his structures. He took into account which rooms would need to be strategically placed to enjoy the view of the ocean and enjoy sunsets. We have assimilated a lot of Mizner designs this past decade by utilizing ornamental ironwork and cast stone architectural elements such as window frames, doorways, arches and columns. Unfortunately, we have not followed through with the interest in the ceilings. Mizner created interest in all of the ceilings while designing. He constructed archways with trusses around the exterior of a structure, following through to unique groin ceiling vaults at the entrance of the home.

Mizner strived to present a variety of architectural elements in his mansions by means of exotic wood beams and trusses, Juliet balconies, grand doorways and cathedral type ceilings. While Mizner was “wowing” West Palm and Boca Raton in the 1920’s with fabulous estates, Frank Lloyd Wright was launching a new concept of building poured concrete textile block homes in California, Arizona and New York. Wright’s love for organic design made him one of the most creative people of our century. Wright, like Mizner, used the nature of the building site, the client and the climate to create his structural philosophy.

While constructing homes of every geometrical shape, Wright was able to create a variety of imaginative ceilings along the way. In his phase of concrete block homes, which had a sort of “Lego” appeal, he designed perfect rows of coffered ceiling panels, while giving the home dimension and balance. Wright also had a gift for finding unique ways to get natural light to enter the ceilings using two level trays with tiny rooftop windows, skylights in many sizes and playing with concrete shapes from the exterior to allow small beams of light to enter. In the 1930’s Wright moved on to exquisite but simple natural stone and wood construction with sloping ceilings, oblong doorways and multi-paneled windows. His creativity was endless. Both Mizner and Wright were masters of architecture and design and refresh our thoughts of the endless elements that can be used to create a room while not leaving out that fifth wall – the ceiling. Designers, builders, architects and home owners should start noticing the ceilings that surround their space and imagine what Mizner or Wright could have come up with that would enhance the area without squashing the budget.

Source: ezinearticles.com/?expert+Corinne_Bello

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Interior Designers We Want YOU

June 14th, 2009

Interior Design Society

You are now part of a special group of design industry professionals working together with one goal in mind – your success! We are excited to have you as one of our newest members and can’t wait to show you all the benefits included with your membership.

To get started, log into the member area and complete your membership transaction if you haven’t already done so. Once you do, you will have full access to all sections of the DSA site.

First things first. To take full advantage of your membership, start by creating your designer profile. Your profile, including your photograph and contact information, will be accessible on our site by all consumers who come in search of a designer. 

Next, build your online portfolio and webpage by uploading photographs of past design projects and information about each one. This feature allows potential clients to experience your work and decide whether you would be the best designer to meet their needs.

Of course, should you have any questions as you navigate this process, we are available to help – that’s what we’re here for! So get started now and enjoy the success and resources that come with a DSA membership.

Please take the time to fill out the attached member application for our files. Thank you

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May 6th, 2009

Interior designers are excited about free websites
Interior designers are excited about free websites

You are not alone anymore.

Finally, there is a group out there who has dedicated the past decade towards discovering ways to help you face and conquer the challenges that today’s interior design industry faces. Design Society of America wants to be your resource for a social network between interior designers, vendors and clients.

This is your opportunity to join forces with like minds as a member of Design Society of America, where we’re shining a light for designers of the 21st century. You’ll enjoy the many benefits of membership, including:

·         National and international referrals

·         Industry vendor supplies and connections

·         Social network with your peers

·         Online portfolio and company exposure on our website

·         Award ceremonies

·         CEU classes

·         Voluntary Certification for Interior Designers

·         A new and exciting design newsletter

·         Print and web page advertising opportunities

 

Take note! Design Society of America is pleased to announce the much-anticipated launch of a new website, created with you in mind. Become a member of DSA today and take full advantage of the membership benefits, including access to all areas of our new site, your own webpage, including project portfolio, and your designer profile, accessible on the site for all consumers searching for a professional designer.

Among the many exciting features available on our site is a list of resources for design products and ideas, available to members and consumers alike. Or walk your clients through our “Discovering Your Style” survey to help them determine their individual style.

Among our active efforts on your behalf will be our work to educate the public on the benefits of hiring Design Society of America members to star and complete their design projects.

Additionally, on behalf of our members we will direct a portion of your membership fee to the Interior Design Protection Council (IDPC) to fight interior design legislation and issues that directly affect our industry today. IDPC is a highly-motivated organization working to protect the rights and livelihoods of all interior designers across the country.

This is our inaugural membership drive and we hope you will choose to join us, allowing us to provide you with the aforementioned benefits while keeping abreast of the legislative issues that affect you, all the while you are able to continue growing your design business and finding the success you desire.

We look forward to networking with you and welcoming you into the Design Society of America.

Warm regards,

Natasha Lima Younts

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Why Designer Society of America?

March 31st, 2009

dsa-fan-deckWhy DSA?

Designer Society of America

Natasha Lima-Younts graduated with honors from a two-year college with a double major in interior design and fashion design.  She immediately began working in the world of fashion design, personally believing that interior design was natural and not really a career. Her mother has practiced interior design ever since Natasha can remember.

With her Associate’s degree in hand, she began making a living as a fashion designer with her own line of clothing produced in the United States. For her own pleasure, Natasha also started doing interior design on a freelance basis. This quickly proved to be her real calling.

Shortly after she began working in the industry, Natasha realized many interior design society doors were closed to her since she had a two-year degree rather than a four- or six-year. Her degree, although very expensive, was not recognized by Fider, a government entity attempting to monopolize our profession to gain fees through exams, penalties and licensing.

After seven years of determination, she pushed even harder to compete with colleagues in the societies she was not allowed to join originally. Natasha won recognition time and time again and was eventually allowed to join such societies because of her numerous awards. However, she never forgot the fact that her artistic ability was all too often ignored, and that she had met so many wonderfully talented designers whose work was not being acknowledged or recognized within the industry.

Hence, 15 years later came the birth of DSA – Designer Society of America. This society recognizes TALENT, both the interior designer’s and fellow kitchen and bath designer’s, allowing them to compete according to their artistic ability, good business practice, experience and ability to please clients.

DSA’s purpose is also to connect the public with the appropriate interior designer, based on the consumers needs. Tools and forms to create a more successful design business are available to members only. Interior designers will also have the opportunity to purchase portfolio websites hosted by the DSA on the site (currently this is free for new members, a $695 value). Consumers will view the designers’ portfolio pages after taking a style evaluation guide to help them understand their design style and therefore better able to select a designer that fits their needs. 

Businesses servicing the design trade are also allowed to join. Trade partners have opportunities to purchase advertising space on the DSA website.

Certification is available for those designers desiring more education. Increasing credentials through current updated programs and CEU’s (continuing education classes) play a crucial role in the success of an interior designer. DSA membership also includes many other benefits, such as annual meetings to encourage national members to interact and expand their knowledge, as well as a quarterly newsletter e-mailed to all DSA members.

 

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Let’s get together!

March 28th, 2009
Designer Society of America

Designer Society of America

We at the Designer Society of America are so excited to offer our memberships to your members at a discounted rate.

For more than ten years, Designer Society of America has provided a network for interior designers, space planners, re-designers, kitchen and bath designers, office planners and industry affiliates to connect with one another and share information about trade partners, award ceremonies, referrals and current events.

Just as important is our commitment to contribute $50 of every member’s fees to IDPC to fight the title and practice laws in every state. As you know, some societies actually use membership dollars to lobby to change laws that can make it more difficult for our members to practice. That is a documented fact of which many in our profession are not even aware. If these lobbyists have not changed the laws that affect your members’ states yet, it isn’t for lack of trying – they just failed. This time. But they can try and try again, so why keep funding them?
Only 3 states have succeeded in passing laws that can hurt the above mentioned fields right to practice; Nevada, Florida and Louisiana. IDPC is working tirelessly to overturn, let’s help and be proactive.

Specializing in residential interior design and supported by the Interior Design Protection Council, Designer Society of America is committed to servicing our members by providing them with mini web sites, 48 hour no-cost help on design dilemmas and direct access to a seasoned mentor from the industry. These offerings appear to be a perfect fit for members who specialize in interior design, re-design, and kitchen and bath design, as is our certification program.

Do you believe you could benefit by increasing your credentials?

Currently, we are in the process of a re-launch to 32,000 plus designers and showrooms. We can work together to help our members become members of a vast organization network committed to supporting our industry. We want to unite members with one common goal – to help and support each other. You can take advantage of trying times in this economy to broaden your market with our reduced offers at this time.

Please know that we are excited about the possible connection with NKAB and are open to suggestions that can promote your organization as well.

Warmest Regards,
Natasha Lima-Younts
Designer Society of America

gablesnly@aol.com

DSA 1866.311.1372

www.dsasociety.com

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