Q&A with Kendra Ordia
KENDRA LOCKLEAR ORIDA
Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Lincoln
MID, 2012
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ACADEMIC POSITION AND WHAT DOES IT ENCOMPASS?
I am a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Interior Design in the College of Architecture at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. I focus on upper-level studios and teach professional courses on Materials and Contract Furniture. Scholarly / creative research and service ranging from College Committees to National Board of Directors round out my academic position.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE WITHIN THE FIELD OF INTERIOR DESIGN?
I have over 10 years of practice with firms like CallisonRTKL, Gensler, and Perkins & Will, so I would certainly say one of my expertise is practical experience on commercial project types, primarily in healthcare and workplace design. In fact, I was teaching and practicing simultaneously for about 5 years.
My research has evolved from my UTSOA thesis and explores the future of nature-integration in the interior environment through theory, narrative, and designed solutions for increased well-being, delight, and engagement with place.
HOW DID YOUR STUDIES HERE PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER AS A DESIGN EDUCATOR?
My experience at UTSOA were pivotal in my career! I met some of my current mentors who I continue to admire as thought-leaders, educators, and designers; it challenged my design process, allowed for opportunities to explore my varied, multi-disciplinary interests, and offered opportunities to assist with classes and research as both a TA and RA.
IS THERE AN ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE AT UT THAT STANDS OUT AS PARTICULARLY INFORMATIVE OR MEANINGFUL?
So I have 3 that I feel are formative and highlights…
The first was during my first semester in our first studio review. I had about 5 years of experience coming into the MID program and was feeling confident with what our group was presenting. Igor Siddiqui pushed back on some of our explanations and graphics and challenged us to push visual representations and diagramming (I think his exact words were “I don’t buy that”). I took this on as a challenge, and I contribute my passion for design representation, diagramming, and visual communication to that review. I have had the chance to develop courses around the topic in my previous academic positions as well. Igor, Tamie Glass, and I also had the chance to work together on a collaborative exhibition project that won several awards and had strong, supporting visual communication elements.
The second experience was the opportunity to work closely with Tamie Glass on research, teaching, and eventually even contract design work with her and Uli Dangel during the summer months. Tamie continues to be one of my closest mentors and friends, and I admire and strive to emulate her thoughtful approach to design, teaching, research, and leadership.
The last experience was one I feel very fortunate to have had: I was the only MID in Studio Madrid that happened in Spring 2011. Not only was the study abroad experience led by Juan Miro incredibly valuable, many of my architecture peers from this course have become some of my closest friends. We have celebrated job promotions, moves, weddings, puppies, and babies together!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER TO EMERGING INTERIOR DESIGNERS INTERESTED IN TEACHING?
The interior design world is small…and the interior design educator world is even smaller! Take every chance you have to build relationships and learn from faculty and your peers. Be open to critique; seek out feedback and advice from those you admire or have a unique perspective that may differ from your own. Take any opportunity to get into the classroom whether it is as a TA/RA, the opportunity to sit on reviews, or serving as a guest lecturer or panelist. If continued connection to practice is something you value, find ways to stay engaged with industry. Consider taking your NCIDQ as this can be a differentiator and an important component of a faculty profile for CIDA accredited interior design programs.
