Chapter News Archive 2006

August 8th CEU Presentation Really Has Members Speaking Out

By Roxanne Lancour, Allied Member ASID
Posted: 9/24/06

On August 8th, the Wisconsin ASID Chapter had the privilege of having a long time member of Toastmasters International, Michelle Pollak, hold a CEU Seminar on public speaking which was held at the Radisson Hotel in Pewaukee, WI.

Michelle Pollak, Allied Member ASID, is a nationally recognized presenter who traveled to Wisconsin to help the ASID chapter to become more comfortable with public speaking. This event was a .2 CEU program and was fitting for a beginner all the way to a more seasoned speaker. Whether you had a presentation coming up or simply wanted to feel more comfortable in business and client situations, Michelle provided everyone with tips that would assist in reducing our anxiety levels and move us toward losing any fear of public speaking.

Michelle’s background for those of you who were unable to attend:

Michelle Pollak is president of The Lollipop Tree, Inc., an interior design firm that specializes in residential design and children's spaces. Michelle is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers and is on their panel of Distinguished Speakers.

Michelle designs for clients throughout the U.S., and The Washington Post recently invited her as their guest expert for their children's design forum.

She lectures nationally and has been featured on many television shows, including VH-1, The Learning Channel, and The Discovery Channel. Her award-winning designs have been featured in FAO Schwartz and Neiman Marcus catalogues.

A long time member of Toastmasters International, one of Michelle's passions is coaching private clients on public speaking and media appearances.

Breast Cancer Showhouse & Where's Wally Event

By Libby Castro
Posted: 9/23/06

The WI Chapter ASID, OnMilwaukee.com and CSI came together for an evening of fun and to thank our Industry Partners. The weather was great and what better setting than this year's Wisconsin Breast Cancer Showhouse 2006!

The owners of the house, Jennifer and Joe Tate, opened their home for the Cancer Showhouse tours and for $35.00 you could tour the home and join the social event on the back patio. Food was catered by Tim Rohrbeck at Magpie Catering and bar service was brought to us by Tesa Santoro owner of Broadway Bistro and Gourmet to Go. While touring the home, there were cutouts of Industry Partner Wally Bruederle from K.R. Schaetz and Associates, Inc. Participants were to find the cutouts and record how many times Wally was in all of the rooms. Prizes, donated by K.R. Schaetz and Associates, Inc., were awarded to the 5 closest guessers.

Many of our members were featured at the showhouse, so it was a wonderful way to support them, socialize and give to the Medical College of Wisconsin for cancer research. CSI also gave ASID Wisconsin a Partnership Award for the many events that the two organizations have collaborated on over the years.

Through the generous donations of ASID Wisconsin, CSI and OnMilwaukee.com, we were able to give 100% of the proceeds to the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Showhouse which amounted to just over $2,300.00. It is too early to tell how much all of the events and tours amounted to, but it has been confirmed that this year grossed the most money thus far in the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Showhouse history.

The following designers have done spaces in the Showhouse, and are ASID members: Betsy Hoke, ASID - Sturgeon Interiors, Ltd.; Gail White, ASID - All Together Now, Ltd.; Nancy Miller, Allied Member ASID - Form & Function; Libby Castro IP ASID (together with Mark Larson - Kahler Slater) - Interior Investments, LLC; Lise Lawson, ASID - Lise Lawson Interiors; Greg Holm, Allied Member ASID - Peabody's Interiors; and Ted Meils, IP ASID - Armin Koch Furniture. Kerry Shannon, IP ASID (Illinois Chapter) of Thibaut Wallcovering also designed a space in the Showhouse.

Photos of the Showhouse rooms can be viewed at the following link: Showhouse Rooms

New website feature: PayPal

Posted: 9/15/06

PayPal is the exciting new feature that has been added to our WI Chapter ASID Website to handle financial transactions electronically. Now you have the option to make online purchases for tackettes, mailing lists or directories using your charge card (VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express) or make your payment & reservation for future ASID meetings (starting with the May 2006 meeting). You can also make multiple purchases at the same time. Just find the shopping cart on the site for the first purchase you would like to make. Follow the prompts and you are set!

Founded in 1998, PayPal, an eBay Company, enables any individual with an email address to securely, easily and quickly send payments online. PayPal's service builds on the existing financial infrastructure of bank accounts and credit cards and utilizes the world's most advanced proprietary fraud prevention systems to create a safe, global, real-time payment solution.

PayPal is also set up in the Job Bank for “non-members” to pay to post job postings or job searches. Starting next year, PayPal will be available for Sponsors to submit their donations to the chapter

We hope that you find this new addition to the website useful.

ASID Habitat for Humanity Day Success Despite Turnout

By Amanda Broadhead, Allied Member ASID
Posted: 9/21/06

On Saturday, June 10th, ASID members and other volunteers from the Madison, Stevens Point, and Green Bay area participated in our Habitat for Humanity Work Day. Unfortunately, aside from the volunteer coordinators there was not much ASID participation in this event. The members that did volunteer found it to be a very rewarding learning experience and can take with them the fact that they helped a family get that much closer to having their very own home. Following are some of the volunteer coordinators’ reports on the day.

"At first when we started work I was really disappointed that I was the only person representing ASID at the Stevens Point site. As the day went on I realized that it really didn't matter how many people were there, as long as I was. I had a really good time helping put the roof on this Habitat home and I hope that our UW-Stevens Point ASID student chapter can continue to be involved with Habitat for Humanity during the school year. The people I worked with were really nice and funny and our slogan for the day was "Git er Done.” It was so rewarding and I also learned a lot about building that I wouldn't have learned reading a textbook. I plan on going back other weekends this summer to see the completion on the house I worked on and to help with the interior. I hope that the ASID Work Day becomes an annual tradition, and that more professionals and students alike take the time to help a family in need. It’s a great feeling knowing I helped put a roof over a families head, (literally)."

Angela Voelker, President-elect UW-Stevens Point ASID, Central Wisconsin Habitat Volunteer Coordinator

"Habitat put the ASID volunteers to work on two houses that needed to be ready for their new homeowners in about 10 days. ASID member Bill Beaudreau, the homeowners, a few volunteers from my place of employment, and I did punchlists and then set to work completing the tasks necessary to finish the homes. In the pictures Bill is helping one of the future homeowners review his punchlist and two of my workmates from Angus-Young Associates are helping with the finishing touches. On a personal note, it was quite an enriching experience to work side by side with the future homeowners and hear stories about their lives and their families. It made the whole experience very personal, and I am eager to do it again."

Rebecca Birkle, Angus-Young Associates, Madison Habitat Volunteer Coordinator

The Night of the Holiday Gala 2005

By Bill Beaudreau, ASID
Posted: 9/16/06

At the beginning of December, the chapter presented the renewal of the holiday gala at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison. Members came from far and wide to gather and celebrate. As word has been spreading about the evening, it seems to be a case of the ‘if only I could have’ and ‘I should have’ been there.

Sandy Weber noted that she was “happy to see a diverse group of people represented from across the state.” In fact, due to the hotel providing such great room rates, we saw faces such as Mary Ann Seefeld, Allied Member ASID from Three Lakes, Rebecca Klotz, ASID from Green Bay, David Bedore, Allied Member ASID from Oshkosh, Harry Krueger, ASID from Madison, and one of our Industry Partners, Joan Blackbourn, from Concepts in Art.

After a beautiful dinner replete with a Yule log, most people headed out to socialize at the Hilton bar where local jazz singer Jan Wheaton performed. Of course, the evening wasn’t about to end there. The Cardinal Bar was the next stop for the evening. When was the last time you were able to dance the night away to 80’s retro music? For some, the evening continued on into morning and others were able to retire early, all with the notion that a gathering of colleagues and friends simply firmed up the relationships we have through ASID.

The David Barnett Gallery – Generous Host for the June Chapter Social

By Bill Beaudreau, ASID
Posted: 9/22/06

Did you know June was social month for this ASID chapter? The first of two events was an evening at the David Barnett Gallery in Milwaukee on the 6th. It turned out to be an easy and casual evening with a twist.

We were treated to the art collection of over 5000 pieces including 20th century African art, placed into a setting of a very large and imposing 1880’s mansion near the lake. This was definitely an evening to mingle, meet some new faces and simply enjoy the evening. David spoke about his gallery, its history and his new foray into a textile program. This new adventure has its origins in a glorious collection of 20th century textile samples, all placed in oversized scrapbooks for viewing. Through electronic scanning and much work, his new range of products will be manufactured in the environs of Tema, Ghana, West Africa, a place that holds special favor for me on that continent.

Attendees were also treated to an ice breaker/meet the members activity. Thank you to all members who participated in the member survey this past spring. The response rate was terrific and your comments have been very helpful and instructive for guiding our chapter in meeting member’s needs. One outcome was the desire to meet more members. Thus, an ice breaker was developed and what a good one. The task was to find members with particular design accomplishments, no matter the stage in your career. Forms were passed out and you had 15 minutes to find 25 different feats. Imagine finding members who had designed a cathedral, designed custom steel furniture, or taught/lectured for an interior design group. This activity truly allowed members and non-members to meet each other.

If you are ever in the vicinity of the David Barnett Gallery at 1024 State St in Milwaukee, please don’t hesitate to visit the gallery as David and his staff were most accommodating to our group and they are more than happy to help in any way.

Feed Your Soul Event Huge Success - Raises $18,500 to help feed WI families

By Libby Castro, Feed Your Soul Committee
Posted: 9/13/06

Feed Your Soul was established in October 2004 for a holiday event occurring mid November. AIA, ASID, CSI, Flux Design, and IIDA came together to throw this event of which 100% of the proceeds benefited America’s Second Harvest Wisconsin Chapter. The goal was to throw a holiday event while also giving back to the community.

Second Harvest is a food bank. Through their warehouses in Milwaukee and the Fox Valley, they distribute more than 12 million pounds of food a year to more than 1,100 pantries, meal programs and other nonprofit agencies that serve nearly 300,000 people in the eastern half of Wisconsin. Since their dollars go so much further (i.e. $1 feeds a family of (6) with the local corporation and farmer donations) we thought it best to raise money and awareness for an organization we all feel is so necessary.

This group of creative designers, architects, builders and artists saw how their talents could benefit such an event. Being creative and innovative people, we realized that we will most likely never truly know hunger first hand and we wanted to lend our gifts to help lessen the amount of people in America and in Wisconsin who are hungry.

Last year we pooled our money together, bought raw wooden bowls and distributed them to architects, designers and artists. Each party decorated them and completed a design statement. We also had photographers and photography enthusiasts submit photographs. Both art media were then auctioned off and all proceeds went to Second Harvest. With the auction items, the $20 entry fees and donated art from a local artist we were able to raise over $12,000 for Second Harvest. Along with this money raised, we also collected boxes of holiday decorations and Second Harvest distributed them among their families who receive aid. Second Harvest reported that the decorations were much appreciated by the families who received them and their faces lit up when they were given these boxes along with their food.

This year in addition to the bowls and decoration boxes, we asked participants to submit two dimensional art. In addition to this being auctioned off, (3) winners will have their pieces made into holiday cards for next year. First prize will be used by Second Harvest at their discretion. We successfully raised $18,500.00 this year and look forward to increasing our total in years to come.

To us, there couldn't be a better way to celebrate the holidays. As a matter of fact, AIA forwent their holiday party to more generously give to this event in 2004. We celebrated the talents we all possess and our ability to give it back to the community by having an event with art, music, food, wine and dancing all the while helping those less fortunate than ourselves.

Making Sustainable Design a Part of Our Future

By Heidi Funk, ASID
Posted: 9/20/06

The May event & CEU for the WI Chapter ASID was held at the Urban Ecology Center on Milwaukee’s eastside. This was the perfect location for designers to learn about the facility, sustainable design trends, and where sustainable design is headed.

After a brief social, a tour of the facility was given by a UEC staff member. The tour allowed designers to view and experience first-hand the many facets of building and maintaining a sustainable facility.

After a short break and plenty of good food, Lyn Falk, President of RetailWorks and Solterra Studios, presented her CEU program titled, “Creating Healthy, Sustainable, and Beautiful Interiors.” Along with lots of useful information, Lyn was able to show everyone the new sustainable design library that is now being housed at the Urban Ecology Center.

The event was a huge success with lots of good information shared. Nearly 50 WI designers attended and look forward to being able to use the information presented in their upcoming projects.

Scorching July temps force Kohler tour to switch gears

By Bill Beaudreau, ASID
Posted: 9/10/06

Our time at the Kohler Design Center started as a typical sunny summer day for the July 20 meeting of the WI Chapter of ASID. In fact, it was hot enough that the factory tour was unavailable due to the heat and humidity. If the employees in the factory wore respirators, how were we going to fare? Instead, we were given a very informative tour of the Design Center including detailed and enlightening background information on the vignettes. Members of our chapter were recognized who had contributed their design efforts in the bath displays alongside other nationally known designers. Kohler invites individual designers to create a vignette. You can not apply or win. What a compliment.

Then…..imagine being pumped up by “The Loyalty Leader,” having a bit of food and smiling all the way home. That is the effect that Debra Schmidt had on ASID members at the next portion of the evening. Debra led a CEU program titled “The Power of Possibility Thinking.

Within the walls of the American Club at Kohler, we were invited along a track of thinking about change, coaching or criticizing, perceptions, boundaries, complaining, possibility thinking, and how to look on the bright side. We also examined 7 ways to be more positive at work. Not an easy task, but clearly worth the effort. Try these on for size:

• Give sincere praise and honest compliments as a regular practice.
• Promote and model generosity at work.
• When things go wrong, take ownership of the problem.
• Give yourself a ‘thinking’ check-up. Avoid ‘over-generalizing’ or ‘all-or-nothing’ thinking.
• Smile at other people, even when you don’t feel like it.
• When you make a promise to a co-worker, keep it.
• Commit an anonymous act of kindness for a co-worker each day.

Debra proved through stories, interactions with ASID members and giveaways that being in charge of our attitude and keeping it positive can truly impact our lives.

2005 ASID Design Awards Gala…a night to remember

By Catherine Prossen
Posted: 9/18/06

Chroma, the Purity of Color, was the theme for the evening. The setting was the Quadracci Pavilion in the Milwaukee Art Museum designed by Santiago Calatrava. What a perfect setting to celebrate the tremendous skill and creativity that makes up our chapter!

The evening began with social time and a museum tour if you were so inclined. A slide show of all submitted projects was continuously playing on the stage to remind everyone of the true meaning of the event. After enjoying a few celebratory drinks and catching up with old friends the presentation began.

The program began with Deborah Wolf, co-chair of the Design Awards Committee, thanking the 360 guests, 69 of which were student members, for attending the event. Deborah also took the time to introduce Melissa Schuh, Jennifer Herr, Renee Primeau, Jennifer Drake, Lisa Minneti, Marie Tock and Melinda D’Angelo who made up this year’s design awards committee. All in attendance gave them a roaring applause, thanking them for their hard work.

For the awards presentation Industry Partners that are also Sponsors of the ASID-Wisconsin Chapter were honored to present the award winners. Presenters included Libby Castro with Interior Investments, Carl Brester and Tony Barzycki with Shannon Sales, Steve Jende with Interface Carpet, Carol Schieren from Armstrong, Trish Wollersheim and Catherine Prossen with Designtex, Renee Primeau with Jaeckle Distributors, Maureen Gile from Childcrest Tile and Stone, and Joan Blackbourn with Concepts in Art.

The deejay played music as the award winners were announced and walked though the crowd to accept the award which was a classy addition to this year’s event.

Below you will find a list of the 2005 ASID – Wisconsin Chapter Design Award winners. Here is a recap how the projects are judged. Projects submitted are subject to a point system and are not judged against other projects in the same project category. After a project is judged, the points are totaled and all projects having numbers that fall in the correct range are given the appropriate award. There are Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award winners.

Congratulations to all of the winners. We look forward to seeing more great work next year!

Check out the 2005 Design Awards winners!

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