Member Monday: Ashley Barnett, Associate IIDA
Meet Associate IIDA member Ashley Barnett! She attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and current works for burkeMICHAEL+. You may also recognize her as your IIDA Pittsburgh City Center Director. Join Ashley this week when she hosts the virtual Sustainable Design Roundtable on Thursday November 19th at 4:30 pm. Click the photos below and continue reading to learn more about Ashley!
Extended Interview
What is your current job title and what kind of work do you do?
Architecture and Design Liaison. I wear a lot of hats! I engage with the A&D community, keep them up-to-date on new products (Haworth furniture), plan events, run burkeMICHAELplus Instagram page, attend networking events for business development, and create sales where possible.
Where did you go to school and what degree did you receive?
Indiana University of Pennsylvania. B.S. in Interior Design
What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
When I got to travel to Haworth corporate for a week. I met some of the best people and learned so much. I left inspired and ready to share what I took away.
Why are you a member of IIDA?
I’m an IIDA member because this organization brings people together. IIDA makes it possible to network with people from all sectors of the industry, stay up-to-date on new trends, engage with each other as a community, celebrate the work that we do and so much more!
What do you enjoy most about being in the design industry?
No two days are the same. I love how much the industry changes and progresses constantly. Plus, the people in the industry are bar none some of the best I know.
What is your favorite way to spend a Saturday?
Either walking around a thrift store with a good cup of coffee, or in the kitchen baking up a storm.
Tell us about a favorite vacation you've taken.
I’ll always remember a road trip to Maine when I was a kid. We stopped in Cape Cod and then drove up the coast, camping at different sites the entire way up. We climbed a mountain, ate fresh mountain blueberries, played in the Ocean, tried butter ice cream with lobster pieces and ate all the sea food we could get our hands on.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I can lift some decently heavy weights. I can currently squat 180lbs and bench 105lbs and I’m pushing to go even heavier later this month!
What do you think the future of design looks like?
I think there are more sustainable practices in our future for certain. On the topic of post-COVID design however I think a significant change is how Commercial design is going to change. Working from home seems as though it’ll be here to stay even after everything clears up. That’s going to mean smaller, more meaningful office footprint, more cleanable materials, more space division, hoteling and more. Antimicrobials are huge in healthcare but they are about to become bigger in common spaces.
Tell us the best piece of advice for young designers.
Know your worth! Apply for jobs you do not necessarily qualify for and see if you get an interview. I think you will find that a lot of times people hire personalities that fit their culture and are willing to work hard, qualifications aside. Being teachable is important. Internships and shadowing are priceless experiences!
Anything else you'd like us to know about you or like to add:
I’m an avid baker. I love bringing in baked goodies to my office BUT since we aren’t there much anymore, I would love some ideas on where I can share my goodies in both a safe and positive way.