We are the UCLA Extension Student Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers
ASID, the oldest leading professional organization for interior designers in commercial and residential design, represents over 38,000 members. We are the largest ASID Student Chapter in the nation.
Our Mission is to give UCLA Extension Interior Design students opportunities to network with each other and with practicing design professionals, and to expose students to real-world aspects of the practice and profession of interior design.
Value of your membership - get a headstart on being a professional interior designer. Learn more about the benefits from this student brochure.
Inspirational Words from the Chapter's Departing President
“Once a dancer, always a dancer,” so I thought, until I was injured. After doing three Broadway shows and touring the world, I had to face the reality that all dancers and athletes have an expiration date. I decided to trade show business for the business of interior design.
It was four years ago that I started my journey at UCLA Extension in Susan Painter’s Fundamentals of Interior Design class. Nervous, insecure and full of passion, I instantly felt that I was in the right place. When the class took a field trip to AC Martin, I was totally in awe. Little did I imagine then that today I would be working at AC Martin along with Susan Painter, Senior Planner and Director of Research Studio.
Without a doubt, I received the best interior design education from dedicated, passionate and committed teachers. I have had the privilege of being inspired by future top designers in my classes. The most rewarding experience has been working with a group of passionate Board Members who have taught me the importance of teamwork. Being the ASID student chapter president has given gave me the opportunity to practice the qualities that employers are looking for in a designer: passion, leadership, commitment, artistry and teamwork. To say that my participation in ASID helped me to get my dream job at AC Martin is true, but it’s only a part of the story.
Beauty. Commitment. Leadership. That has been my personal mission statement that has guided me through a variety of careers as a dancer, actor, model, waiter, executive assistant, junior publicist, executive producer, manager and now a designer. You will have to define for yourself if you haven’t already what will be your mission statement to guide you. What was my secret to success? I don’t have a magic formula but I can share what has guided me from a student and to a professional interior designer.
Passion expresses itself. When you walk into a room, people can feel it before you speak the first word. They can see it before you open your portfolio. Most of us come from another career so we know that this is what we want to do. So feel it, own it and express it!
Be your own leader. The UCLA Extension Arc_ID curriculum is a guideline. Challenge yourself to go beyond the course outline and the homework given to you. If you do the work, you will get a good grade but it’s not the grade, it is the knowledge that’s the goal. Don’t be afraid to seek your instructor’s for their expertise and tap their vast knowledge and experience before they offer.
Interior Design is an art. Our job as interior designers is to create built environments that protect the public’s health, safety and welfare. It is also about creating a beautiful environment. Your ability to sketch, paint and sculpt brings another dimension to the project. Some of the best ideas are sketched on napkins. Our clients are looking to us to bring art and beauty to their interior spaces. Develop and use these skills.
Yes, you can! Your commitment to completing the program is going to be tested. Work, personal or family commitments will sometimes prevent you from completing an assignment. At times, the criticism of your final project will be hard not to take personally. It’s okay to reach out and ask for support. It’s all part of the process. Stay focused and stay committed. As a graduate of the program, I am here to tell you “Yes, you can.”
Have a life. Go outside of the four walls of your classrooms to learn and experience the world at large – art, music, theatre, restaurants and travel. Remember that we design for people and how they live, work and play. It’s tough but it’s important to balance your work and school commitments with a personal one.
Start building relationships authentically. Your classmates are your colleagues. You could be sitting next your future employer, employee or your vendor who can make or break your project. The design community is a small community built on relationships. So it’s never too early or too late to start building relationships now.
For the past year, it has been an honor to be in service to our chapter and UCLA Extension Arc_ID Program. I want to thank the outgoing board for standing up and standing together to lead our chapter to the largest ASID student chapter in the nation: Sally Ray,Vice-President; Catherine Chang, Secretary; Nogah Brandt, Treasurer; Renata Harbison, Membership; Natasha Milani, Graphics; Sara Weller, Special Projects and Leticia Torres, Public Relations. Also, I want to give a special thank you to our fearless and tireless Faculty Advisor, Katherine Fern, ASID, CID. My experience as student chapter president has taught me that we can make a difference. Alchemy happens when you are in service to others.
I wish you the best of luck with your finals!
Sean Kim
President, ASID UCLA Extension ASID Student Chapter
