PLiNTH & CHiNTZ loves inspired collaboration, so we were thrilled when Eric Wiedegreen, Professor and Chair of the Department of Interior Design at Florida State University [FSU], recently sent us the article “Science and Design Team Up for Sustainability.” The piece, which was just published in a Florida Dean’s Newsletter, features Pam Andras, FSU MFA Candidate in Interior Design, and her partnership on a zero-emission house with FSU engineering students. We were so impressed with both Pam and the entire innovative concept that we decided to share the story with our readers.

First, The Article

While graduate students often do great work by themselves, those opportunities for interdisciplinary teamwork can be very rewarding. That was the case with Pam Andras, an MFA candidate in Interior Design at Florida State University, who was seeking a research topic that would complement her deep belief in sustainable design.

The Sustainable Energy Science & Engineering Center [SESEC] received a grant for the design and construction of an off-grid platinum LEED certified house/office on FSU’s main campus. This house will illustrate cutting edge technologies for power systems and appliances as well as environmentally friendly building procedures. From material selection, site selection and recycling leftover materials, this house will rival the top environmentally friendly houses in the world. What the engineering faculty and students involved did NOT know, was how to handle the interior components of this project to better maximize the LEED process.

“When I heard of the opportunity here for a science/design collaboration, I knew Pam would be the perfect fit for this team”, said Eric Wiedegreen, Professor and Chair of the Department of Interior Design in the College of Visual Arts, Theatre & Dance. “Sustainability has been deeply embraced by design education and is an integral component of both our graduate as well as undergraduate programs.”

Pam hopes one day to become a LEED-certified interior designer. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design [LEED] Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. While the FSU engineers work to make this project a prototype for the development of new alternative energy technologies, Pam will see that the structure not only functions well as an interior environment, but also adheres to the very highest standards of sustainable design.

“I am incredibly grateful to have had this opportunity,” Pam says. “This project has been a unique opportunity due to its interdisciplinary approach. I have learned more than I can possibly tell you from working with the other team members. It is also very exciting to think that something I have designed in my graduate research will be built before I even finish my thesis!”

Once completed the project will be one of only nine other structures in the world that are Platinum LEED certified. Pam continued, “Building a more sustainable future is of the utmost importance to me and I believe academia is where this movement will gain the most momentum. This is where the marriage of science and design can really be explored.”

All About Pam

You’re obviously on track for a meaningful career, but why did you choose design”
As early as I can remember, I loved to decorate and re-decorate my spaces. I know, I said the “D” word, but that’s where my love of design started. My house isalways a work in progress, so I naturally felt that I wanted to take it to the next level.

Education is obviously very important to you. Do you plan on taking your lifelong love of learning even further”
I have an undergraduate degree in French. I also love to travel, so I felt that no matter what, speaking another language would only prove invaluable. When I finish my degree in Interior Design, I plan to take some courses in the Classics department. I am obsessed with everything Greek and Roman. I love studying history. We have a phenomenal History of Interior Design professor. She has inspired me in so many ways. Someday I hope to teach this course of study myself.

Has your design school experience lived up to your expectations” How has your impression of the industry evolved these past few years”
There is so much more involved than I ever thought. I was initially afraid it would be sort of a superficial experience, but it has proved to be anything but. I find I can make a big impact in this industry through my love of sustainable design. [The FSU program has provided me] certainty in my career path and confidence in so many other areas of my life. I came to this career path late in life (late 30’s), and I’ve done many things and have many interests, but being a designer is who I am to my core. I’m very proud of my accomplishments.

Personal Space

What’s your most outrageous purchase”
A trip to Paris for my daughter’s high school graduation present.

When do you feel the most creative”
Sometimes when I wake up in the morning I can feel my creativity rushing through every cell in my body. On those days, it’s best to get out my way because I can’t be stopped!

What does summer have in store for you”
Working on two important projects: first is my solar house project which will be well underway by that point, and second is writing my thesis.

What’s your favorite magazine”
I’m not a big magazine reader right now (who has time”), but I get Architectural Record, Architectural Digest, and Interior Design magazine delivered to my house monthly.

If you want to pick Pam’s brain, congratulate her on accomplishments, or – better yet – offer her a job, then shoot her an email at pandras@fsu.edu.