As a recognized profession, interior design is in its infancy. Compared to the elder statesmen of medicine, law, and architecture, our life — as rich as it is — occupies but a page or two in the world’s collective yearbook. Only a handful of people have expertly guided the profession’s evolution, and Irving Donn Schwartz, FASID, AIA is certainly one of them. For almost five decades, Irv (as he prefers to be called) has served essentially as an ambassador between the realms of architecture and interior design, two professions that — though wholly dependent upon one other — sadly, don’t always see eye-to-eye. We are thrilled that this vibrant member of the “old guard” (we’re going to pay for that one) agreed to share some highlights from his history. The years have only made his thinking more progressive. All you newbies out there — take note.
The question really is: What hasn’t Irv done” To give you a little perspective on why we think Irv is so exemplary and an inspiration to us all, just scroll down to the bottom of the article to check out his accomplishments.
As you can imagine, Irv has plenty to say, and he does so eloquently; therefore, instead of us writing an article about him, we’ve decided to let him tell his tale in his own words…
What was your first job related to the design industry and how did you get it”
“My first design job was with the architectural firm of Richardson, Severns, Scheeler, and Associates. To call it a ‘design job’ is a misnomer. I was 32 years old and married with two small children when I decided to become an architect. The fact that the decision was prompted by the three partners of the firm and made during a fishing vacation with considerable beer probably made my status with RSSA a little unusual. Besides being close friends, I had consulted with them on several retail projects and they kept urging me to join them. I agreed on the condition that I would go back to school and become an architect. If I had any clear inkling of what that would entail, I probably would have waited for a more sober moment to make that decision.
“I worked full time, went to school in between, and to keep up with my family I never (almost never) did homework until the kids were in bed. It took me ten years to obtain my degrees and my license. Combining education and practice provided insight impossible to achieve by a linear sequence. The contribution each discipline made to my understanding and development was incredible. This dual experience allowed me to go beyond the normal internship and even challenge the way the practice was structured.
“I was particularly curious about the way interiors were being designed. I saw the need to ‘complete’ the buildings we designed to ensure that the needs of the client were thoroughly satisfied. Typically, buildings were designed by composing areas of function, connecting these spaces with means of circulation, and enclosing the entire arrangement with a shell. Plans never included furniture placement.
“Decoration was ‘limited’ to reflected ceiling plans and wall elevations were done to locate switches, thermostats, fire extinguishers, drinking fountains, door locations, sill heights, etc. Everything was painted white, sometimes with accent colors (if at all), and those were typically primary colors. The above litany is an exaggeration, obviously, but then not too far from reality.
“History showed me examples of architectural interiors and decoration, even furniture designed by architects. So, what happened” Where did architects lose their sensitivity” There is an explanation, which you undoubtedly know, and I won’t bore you with the details, except to conclude that architects did vacate the interiors segment of the design process.
“My hunger for answers led me to join AID (American Institute of Interior Designers — the precursor to ASID, American Society of Interior Designers). I reasoned that this would be a good way to learn what I needed to know to ‘finish’ our designs. I quickly was told that ‘joining’ AID (in those days) was not achieved by just a simple request. I would have to be interviewed. I was also told to bring samples of my work for the committee’s judgment. The meeting dialogue is a whole other story, which is probably not significant here except to note that it was an event I have never forgotten.
“The process seemed to work, because the designers in the Illinois Chapter were an exceptional group of the most dynamic individuals imaginable, many of whom went on to become leaders in ASID and the profession. They were also remarkable in their willingness to help me get up to speed. That experience has always stayed in my memory and made me realize that I had created a debt, which could only be repaid by participating in service to the profession. Involvement in ASID and AIA is the primary way to achieve payback.”
What skills have you learned from non-industry experience”
“The obvious answer is everyone I meet has something of value to convey. The trick is to learn to recognize that something. Being a good listener is one of the attributes I learned from observing people who I perceived as ‘successful.’
“I recall I was involved in a real estate transaction, and I was excited about making the deal. The lease would make it possible to continue my education while working and still have the lifestyle I thought was essential for my family’s well being.
“I babbled on and on. I never stopped selling and making concessions. My attorney, a very wise individual who I admired enormously, took me aside and said ‘shut up long enough for them to agree with you.’ A lesson I have never forgotten. You can’t listen when you’re talking. One last example is advice that my mother gave me. She said: ‘Always treat the people you want as friends as if you met them for the first time.’ Simply, never want to take people for granted. It takes constant nurturing to make relationships work.”
You own your own firm. What made you decide to establish your own business”
“Opening a business was easy. The decision was made for me. It was a combination of circumstances, timing, and probably my stubborn desire to do things better than anyone else. Being competitive did not hurt either. However, it was never about money (unfortunately).”
What kinds of tasks / projects do you work on and what’s a typical day like for you”
“A typical day” I’m not really sure there is such a thing. But, that’s not a complaint. That’s good! I have always had the philosophy that being an architect or an interior designer meant you ‘worked’ the profession. The business (management) aspect was a necessary requirement. What I do everyday is practice design. Everything else is superfluous. I am not an executive!
“I have kept our office size compact enough so that architects of all levels practice architecture, interior designers do interiors, and, in most cases, they get involved with each other. Administration is handled by our office manager with input from everyone to sufficient level to be efficient, but never to the detriment of our design work. We have no titles devoted to executive managers.
“Our projects are primarily in hospitality, more narrowly directed to golf clubs and recreational facilities. We do renovations, master plans, new construction, and all related facets.”
What did you learn in school that you feel really prepared you for a career in architecture and design”
“School does, or should, provide basic skills. Skills in sufficient depth are to be acquired after graduation. Acquiring business-related education was helpful. History is the foundation for design, so I took all that was offered. I have thoughts on the educational process, but enough is enough for now.”
What was biggest mistake that you made as a young designer, and how did you deal with it”
“It has been so long ago, I cannot remember, which is probably my way of handling whatever it was.”
You are a member of both AIA and ASID. How has membership in these organizations benefited you over the years”
“Belonging to AIA and ASID has provided me the opportunity to serve the profession(s) and my peers. Note that I used the plural with profession. I really don’t see the separation to the extent that the societies representing them emphasize. I predict that, eventually, architecture and interior design will be unified, though individually practiced as specialties.”
How do you stay current with what is going on in the design industry”
“I am probably not current. Too busy pontificating my own ideas. Though, I do keep my CEUs (continuing education units) intact and continue to be curious about everything that composes our profession. I also insist that we encourage salesmen and reps to visit us. And, we treat them with courtesy and show them appreciation for their efforts.”
Is there any other information that you would like to mention that we haven’t covered here”
“Enough!”
This Is Irv’s Life (as it relates to the A&D world, anyway)
Academics [University of Illinois]
- 1949 – Bachelor of Science in Industrial Administration
- 1956 – Bachelor of Science in Architecture
- 1970 – Master of Science in Architecture
- 1973-1975 – Lecturer, Notre Dame University
- 1979-1982 – Adjunct Professor of Architecture, University of Illinois Graduate School of Architecture
- 1987-1991 – Visiting Lecturer and Associate Professor of Design, University of North Texas
Career
- 1970 – founded IDS, Inc. [Champaign, Illinois]
- 1983 – President of Architectural Designers, Inc. the architectural subsidiary of Club Corporation of America [Dallas, Texas]; developed the firm into a 50-person full-service architectural and interior design firm, producing over 60 clubs
- 1985 – founded ISD/B, Inc. [Dallas, Texas]; a full-service architectural and interior design firm, specializing in hospitality design; has produced over 40 country clubs, athletic, and city clubs through the USA and abroad
- registered architect in 20 states
Professional Service
- 1976 – National Treasurer, American Society of Interior Designers [ASID]
- 1978 – National President, ASID
- 1980 – President, National Council for Interior Design Qualification [NCIDQ]; one of the original founders and served on the board for 12 years
- 1980s – involved with the American Institute of Architects / American Society of Interior Designers National Documents Committee, which created the AIA / ASID joint copyright contracts published in 1980
- 1980s – present – member of Texas Association for Interior Design [TAID]; instrumental in the passage of the legislation registering interior designers
- 1989 – Treasurer, ASID Texas Chapter
Dynamic Duo
So now do you understand why we look up to Irv” Where he has found the time and energy to do all that he has done is a mystery. We’re sure his wife, Jeannine Bazer-Schwartz, FASID, has had something to do with it. (See Jeannine’s contribution to P&C in the July 2005 installment of GO AHEAD… ASK ME.) The two of them together make one heck of a team, and we should all be grateful for their dedication to the profession of interior design. Now go out there and make your own contribution – maybe we’ll be writing about you someday!
