imasami

Getting Older

2012-01-13T13:08:00.001-06:00

It's been a while since I've posted anything, but with my next birthday soon approaching, I was inspired to write a little bit. I've been reflecting a lot on the process of getting older. I had a tweet a few months ago that I thought captured it well, "you spend the first half of your twenties pretending to be an adult, and the second have realizing you are one." This couldn't be more true for me

DFA LOVE

2010-09-25T19:55:00.000-05:00

Well folks, after the 7 weeks finished up, looks like I'll be packing up my suite case and moving into the citay!! Of Chicago that is as I will now be working on Design for America full-time. Yes, did someone say, "dream come true?" Indeed. For those of you that may not know the story, my connection to DFA is that on the historic night of November 4th, 2008, I bought the urls

Sami @ Design for America

2010-07-30T16:44:00.005-05:00

Update on Sami:I've packed my bags and for the next 7 weeks, I will excitedly be helping to run this year's Design for America Fellows Program at Northwestern! Check us out here. I'll be working as the Studio Lead and resident "Design Therapist" so to speak, helping to bring greater clarity to students' ideas, while also working to develop a systemetized documentation approach to build our DfA

If Your Motives Aren’t Slightly Selfish, I Would Be Slightly Worried

2010-07-08T15:42:00.021-05:00

I just read this article, “Is Humanitarian Design the New Imperialism?” (thanks Winstin Mi for pointing me to it) Having just come back from one of the Least Developed Countries in the world, Nepal, where I made no attempt of participating in humanitarian design which is quite contrary to my background, I found this article to be extremely thought provoking and a good opportunity to put many of

The Rooster on Top

2010-07-07T14:39:00.003-05:00

As I currently prepare to move back to the West Coast and pursue my own job search, I’ve decided to take a step back to reflect on some of the important lessons I feel I’ve learned over the years that I strive for within my own self in a professional setting and thought I would share: Success often has to do with attitude just as much as aptitude. Whether working with a team or leading a group,

Around the Globe

2010-03-29T05:09:00.002-05:00

As of April 1st I will be taking off on some travels around the Globe! My journey starts with 2 weeks in Europe (Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin) followed by 2.5 months in Nepal! Where I'll be working as a Marketing and Sustainability Consultant for a social enterprise in Kathmandu. Follow my journey on twitter @saminerenberg and see you when I get back!

Design Futures

2010-01-16T00:08:00.001-06:00

My blogging here will be postponed while I teach "Design Futures" for Pratt Institute's Design Management program, where students are developing urban agriculture approaches for the South Bronx with our community partner and awesome activist, Tanya Fields. I'll be blogging over there and posting lectures, so feel free to follow along over there! Here's one to get you started...Contextual

Workforce Investment Act: Room by Room Video!!

2009-10-30T12:27:00.003-05:00

Room by Room was part of this summer's Workforce Investment Act from Obama's Recovery Plan. Check out the video Harken Productions put together for the City of Providence on us!

EK Hero Party in NYC!

2009-10-01T20:00:00.001-05:00

Got to hang out with some of my real life heroes and sheroes tonight!! Woohoo!Timberland EK Heroes with new celebrity hero Wyclef Jean! Check out his Yele Haiti!One of my favorite sheros, Majora Carter, and new fellow EK Hero friend Andrea Bakacs! They had posters of us. Kind of embarrassing and kind of cool. And they had drinks named after us! Me and fellow Grainer, Brittany Kleinman!

Melvin's Awesome Room Makeover @ Room by Room!

2009-08-17T20:20:00.003-05:00

Melvin's amazing room makeover! All while as an aspiring designer at Room by Room! He even sewed that duvet cover!!

Follow Me!

2009-04-07T22:50:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone- good news! Timberland has chosen me as an "EarthKeeper Hero!" You can now follow me this year as I blog about my upcoming healthy home make over show with innercity teens here! You'll get a behind the scenes look at putting together the program and how it all turns out! I won't be blogging here for a while so I'll catch you over there!

Me @ Pecha Kucha Providence!

2009-04-05T22:56:00.002-05:00

20 slides in 20 seconds!

Nominated!

2009-04-01T23:08:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone! Cool news! After scouting out for "EarthKeeper Heros" Timberland and Changents has found and nominated me! Here's a little video I put together to tell them a little bit more about myself. Fingers crossed!

Designing Change

2009-03-29T11:45:00.007-05:00

Updated! The published article is here!A couple of months ago, I was asked to write an article for RISD Views, RISD's alumni publication, on the shifting role of design. There are many good definitions of “design,” which have been expanding, shifting, sifting and most of all changing rapidly, along with the rest of the world. But how is industrial design, in particular, changing, and what is

Environmental Justice!

2009-03-28T12:36:00.004-05:00

Today, I attended the EJ League of RI's first community meeting. The aim of the event was to get the community, people from all parts of Rhode Island, together to talk about our concerns within our environment. And our environment being where we: live, work, play, and pray. By the end of the discussion, we were able to walk away with 3 main topics to focus on:Healthy FoodHealthy Homes Green

Fulbright Seminar

2009-03-27T12:25:00.004-05:00

This Friday, I had the honor of sitting on a panel, From Vision to Action, discussing social entrepreneurship to a group of Fulbright students for their seminar here in Providence. I was accompanied by my buddy Alan Harlam, Director of Social Entrepreneurship at the Swearer Center who moderated the conversation along with: Clay Rockefeller- Founder, The SteelyardLorne Adraine- Founder, National

Rockefeller Workshop

2009-03-24T12:21:00.005-05:00

Photo Credits: Heath Fleming of Catapult DesignAfter an invitation last month from my friend Manuel Toscano, Principle of Zago Inc, this Monday I finally got to step into the beautiful Rockefeller building on 5th Avenue in New York to join Manuel and other design, business, and nonprofit thought leaders for a two-day workshop discussing business models to sustain design for social impact projects

DevEX Shout Out

2009-03-22T13:54:00.001-05:00

I randomly came across this article, "INNOVATIVE DESIGNS, BETTER DEVELOPMENT" from DevEx, by David Lapeska talking about my class! To quote: "Academia has begun to tap that market. Last year, Sami Nerenberg launched an immensely popular Design for Social Entrepreneurship course at the Rhode Island School of Design, where students are putting together fascinating developing world ideas. "Woohoo!!

NCIIA Conference- Investing in Change

2009-03-21T12:20:00.004-05:00

I just attended NCIIA's 13th Annual Meeting that seeks to "advance education, invest in change," with a focus on Social Entrepreneurship held in Washington DC from March 19-21.The conference was primarily tech and engineering centered, but I was proud to be there inserting little seeds, reminding people that designers are a part of this movement as well. I saw presentations on a couple of other

A Proud Moment

2009-03-11T19:48:00.004-05:00

It was a proud moment to watch my students present their Pink Rides project at Providence's first ever Pecha Kucha. Nate Phipps, who I worked with last semester, is a charismatic and incredibly humorous presenter, and Maddie Mcgarri, who I am just getting to know is a fireball of energy, creativity, and flat out funniness. Thanks to Stephanie Gerson for putting on the event!

What is Good Design Now?

2009-03-05T13:09:00.003-06:00

This months issue of Metropolis Magazine is a special product issue titled What is Good Design Now? After my interview with journalist and now friend Ken Shulman, I was quoted in the Products for a New Age article (p.96-99). When asked about my recent studio Design for Social Entrepreneurship at RISD I replied:"There is a real hunger to work on these projects. Two years ago I was part of a

I'm in Love

2009-03-05T12:40:00.000-06:00

This building, which used to be the Bootleggers club in the 90's is sitting abandon at the tip of India Point Park in Providence, RI. It has an amazing view and an incredible space. I just day dream of the possibilities of what it could become, like a community center or incubator space!... it makes my heart sing... <3

Design?

2009-02-13T16:33:00.002-06:00

I just posted a survey for RISD design students, alumni and faculty HERE. If you are at or went to RISD, please take the survey!! If you are burning to answer the questions but do not go to RISD, please feel free to answer the questions and just be sure to indicate where you are from.Thanks!Sami

The Death of Industrial Design?

2009-02-11T13:03:00.004-06:00

In conversation today with a friend and strategist from Bruce Mao. It's a bit of a free-flow rant: I want Industrial Design students to believe they can have a job doing good and not creating waste once they get out of school. I want the industry- both design and the nonprofit world to be convinced that design thinking is valuable and if we take the time to re-evaluate how we do things, that we

Why Now?

2009-02-03T12:43:00.001-06:00

I recently had an interview with journalist Ken Shulman for an article in Metropolis Magazine. He pointedly asked me "why now?" Why now are designers and this generation turning their interests to these topics of social impact?My initial response over the phone was not as thorough as my ideas below."Firstly, much of this new generation in America in their 20's and 30's either grew up hearing

Technology- distraction or documentation?

2009-01-30T12:39:00.001-06:00

Addition: I later found out that Susan Szenasy included this email in the "Notes to the Editor" Section in March's Metropolis Magazine! Woohoo!In recent email conversation with Susan Szenazy, editor in chief of Metropolis Magazine, my response to the question of whether or not our obsession with hand-held electronic devices are of pure detriment or serve some purpose in our society: One could

I'm Back!

2009-01-22T12:32:00.000-06:00

Okay, so it's been a REALLY long time since I have written here. Mainly because of the fact that I was wrapping up the Design for Social Entrepreneurship studio until December, traveling, including DC for the inauguration, and getting the ball rolling for my upcoming projects. But I am taking a moment to say hello and I will be posting some interesting conversations shortly. So stay tuned shortly

Hilarious- Obama McCain Dance off

2008-11-04T18:38:00.000-06:00

Palin vs. Biden

2008-10-05T16:22:00.009-05:00

In reference to this week's VP debate, Newsweek asks a pertinent questions that to me, typifies the two sides of this year's election:"Do we want leaders who are everyday folks, or do we want leaders who understand everyday folks? "The Republican ticket seems to have succeeded in appealing to the American public through their "straight talk" language and hockey mom personalities. But yes, are

Couric and Palin SNL Interview

2008-10-03T10:02:00.003-05:00

For those of you who missed it, this is the SNL Couric and Palin Interview. Not to far off from the real thing... Thanks Liam for the heads up on it.

Design for Social Entrepreneurship!

2008-09-04T15:23:00.004-05:00

RISD's advanced studio, Design for Social Entrepreneurship (DeSE) blog, is now up and running. Click here to check it out. This blog will be the central hub for the course, with updates on assignments, projects, as well as links to all the student blogs that are to come. So please stay tuned...!

A Friend from CNN

2008-08-23T02:51:00.005-05:00

Recently, a long-lost friend from high school contacted me after seeing my involvement with the Grain collaborative. To my surprise, she is now a reporter for CNN and was interested to hear more about my work and my thoughts about the Sustainability Movement as a whole. Below was my response to her question: “While I like a lot of what Blu Homes is doing, I think there's a bigger message here.

IDSA Interview

2008-08-23T01:56:00.011-05:00

In hearing the news about my new Design for Social Entrepreneurship Course at RISD this Fall, friend and colleague, Tino Chow has posted a recent interview:Tino Chow: I know that you are a recent graduate from RISD and have been passionate about using your skill to benefit the less fortunate. How did this passion come about? Was it in school that you found this passion?Sami Nerenberg: Growing up

An Important Update from Sami

2008-07-09T16:23:00.008-05:00

Well, this is an official notification to everyone, that as of a couple of months ago I am now on the roster of adjunct faculty members for the Industrial Design department at RISD. My time has been spent this summer continuing my research and developing a syllabus for an advanced studio in the Fall, hence the slow pace of blog updates. I am telling people now to encourage feedback, advice, input

Support Change

2008-06-20T22:34:00.002-05:00

It is now OUR responsibility to create the United States of America that we want to see. Support change.

Overlap 08

2008-06-17T18:19:00.001-05:00

This weekend, I had the wonderful honor of attending a conference called the Overlap. This conference brought together 50 leaders in design, business, innovation and sustainability to talk about effective "processes" for creating positive change.This conference was indubitably like none other. More like a retreat or gathering, the structure was centered around intimate presentations followed by

Overlap Reflections

2008-06-16T19:04:00.006-05:00

Favorite Quotes: "Let me build on what you're saying." -GK"These problems are not to be solved but to be evolved." -Steve V."Caring is core." -Heather"Mock it up before you fock it up." -Deb J."We don't need to give up 9/10ths of our things, we just need to live 10 times more efficiently." -Cameron"I'm just a farmer, I plants seeds of thought and grow fields of gold." -Steve V."Return to a

grain!

2008-05-13T20:56:00.005-05:00

Grain Design, a RISD collaborative design company I am a part of on the side from my full-time job, was recently interviewed for an article on Ecolect. Above is a team picture, and below is some of the q & a from the questionnaire. - How did you decide to form the company? (150 words or less) Founded in 2007 at the Rhode Island School of Design, a ‘dream team’ of RISD talent emerged

DIY: My New Room

2008-05-12T09:58:00.007-05:00

You all may recall my last room which was quite small, but very cheap. I lived there for six months, and everyday dreamed of moving into this room, which is only a little bit more in rent but about 2-3 times the size. Finally my old roommate moved out, and I got to move in! Here are the changes I made.Paint: $25Curtains: Hand made-$100 for fabricStanding lamp: $0 (roommate was getting rid of it)

Core77- Project H call to Action

2008-05-12T09:43:00.006-05:00

I had the pleasure of reading Emily Pilloton's (founder of Project H) recent call to action on the ID mega site- Core77. I recommend that everyone read it.Very much in the same vein as my last post, below is my response to the article:Emily, I could not agree with you more that we are now approaching a time where the world's most valuable renewable resource, Creativity, ought to be used on the

Privilege Displacement

2008-05-10T18:59:00.000-05:00

In January of 2007, while working for the Office of Multicultural Affairs at RISD, I helped to organize an event with a workshop from Dr. Shakti Butler, that discussed the topic of "White Privilege." Tonight, in re-watching Majora Carter's TED talk about the Sustainable South Bronx and issues of Environmental Injustice, and questioning my role within this context as a white female, I was inspired

Millenium Campus Conference

2008-04-20T18:12:00.003-05:00

This Sunday I had the opportunity to attend part of the Inaugural Millennium Campus Conference, hosted by MIT's Global Poverty Initiative. The company I work for participated in the Career Fair, and afterwards we headed over to the Keynote event: a dual conversation/performance with John Legend and Jeffrey Sachs. What do a 5 time Grammy award winning R&B artist, and a leading economist and

RISD Portfolio Review

2008-04-16T10:01:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday, I got to have one of my first alumni experiences: being a critic for RISD's ID/Furniture Portfolio Review. It was certainly an interesting experience to finally be sitting on the other side of the table. I remember the year before, seeing a girl I knew, who had just graduated, being a critic for the Staples table. I told myself, "I want to do that someday."As someone who obsessed over

Innovation vs. Necessity and Sustainability

2008-04-13T14:53:00.020-05:00

There is no doubt that creative expression and the desire for constant technological innovation is somehow ingrained in human nature. Artists will always create art, writers will always write, and scientists will always conduct research. But for what end is this driving pulse? Is innovation an end in itself? How often is this quest for continual improvement derived out of want, rather than

Top 5 Design Blog Recommendations

2008-04-12T18:35:00.004-05:00

Top 5 Design Blog recommendations from Molly Rosenberg:Innovation Playground by Innovation Strategist Idris Mootee-http://mootee.typepad.com/Logic + Emotion by David Armano-http://darmano.typepad.com/swissmiss by Tina Roth Eisenberg -http://swissmiss.typepad.com/BeHance -http://www.behance.com/Team_BlogDesignNotes by Michael Surteeshttp://designnotes.info/Thanks Molly!

Why Obama?

2008-03-18T23:57:00.006-05:00

A friend recently asked me in an email, "Why Obama over Hillary, I can't really tell the difference." This was my response:95% of their policies are the same. Honestly this election really is not about policy, which is why there is so much back and forth. Regardless of what their policies are, they still have to get it through the congress, which is a feat unto itself. So you have to ask yourself

"Think Different"

2008-03-13T22:50:00.005-05:00

By Jay Z.*Note: Obama is left handed.

Things to Do to Stay Stimulated Post-College

2008-03-12T21:34:00.005-05:00

Read books for pleasureListen to books on tape (or cd or ipod) for pleasureGet into politicsWatch educational videos on CNN, YouTube, and TED talksStart a collaborative business with like minded friendsThink about going to grad-schoolPick up old hobbiesJoin a non hardcore sports teamStart a new romantic relationshipAppreciate more an existing romantic relationshipDecorate your apartmentGo for

"Educated" Voters

2008-03-07T23:12:00.010-06:00

In response to the controversial theory about more "educated" voters, supporting Obama, I realized that was unjust of me not to provide statistical support for this claim. My statement therefore came off as hubris, and unfounded. I apologize for this.Below is evidence supporting my claim.Looking at the regions voting on March 4th:TEXASOHIORHODE ISLANDVERMONTIn watching the CNN exit poll analysis

DIY Home Improvements

2008-03-06T21:18:00.007-06:00

In moving to Boston, I found a great crappy shared apartment, right near Coolidge Corner. When I came to visit the place, the paint was literally falling off the wall, and needless to say it needed a lot of help, but for the low low rent, it was worth the challenge. In the past few months I have been working to make small improvements, while spending as little as possible. The goal was to

Obama vs. Hillary: March 4 Primaries

2008-03-05T20:22:00.010-06:00

Okay, so the race is not over yet, but it sure is neck and neck. I was greatly saddened this morning when I checked CNN for the most up to date results, and came to find out that Clinton and made several victories last night. However, the race is not over! The only trouble is that it may stunt Obama's momentum. Everyone said that Hillary HAD to win Texas and Ohio to still be in the race, and she

B of A Expense Tracking

2008-03-04T15:31:00.003-06:00

Just wanted to share this with fellow budgeting nerds. I just discovered that Bank of America tracks how you spend your money when using their cards. They have multiple tracking categories including: dining, groceries, rent, shopping, etc, which automatically get categorized with every purchase, and can be customized when it doesn't know what type of purchase has been made.This is great for me,

What I want to be When I Grow Up

2008-03-01T21:48:00.004-06:00

In getting ready for bed tonight, I came up with the job title that I would like to have some day. And it is...Sustainable Systems StrategistThere is a big shift going on right now among IDers from designing products to systems and services, which is good. But I see designers and students still designing useless products that they happen to put in a system. Designers must think systemically, as

"Creating a World Without Poverty"

2008-02-28T18:35:00.005-06:00

I'm at my sister's apartment right now waiting for her to return home so we can eat dinner together, an activity I frequently participate in with her and her husband. I see an intriguing book and recall her telling me about it. It's "Creating a World Without Poverty," by Muhammad Yunus, who started the Grameen Bank. For those who don't know, the Grameen Bank is one of the original microfinancing

ID vs. Metropolis Magazine: Flatland and New Dimensions

2008-02-28T10:02:00.010-06:00

After perusing my latest edition of ID magazine, I've come to realize how two-dimensional it is.To convey my point, I will paint an analogy to Edward Abbott's "Flatland." For those of you that are not familiar with this book, it is a clever story of a 2-dimensional world, with a visitor from the 3rd dimension. The sphere, the 3D being, aims to explain to the circle, the 2D being, what the 3rd

"In the Bubble: Designing in a Complex World"

2008-02-27T22:37:00.002-06:00

I just started reading, "In the Bubble: Designing in a Complex World" by John Thackara. So far it greatly resonates with me and all my thoughts, and actually inspired me to start blogging so I could keep track of my thoughts on all these subjects. The two concepts that stick out the most thus far are:everything is design+design must be done so systemicallyThese are two concepts that took me four

5) How receptive are consumers to environment-friendly ideas?

2008-02-27T22:15:00.001-06:00

How receptive are consumers to environment-friendly ideas? While ecological literacy is becoming part of design education, what is an effective way to raise awareness on the consumer end?Consumers are becoming more and more receptive to “environmentally-friendly ideas.” As more and more media draws attention to the issues, the public is being receptive. One must proceed with caution however in

3) What are your thoughts on the concerns of costs of, say, organic materials?

2008-02-27T22:14:00.002-06:00

This question harkens to the issue of the higher prices for more “eco-friendly” products in general. With consumer goods, our products’ prices are artificially low. A good question is posed in the video, “The Story of Stuff,” when the narrator asks, “what are we not paying for” when we buy these low-cost, low-quality products. We may not be paying for fare wages for store employees or factory

2) What are your thoughts on sustainable product design?

2008-02-27T22:11:00.002-06:00

Often times the most sustainable product is the one that isn’t made. And just because a product is made “sustainably” does not make it a “sustainable product.” Meaning, that because a new product is say made out of recycled materials, does not mean that it is helping the world to become more sustainable, it is simply delaying the inevitable process of those materials ending up in the landfill. To

1) In your opinion, what are the implications of sustainability and sustainable design? What are the guiding principles, methodologies and standards?

2008-02-27T22:05:00.002-06:00

I was recently asked by a reporter in the Phillipines to respond to a series of question pertaining to "sustainable design" after seeing my work in RISD's Respond/Design's Hi Res exhibition and publication. I was quite blown away by the questions, as they were topics I often think about and discuss amongst myself and interested peers. So I figured I would take this opportunity to post some of

"Good to Great" Chapter 2: Level 5 Leadership:

2008-02-27T21:21:00.003-06:00

"Builds enduring greatness through a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will." A level five leader is someone who looks out the "window" to credit those who made the company great, and looks in the "mirror" to determine when something went wrong. The converse is true of non-level five leaders. The tiers of leadership before this one are: 1. Highly Capable

"Good to Great" Chapter 3: First Who... Then What:

2008-02-27T21:21:00.002-06:00

This is a great chapter that emphasizes the importance of who is on the team of your company. The idea is to get the wrong people off the bus, and the right ones on. It's key to have highly skilled and more importantly motivated people on the team that have the drive to see the vision of the company follow through. Instead of using programs to motivate your employees, hire those that are already

Self-Branding: What is your Hedgehog Principle

2008-02-20T15:25:00.002-06:00

As I am learning more and more about branding for a company, I am also realizing how much we brand ourselves to convey a particular image. This may be a bit obvious, but it is indeed interesting to acknowledge all the ways in which we brand and market ourselves. Especially with all the online social networks, this self-branding becomes even more important. On a daily basis, we are conveying to

"Good to Great" Chapter 1: Good is the Enemy of Great:

2008-02-19T21:22:00.001-06:00

After a road trip across the country, with the sound of Bill Bryer's voice reading a "Brief History of Almost Everything," I found my love of books on tape (or CD rather) My next venture into this form of learning through osmosis was Jim Collins' "Good to Great, Why some companies make the leap and others don't"I listened to this book while on my commute to and from work and down to Providence on

Imassami's First Blog Ever

2008-02-19T20:10:00.000-06:00

This is my first blog ever. I'm not even a blogger, and now I have created my own blog. Why have I done this? Ideas spinning through my head, and a desire to connect, be heard, and reconnect again. List of things I'm generally interested in and think about, so if you are interested in these things too, then you may want to read my blog someday when there is something to read:Design Education

Outlet Awards Program

2007-09-14T21:32:00.000-05:00

Click here to return to Portfolio.

ContacEZ

2007-09-14T21:28:00.000-05:00

Cardboard

2007-08-18T16:26:00.001-05:00

Cardboard is a material with great potential. This series of projects, done at separate times, aim to explore cardboard in unconventional applications. Figure 1 is a personal project using cardboard as a textile for handbags, hand sewn and lined with colored paper. Figure 2 is a timeline of the history of cardboard within cardboard packaging. Figure 3 is a one day group project making a lamp only

Protected Jewel Ring

2007-08-18T15:37:00.002-05:00

This silver hollow ring has a hidden compartment to protect something of value. The internal structure is moveable; while worn, an empty square appears, when off, the jewel isrevealed, enabling the wearer to decide when or when not to reveal their valuables.Back to Portfolio.

Topo Bracelet

2007-08-18T12:40:00.001-05:00

This sculptural bracelet is a topographic map of Rhode Island’s Blackstone River Valley: Providence and Pawtucket. Within the map, I and RISD are plotted as indicated by adiamond.This project explores various techniques to achieve its desired effect by engraving topo lines and filling them solder, then heating the copper to get a discoloration to mimic aerial photographs.Back to Portfolio.

Room Divider

2007-08-17T21:54:00.006-05:00

While apprenticing in Mexico the parameters of this four week project were to use only scraps of wood and minimal amounts of glue. The design evolves from chaos to order or order to chaos, with a rigid form and square on one side, to more elaborate columns and visual lack of support on the other.Each column of scraps is hinged and movable, creating an interactive room divider.Back to Portfolio.

Phytocorps

2007-08-17T04:57:00.002-05:00

Back to Portfolio.

"Box"

2007-07-18T15:52:00.001-05:00

Given a four day project while in Mexico, this container seeks to be a box that does not look like a “box.” The curved lines, extended edges and pedestalled legs create a container that moves beyond the typical notion of a box. Additionally, this container is made of scrap woods, which when finished transforms the material to a refined state.Back to Portfolio.

Rocking Chair

2007-06-21T16:15:00.002-05:00

This rocking chair, a twist and combination of modern classics, is welded tubular steel with tufted upholstery.Back to Portfolio.

Couple Earrings

2007-06-18T16:10:00.002-05:00

This independent project captures the silhouette of two lovebirds, allowing the wearer to feel connected to their loved one at all times. The earrings can also be switched so the profiles are facing away from each other to indicate anger or frustration with their fellow mate.This concept lends itself to many other personalized iterations such as a mother wearing silhouettes of her children, or a

Woven Dish

2007-06-18T16:04:00.001-05:00

This two week project explores tin plated steel in an unconventional application. Cutting the sheet metal into quarter inch strips and hand weaving cross grain allows the material to move and morph into various ways and reflect the light creating a dynamic pattern. The finished product can be used as a center piece for a table or to hold small items.Back to Portfolio.

Community Service Award

2007-06-07T22:02:00.002-05:00

This year, at my graduation from RISD, I had the honor of winning the Steve Mendelson Community Service Award! And it was quite hilarious because they read the wrong bio! As they were describing the winner, they discussed someone who was really involved in the Jewish Community and went on EHP and everything and then they go and call my name! I was terrified at the thought that maybe the read the