Converse Outfits Interior Design Studios Through $80,000 Challenge Grant
Two interior design studios at Converse College have been significantly revamped and outfitted with a host of contemporary components including state-of-the-art technology and professional individual workstations which will provide students with a personalized experience within the program.
The project, which was made possible by an $80,000 challenge gift spearheaded by The Betsy M. Campbell Foundation, includes
• 24 studio workstations (12 in each studio) with large worktops;
• computers loaded with the newest version of the Revit Architecture Suite (which incorporates AutoCAD 2009, Architecture 2009 and Revit 2009; and Google Sketchup for 3D rendering) and configured with advanced graphics cards to allow for more detailed and vibrant colors and have three gigabytes of RAM for increased multi-processing capabilities and more efficient processing and a 19-inch LCD monitor attached to an articulating arm for maneuverability;
• removable drafting boards;
• task lights;
• lockable storage pedestals;
• panels with a tackable fabric surface, integrated electrical outlets;
• ergonomic arm chair on casters.
Also included are support furniture and support peripherals such as a HP Plotter (prints up to 42-inch-wide color prints for extra detailed CAD prints), Laserjet duplex printers (allows for two-sided printing and heavy load output), and high quality PhotoSmart printers (which produce prints that are unmatched by most photo businesses).
The project began in early spring 2008 when Frazer Pajak, Associate Professor of Interior Design and Historic Preservation Consultant, and Ingrid Schneider, Visiting Instructor of Interior Design, met with William Brown, Trustee of The Betsy M. Campbell Foundation, to inquire about feasibility of the Foundation giving funds towards computers and software for Interior Design Program. The cost of outfitting one studio alone carried costs of $65,000. When a proposal was later submitted, the Foundation upped the ante by providing $80,000 ($65,000 for one studio and $15,000 toward a second with the stipulation that the College raise a $50,000 match).
"Our goal for this funding is for the Converse Interior Design Program to have the best educational facility in the region," said Brown.
The donors who answered the call were Campbell Meek & Associates Architects, Inc., Martha and Norman Chapman, Justin A. Converse, Tracy Williamson Dart ’91, Jill Radford Ferrell ’86, Dorothy Newton King ’71, Ann Davidson Marion ’47, Susanne Jones Norwood ’94, Gaile L. Patrick ’91, Lorie and Don Secord, Kathy W. Underwood ’06 and Young Office.
