IADT Faculty and Staff Spotlight
At the International Academy of Design & Technology, we believe it's important for students to learn from people who have similar creative interests and professional motivations. That's why most of IADT faculty members have professional experience in the areas they teach, giving them unique perspectives and firsthand knowledge they can share with their students in class.
By offering you the opportunity to learn from creative professionals who have been there and done that in your field of interest, we hope to inspire you to pursue your passions and acquire the knowledge, skills and confidence to achieve your goals.
We invite you to get to know just a few of our outstanding faculty and staff members by clicking on the areas of study or names below. (For more faculty profiles, find the campus you're interested in on our Campus Locations pages and click on the Campus Faculty & Staff link.)
Audio Production
Robert "Bobby" Ferrari, Studio Manager, IADT Las Vegas
Professional Experience:
- Studio Manager and Designer, IADT Las Vegas
- Producer/Engineer
- Odds On Records & Studios in Las Vegas: Engineered all in-house productions, developed recording clients and worked with all aspects of studio business; in 2007 was promoted to managing partner in charge of the design and build-out of a 7,000-square-foot new recording space and starting the first full record label in Las Vegas with national distribution and established artists like Air Supply, Ultraviolet Sound, Greg Medoro and others
- LP Studios: In 1997 hired as Chief Engineer to redesign the now-defunct LP Studios; the first year earned the new facility over $200,000 in business and included clients like John Stamos, The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, Wayne Newton, and others
- Touring bassist for Spencer Davis, Chuck Negron, Mike Pinera, and others
- Bassist & Asst. MD Fox Television's "The Ron Reagan Show," 1991
- Hired by Studio City Sound & Video in the 1990s to develop clientele and maintain their new facility in Studio City, CA; clients included Gilby Clarke & Duff McKagen of Guns N' Roses
- As a bassist, backed up such renowned artists as Chuck Negron (3 Dog Night), Al Wilson, Mickey Dolenz, Spencer Davis, Mitch Ryder and many others
I Got Into This Field Because ... Having the chance to pass along my experiences to a new breed of producers and engineers has always been a dream that I now get to fulfill every day.
One Thing Most People Don't Know About Me Is ... I performed on the Sunset Strip in the 80's with bands like Poison and Guns N' Roses and had really big hair!
My Notable Awards/Achievements Include:
- Nominated for a 2009 TEC Award for Creative Achievement in Studio Design
- Nominated for a 2009 Audio Pro International Award for Studio Design
- Awarded a 2009 Spotlight Award for Special Use Construction
- Platinum Sales Award for the Australian group Human Nature for the album "Get Ready"
- Produced songs that have made the Top 20 in the Hot Adult Contemporary category on the radio
- Endorsed by these companies as a musician: ESP Guitars, ADA Amplifiers, Aria Guitars, A.R.T., Washburn, LeDuc Basses, Kahler Bass Tremolo Systems, Randall Amplifiers
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Tom Harding, Audio Production Instructor, IADT Nashville
Educational Background: BS Recording Industry Management, Middle Tennessee State University (with minors in Business and Mass Communication)
Professional Experience:
- Recording Engineer for 25+ years (Dolly Parton, ZZ Top, B.B. King)
- Record Producer for 20 years (Kennedy-Rose, Intruder, Jill Johnson)
- I have worked for every major record label and publisher (EMI, Warner Brothers, Sony)
- Owner of Tombstone Recording Studio
What I Teach at IADT: Mix and Mastering, Digital Audio Specs, Recording Tech., DAW II
I Got Into This Field Because ... of my love for music. I wanted not just to listen, but to get inside the music, and to learn how to convey the emotion of the music to the listener.
What I Love About Teaching is ... I love seeing the fresh new faces who are eager to learn. I see myself in every student - so ready to absorb knowledge and take on the challenges of the music industry.
One Thing Most People Don't Know About Me Is ... I have traveled all over the world and lived in places such as Guam and Saudi Arabia.
My Notable Awards/Achievements Include:
- Gold & Platinum records (Dolly Parton, Deana Carter, Kevin Sharp, ZZ Top)
- Engineer of the Year French Canadian Music Awards
- Engineered BB King's Grammy-winning "Blues Summit"
- Producer of the Year - Nashville Music Awards
- Car Audio Magazine Test CD of the Year 1990
- NARRAS Craft Committee Chair 1990
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Computer Forensics
Bill Uminowicz, Adjunct Instructor, IADT Chicago
Educational Background: MBA Keller Graduate School, DeVry University
Professional Experience:
- 35 Years IT Security; Computer Forensics; Director, Computer Security Investigator, CSFI, Inc.
- Senior Architect and Project Manager for the Illinois Secretary of State's office: I was selected by the IBM Corporation and the State of Illinois to plan, design, develop, and implement a cross-platform communications infrastructure for an 8000-node network. This was a $5M project that was centered on the creation of a custom switch that provided a connection between a Honeywell Bull environment and an IBM/MVS environment.
- Designed and implemented a fiber-optic medical communications network utilizing David Technologies. The system enabled the real-time exchange of medical records, radiology images, and patient laboratory test results among multiple medical centers.
- Developed and implemented a state-of-the-art interactive Surgical Observation System. With the utilization of miniature cameras in the operating room, doctors at remote locations could observe cardiac procedures in real-time mode, thus allowing them to interact with the surgeons as the operation progressed.
- Conducted special investigative audits along with the United States Treasury Department and Interpol. These working relationships were developed as a result of highly confidential work performed by this company for the United States and various European governments.
- Developed and deployed a Frequency Identification Tracking System that prevented unauthorized technology interference with the American space program. This included multiple frequency jamming to the source signal.
What I Teach at IADT: Information Security, Cisco Networking, Computer Forensic Investigations, Computer Forensic Tools, Web Security, Network Security, High Tech Crime Investigations, Wireless Communication network, and Unix/Linux Operating Systems.
I Got Into This Field Because ... A long time past, my first manager said to me, "I am at a point of teaching you and passing that knowledge on so that it, and you, may go forward to better things around you. At some point in your life, you will wind up using the knowledge you acquired and pass it on to those who will go forward and create and use that knowledge and add their own and eventually pass it on." What he has left me with, I wanted to make that happen for others.
What I Love About Teaching is ... the thrill of seeing a light go off in a student who has just engulfed the concept of some technical issue to a certainty of practicality. Nothing can create anything more rewarding.
One Thing Most People Don't Know About Me Is ... I am a very quiet and shy person. I love to spend hours solving mono-alphabetic polynomial cryptographic ciphers.
My Notable Awards/Achievements Include: A quantity of certificates in auditing and network engineering; eight years of presentations throughout the globe. The most endearing thing I hold is I was told by one of our Presidents that I and other members of our team would be top-secret famous and only we would know and be satisfied with that.
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Digital Media Production & Animation
Jessica Curry, Digital Media Instructor, IADT Orlando
Educational Background: MS in Digital Art and Design, New York University; BS in Studio Art, Florida State University
Professional Experience:
- Art Director at evolveALOUD –online marketing and web design company
- Multimedia Instructor – College of Westchester, White Plains, NY
- Digital Effects Artist – Animation Collective, New York, NY
- Shows: Kappa Mikey, Speed Racer: The Next Generation, both on Nicktoons
- Designer and Production Assistant – Little Airplane Productions, New York, NY
- Shows: The Wonder Pets on Nick, Jr. and Go Baby! on Playhouse Disney
What I Teach at IADT: Web Design, Interactive Design, Advertising Design, Digital Layout, Branding & Corporate Identity, Print Production, Senior Portfolio
I Got Into This Field Because ... I love that I'm able to use art in everyday life. The computer has expanded my love of art in ways that I never thought possible. Working with web design and animation has been an ever-changing and challenging part of my life that I value every day.
What I Love About Teaching is ... I love bringing the real world into the classroom. I use the experiences I've had working as a digital-effects artist and designer to help my students grow and dream every day.
One Thing Most People Don't Know About Me Is ... I'm a sixth generation Floridian! My family has been living in Florida since the 1800s, when my great-great-great grandfather was a wrecker in Key West.
My Notable Awards/Achievements Include: I've worked on the award-winning children's television show "The Wonder Pets."
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Karl Jahnke, Adjunct Instructor, IADT Nashville
Educational Background: BFA Computer & Visual Effects from Academy of Art College
Professional Experience:
- Corporate Trainer, Berkley Technical University
- Visual Effects Artist, CMT
- Visual Effects, Media Artist, 3D Modeler/Animator, ElaraSystems
- Media Artist, Direct Profitability Group
What I Teach at IADT: 2D Animation, 3D Animation, Motion Graphics, Video Editing, Interactive Media, Digital Illustration, Digital Imaging, Drawing for Animators
I Got Into This Field Because ...I could not help but create moving images. Everything I drew or created had a desire to move. Animation seemed like a natural fit.
What I Love About Teaching is ... The constant challenge of new questions. Solving problems and finding creative solutions
.
One Thing Most People Don't Know About Me Is ... I majored in organic chemistry for three years before following my passion and going to art school.
My Notable Awards/Achievements Include:
- Worked on 'AA' title game, In the Groove
- Created training material that educates doctors for state of the art surgeries and medical procedures.
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Mike Rosik, Program Chair - Digital Media Production, IADT Detroit
Educational Background: BFA & MFA in Computer Animation from Miami International University of Art & Design
Professional Experience:
- Program Chair of Digital Media Production 2007 – present
- Graphic Design Adjunct Instructor 2005 – 2007
- Contract work for With a Twist Studio – CG Artist / Technical Assistant – 2007 - 2009
- & various other freelance projects since 2004
What I Teach at IADT: Classes I've taught include Introduction to Digital Media, Sr. Digital Media Production Portfolio, Web Design I and II, Interactive Media I and II, Special Topics in Digital Media, Digital Photography and Digital Imaging
I Got Into This Field Because ... I got into this field because of my passion for teaching people something new. I really enjoy the digital media field because it's always evolving. New software, new concepts, new trends, new competition, are only a part of this rewarding field. It's always changing, and that's what keeps it exciting.
What I Love About Teaching is ... I love teaching because I enjoy helping others learn something new and exciting. I thrive on teaching individuals to learn a new concept and seeing what they create with it. It's so great to see creative talent bloom.
One Thing Most People Don't Know About Me Is ... I'm bilingual (English and Polish) and I've played the drums for about 15 years.
My Notable Awards/Achievements Include: I had the awesome opportunity to work on my first feature film last year, Alice in Wonderland. I worked on camera tracking and scene integration at With a Twist Studio.
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Fashion Design & Merchandising
Jeanette deJong, Full-time Faculty, Fashion Design, IADT Seattle
Educational Background: MFA – Speech (theatre costume design), University of Oregon, Eugene, OR; BA – Art, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA
Professional Experience: Designing costumes for professional theaters across the United States, as well as sewing, draping, patterning, and organizing costumes for over 120 productions. I have designed at theaters including Seattle Children's Theatre, Seattle Shakespeare Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Williamstown Theatre Festival, and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. I have sewn and/or patterned costumes for Glimmerglass Opera, Shakespeare in the Park (New York City), and Seattle Repertory Theatre.
I also have taught at theatre programs including Indiana University; Purdue University; Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas; and Mankato State University in Mankato, Minn.
What I Teach at IADT: Fashion Design I, II and III; Studio (Collections); Pattern Drafting I and II; Draping I and II; Clothing Construction III; Special Topics II (Suits); History of Fashion
I Got Into This Field Because ... I love to design and sew, and it is less expensive for me to design for others than to buy all the materials I want for myself. I love fabric, research, patterning, and creating beautiful things. It is amazing to make someone see the beauty in themselves through the garments you can make for them.
What I Love About Teaching is ... When the light bulb goes off in someone's eyes and they realize that they can actually create something BETTER than what they wanted to make when they started the class.
One Thing Most People Don't Know About Me Is ... I have draped costumes for well-known people when they have worked in the theater, including Gwyneth Paltrow. I wish I could have lived in Florence, Italy, during the Italian Renaissance.
My Notable Awards/Achievements Include:
- Indiana Arts Commission/National Endowment for the Arts Master Artists' Fellowship, 1995
- United Scenic Artists Member, Local 829 New York City since 1989
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Trista L. Grieder, Adjunct Faculty, Fashion Merchandising, IADT Online
Educational Background: BA Theatre, Kent State University; MS Higher Education, Online Teaching, Kaplan University Online
Professional Experience:
- IADT- Adjunct Faculty
- Kent State University- NTT Faculty- Fashion Merchandising
- Hendrix College- Internship Coordinator
- Dillard's- Private Label Women's Designer
- Augusta Sportswear- Sportswear Designer
- Mountain High Hosiery- Private Label Hosiery Designer
- Wrangler- CAD Designer and Technical Supervisor
- Freelance Designer- Profig Designs
What I Teach at IADT: Product Development, Sketching, Product Management, Product Technology, Buying, Merchandise Planning and Inventory, Global Sourcing
I Got Into This Field Because ... I fell in love with teaching in 2005 after my mentor passed away. I felt I had a lot to offer to the student body. She taught me so much about product development and merchandising. I also wanted to teach students what I did not know when I left school.
What I Love About Teaching is ... The students!!! They are so fresh and invigorating. I love their curiosity and the thought-provoking questions they come up with in class. They are very engaging and have great ideas.
One Thing Most People Don't Know About Me Is ... That I have my own design company called Profig Designs. I make bags, bibs and other items that are customized for people. It is on Facebook here.
My Notable Awards/Achievements Include:
- 2005 VF Award of Excellence for the Design of Aura, Wrangler's best-selling women's jean in the company's history
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Cynthia Rangel, Program Chair, Fashion Design and Merchandising, IADT San Antonio
Educational Background: BA in Fashion Merchandising/Minor in Business Management; MA in Administration with a concentration in Organizational Development
Professional Experience:
- Area Sales Manager- Dillard's
- Merchandise Manager-Express/ Gap Inc
- District Visual Merchandise Manager- Ann Taylor
What I Teach at IADT: Merchandising Principles and Practices, Visual Merchandising, Fashion Publicity and Promotions, Retail Management
I Got Into This Field Because ... Fashion has been an industry that always intrigued me, and since I was a little girl, I knew that I wanted to be involved in the industry and help it to expand.
What I Love About Teaching is ... I love being able to help students learn about my passion and guiding them through the learning process by speaking of my experiences and knowledge in the industry. I also enjoy seeing students begin IADT and watching them grow through their learning experiences to their graduation days.
One Thing Most People Don't Know About Me Is ...I love to dance, especially country and salsa.
My Notable Awards/Achievements Include:
- Receiving President's Award from CEC for our campus in 2010
- Being voted as Regional Director for Fashion Group International of San Antonio -2010
- Receiving Top Merchandise Manger Award- Express- 2001
- Having Fashion Department be nominated for Fashion Industry Leader in San Antonio- SA Fashion Week 2009
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Game Design/Production
Chris Hayes, Department Chair, Game Production Online, IADT Online
Educational Background: BFA Computer Animation; MFA Media Design Management
Professional Experience:
- Cinematic animator, Outrage Entertainment, Ann Arbor, Mich.: Worked on the PC game "Descent 3" and its add-on pack, "Descent Mercenary"
- Cinematic animator, N-Space, Orlando: Worked on four PlayStation titles: "Duke Nukem: Land of the Babes," "Danger Girl," "The Olsen Twins: Magical Mystery Mall," and "The Olsen Twins: Crush Course"
- Instructor, video game development, Full Sail, Winter Park, FL
- Adjunct faculty, IADT, Tampa
- Department chair, game production, IADT Online
What I Teach at IADT: In addition to managing the Game Production program, I also teach 3D- related classes, including Modeling and Animation. Occasionally I teach the Video Game History and theory-based classes as well.
I Got Into This Field Because ... I have a passion for playing and creating video games that are cutting edge and make a major impact on the gaming community.
What I Love About Teaching is ... Making a difference in someone's life. I enjoy knowing that I had a part in helping students succeed in making their dream jobs come true.
One Thing Most People Don't Know About Me Is ... I have a massive football card collection.
My Notable Awards/Achievements Include: I would consider the games that I have credits on as a pretty good achievement.
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Christopher Fick, Adjunct Faculty, IADT Detroit
Educational Background: Associates Degree: Vehicle Design; Bachelors Degree: Illustration College for Creative Studies, Detroit
Professional Experience:
- Illustrator at FickintheMud.com - 5 years
- Art Director at National Center for Manufacturing Sciences - 4 Years
- Designer at Navicity - 2 Years
What I Teach at IADT: Storyboarding and Storytelling – Game Design; Storyboarding – Digital Media; Photoshop – Digital Media; Drawing I – Game Design; Drawing II – Game Design
I Got Into This Field Because ... It was an opportunity that presented itself to me that I saw as another challenge in my career as an artist. I never imagined that I would be on the other side of the teacher's desk, sharing what I have learned and processes that I practice. Teaching has allowed me to challenge my habits and further question how and why I do things the way I do.
What I Love About Teaching is ... There are two major reasons I love teaching. The first is seeing progress - watching a student who has little focus and lack of direction and through lecture, demonstration and involvement they begin to see, understand, and challenge themselves. To know that you are part of the reason that student is taking interest is completely rewarding. The second reason is because every once in a while I have a student who really reminds me about passion, the passion that comes from the love of doing what you want to do, not doing just to get paid, but doing cause it is what you are meant to do. Sometimes we get caught up in our commute through our daily lives and forget why we are here. I am happy to say that in my three- plus years here I have had my share of students who really remind me of why I continually achieve to be better, and more, and to never stop being passionate about learning.
My Notable Awards/Achievements Include: Most recently: 2009 - Three time award winner American Graphic Design Award
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Daniel Young, Instructor/Advisor, Game Production, IADT Seattle
Educational Background: BFA Illustration, Ringling College of Art and Design
Professional Experience:
- Snowblind Studio: Worked as a Narrative Designer and Quest Designer; Implemented AI for models and created 2D Art Assets for in game use.
- Wrote marketing blurbs for Death Tank, an X-Box downloadable game
- Worked as a research writer for Lord of the Rings, War in the North
What I Teach at IADT: Drawing I& II, Survey of Game Industry, Game Theory and Mechanics, Media Design, Storyboarding and Storytelling, Concept Design, Game Production I
I Got Into This Field Because ... I love the game industry. It represents the largest interactive media in the world and is a multi-billion-dollar industry. The study of game design allows me to tap into the emerging culture of our day. Students who are in game design are passionate and driven, and that fuels my own creativity.
What I Love About Teaching is ... The students. Every student pursues their goals differently, and I learn from every student. Teaching allows me to guide students in their own paths, but I learn just as much from them. Seeing them grow in their craft is extremely rewarding and makes me proud every day.
One Thing Most People Don't Know About Me Is ... I studied martial arts for over 10 years. During that time I won two national competitions and received a silver medal in the junior Olympics. I fought on the U.S. International Team.
My Notable Awards/Achievements Include:
- Honors List for RCAD
- Who's Who in College Students
- I illustrated four game books for Hero Games, as well as several children's books. I also illustrated playing cards for Echelon Games.
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Graphic Design
Greg Anderson, Academic Dean, IADT Las Vegas
Educational Background: BA Accounting, BA Communication Arts - Georgetown College; MA History & Criticism of Theatre, MFA Playwriting - Ohio University; MFA Cinema - University of Southern California
Professional Experience:
- Studio Executive – Embassy Home Entertainment, Warner Bros. Pictures, Universal Pictures
- Acquisitions Executive – Champion Press, Ltd.
- Motion Picture Production – Ocean Palm Entertainment Group
What I Teach at IADT: Cinema Production – All Classes; Graphic Design – History & Theory of Design, Visual Composition, Advertising Design, Graphic Design I - III
I Got Into This Field Because ... The industries in which I have worked and have taught were not being trained in the full breadth of technical and creative areas necessary to succeed in these industries today.
What I Love About Teaching is ... The students – the look in their eyes when information and purpose connect for them, and the degree to which they push me to be better at what I do and know.
One Thing Most People Don't Know About Me Is ... I set a conference pitching record (for ERA) my junior year of college.
My Notable Awards/Achievements Include:
- Member of Mystery Writers of America, published novelist, produced playwright, instructed classes/workshops/seminars in cinema production on six continents.
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Juan Ramos, Graphic Design Program Chair, IADT San Antonio
Educational Background: MFA and BFA, University of Texas at San Antonio
Professional Experience:
- Professional artist for 7 years
- Formerly adjunct art instructor at UTSA, Northwest Vista College and Palo Alto College (2001 to 2007)
What I Teach at IADT: Introduction to Drawing, Digital Imaging and Design Fundamentals
I Got Into This Field Because ... It is more rewarding to know that my students can earn a living in graphic design when they graduate as opposed to my former field of fine art, where it is much more challenging to make a living as an artist.
What I Love About Teaching is ... Making connections with people I might have never meet otherwise and knowing that I have the potential to influence their lives in a positive way.
One Thing Most People Don't Know About Me Is ... I have been a professional musician for over 20 years.
My Notable Awards/Achievements Include:
- Artpace Residency in 2002
- Co-founder of San Anto Cultural Arts
- Invited to be a part of the San Juan Triennial 2004
- Artwork purchased by Altoids Curiously Strong Collection 2005
- Artwork published in 4 books
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Scott J. Wreyford Sr., Adjunct Instructor, IADT Sacramento
Educational Background: BA Art, San Jose State University; MS Professional Photography, Brooks Institute of Photography
Professional Experience:
- VFM Leonardo (virtual tours of hotels)
- Photographer, San Francisco 49ers
- Photographer, San Joaquin Magazine
What I Teach at IADT: Photography, Photoshop, Video Editing
I Got Into This Field Because ... I knew that I wasn't going to be successful at symphonic music!
What I Love About Teaching is ... Sharing real-world experience with my students.
One Thing Most People Don't Know About Me Is ... I have been to all 50 U.S. states.
My Notable Awards/Achievements Include:
- Best in Show, California State Fair, Black & White Photography
- Scout Leader of the Year
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Interior Design
Barbara S. Marini, FASID/IDEC, AIA PA, Interior Design Program Chair, IADT Detroit
Educational Background:
- Bachelor of Arts, Interior Design Michigan State University
- Masters of Science, Interior Design Eastern Michigan University
- Specialist in Arts, Educational Leadership Eastern Michigan University
- Doctorate in Educational Leadership, (in progress) Eastern Michigan University
Professional Experience:
Teaching:
- Interior Design Program Chair IADT Detroit
- Interior Design Program Chair College for Creative Studies
- Adjunct Faculty Baker College
- Adjunct Faculty Eastern Michigan University
Professional:
- Marini Interiors, Inc. Commercial Interior Design and Consulting Firm
- DeRemer Associates Interior Design Consultant
What I Teach at IADT: I have taught many of the courses in the program over the last several years at IADT, including Introduction to Interior Design, Drafting, Space Planning, Issues and Programming, Commercial Design, Resources and Materials, Color Theory, Lighting, Textiles and most recently Senior Interior Design Project I and II. My particular expertise and favorite course is Building Systems and Codes, however, as I have taught that through some major code changes and have a strong interest in health, safety and welfare issues related to interior design.
I Got Into This Field Because ... I am so inspired and energized by design and what it can do to enhance people's lives; not only interior design, but graphic, fashion, product, architectural and all aspects of design intrigue me! I particularly love interior design because it requires an understanding of people on a very personal level and allows us to create experiences that enrich the human experience. No matter what constraints a project may have, it's very rewarding to know that your creativity and expertise made something better for someone in terms of their environment. It's a great feeling!
What I Love About Teaching is ... Being able to excite students about interior design is a fantastic opportunity! Design is all around us, and I love it when students have that "aha!" moment when learning occurs and they actually get into their projects with passion; it's also about opening up their minds to different views and perspectives...creating the next generation of designers is exciting. I love that part most.
One Thing Most People Don't Know About Me Is ...My favorite tool is a power drill ... look out!
My Notable Awards/Achievements Include:
- Leading our IADT Interior Design team towards successful CIDA Accreditation, 2009
- ASID National Fellows Committee (2010)
- ASID Student Awards Judge (2010)
- ASID National Foundation Scholarship Committee (2010)
- ASID National Nominating Committee (2008)
- ASID National Fellows Award (2007)
- IDEC Issues Forum: Graduate Program Task Force (2006)
- ASID National Board Member at Large (2006-08)
- ASID National Faculty Advisor of the Year (2006)
- ASID Chapter Medalist (2005)
- ASID National Codes and Legislative Advisory Council (2004-06)
- ASID National Student Advisory Council Chair (2001-03)
- Facilities Management and Design (cover story 2002)
- ASID National Student Advisory Council (1999-2001)
- ASID National Chapter Support Team Member (1999-2001)
- National Judge: ASID Southern Accents Competition (2004)
- ASID Michigan Chapter President 1998-99
- Published Facilities Design and Management cover story (April 2002)
- ASID Polsky Educational Foundation Award (2001)
- EMU Graduate Student of the Year (1999)
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Jeannette Steeves, Adjunct Instructor, Interior Design, IADT Orlando
Educational Background: BFA, University of Georgia; MFA, University of Georgia; PhD in Housing, Interior Design and Resource Management with a Minor in Gerontology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Professional Experience: I worked for several prominent interior designers and developers in the Orlando area before opening my business, Jeannette Steeves Interiors, in 1980. I developed JSI until 1997 focusing primarily on developer models for single- and multi-family residences. In 1997 I closed JSI and pursued higher education until 2005, when I graduated from Virginia Tech with a Ph.D. in Housing, Interior Design and Resource Management.
What I Teach at IADT: Issues & Programming, Kitchen Design, Professional Practices, Healing Environments
I Got Into This Field Because ... I recognized at an early point in my life that interior design has power to improve and enhance life.
What I Love About Teaching is ... Working with enthusiastic students and helping those who are not so enthusiastic to find their way to an exciting part of their career choice.
One Thing Most People Don't Know About Me Is ... I don't know... I'm pretty much an open book. Oh, that could be it - I'm writing a book! The book is inspired by and based on my very generous mother's aging in place experience.
My Notable Awards/Achievements Include: I initiated and ran my own business for almost 20 years while married & raising 2 children. I am a published author of a HUD study.
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Professional Photography
Kirk D. Denney, Program Chair, Professional Photography and Graphic Design, IADT Nashville
Educational Background: MFA - Painting, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 1982; BFA - Painting, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY 1979
Professional Experience:
- Instructor IADT Nashville, 2007-2010
- Program Chair (Graphic Design and Professional Photography) IADT Nashville, April, 2010 – Present
- 1985 - Present, Owner of The Art Answer (professional commissioned art business)
- Taught Painting and Drawing at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Commissioned artwork included in Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C., EVO
- Corporation, New York, NY, American Express, Nortel Communications, Aruba Palm Beach
- Hotel and Casino, numerous Marriott Hotels, Miami International Airport and various other corporate and private collections throughout the United States, the Caribbean and Europe.
What I Teach at IADT: Drawing, History and Theory of Design, History of Art, Color Theory, Design Fundamentals, Typography, Advanced Typography, Capstone and Internship.
I Got Into This Field Because ... I love the visual arts! I am fortunate to have had parents who encouraged creativity, friends who supported my individuality, and a number of wonderful "guides" who have helped nurture my passion for art and learning. There has always been someone there saying, "you can do it", and I try to remember that each day.
What I Love About Teaching is ... the magical interaction that happens each time I step into a classroom and the lives that are changed as a result of that magic. Could anything be more rewarding than watching students' dreams unfold before them, and knowing that I have played a part in helping them achieve those dreams? To see a student grasp a concept that's a breakthrough to higher learning is fulfillment and motivation of the purest form, and I am very fortunate to be immersed in such a wonderful process!
One Thing Most People Don't Know About Me Is ... that I adore opera, and I was classically trained as a musician.
My Notable Awards/Achievements Include:
- IADT Nashville's nominee for "Educator of the Year" (category of education), 2009
- Inducted into former high school's Alumni Hall of Fame (fields of art and education), 2007
- Served on Business Committee of the Boca Raton Museum of Art
- Artist chosen by Bantam Press, London, England, to execute the portrait of the biographer for the cover of "Loner at the Ball" (an Andy Warhol biography by Fred Lawrence Giles)
- First place in numerous painting competitions over past 25 years
- Recipient of President's Award, University of Florida (graduated with "highest distinction")
- Included in Honor Roll at Eastern Kentucky University (graduated with "highest distinction"); Recipient "Outstanding Art Student Award", Eastern Kentucky University
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Pierre Dutertre, Adjunct Instructor, Professional Photography, IADT Tampa
Educational Background:
- Universite La Sorbonne, Paris
- Faculte des Sciences, Paris
- Harrow College, London
- Academy of Art University, San Francisco
Professional Experience:
- Photographic assistant, Paris
- Photographer, Carlton Studios, London
- Photographer and founding partner of CGD studios, London
- Visual marketing strategies consultant, Saatchi & Saatchi, London
- Photographer and founding partner, Red Kite Studios and DUTERTRE2 photography;partnership in Mark Anthony Photography and in God's Eyes Photography
- Adjunct teacher, professional photography program, IADT Tampa.
- Guest lecturer, Florida Museum of Photographic Art
- Executive board member, central Florida chapter, American Society of Media Photographers
What I Teach at IADT: Commercial Photography, Advertising Photography, Business and Marketing for photographers, Portfolio Presentation, History of Photography
I Got Into This Field Because ... Capturing images are a passion and an obsession. It is my personal form of communication and expression and has been a constant through my life. Photography keeps me grounded, on the close side of sanity and forever chasing a dream of creative perfection, which will never be fully achieved, hence the continuing drive to keep taking photographs. The medium has been a lifestyle and a financial provider for over 35 years in many different forms; images anchor me in time, as I remember some unique photographs I have been fortunate to create since the age of 7, when my grandfather gave me a camera from the late 1800s. The continuing theme in my photography is the excitement of translating my thoughts, emotions and mental visuals into a two-dimensional image that carries these emotions, concepts and visions. The too-often frustration involved in the process is an integral part of the potential satisfaction from an image, even if this is for a brief moment, only to be replaced by the chase for another more-pleasing and accurate result. Photography is akin to being alive, being able to view the wonders of all and steal fleeting moments, memories and emotions, sometimes in a voyeuristic, documentary way. It is nothing short of magic. How else would you be able to infuse emotions onto a lifeless piece of paper?
What I Love About Teaching Is... The art of teaching is closely related to the craft of photography, with its subtle but all-important relationships with individuals who share a similar passion for the medium. The immense satisfaction of helping someone else achieve their dreams is undeniably as worthy as any work I could ever produce, and in the process of giving back the knowledge I have been fortunate to be taught by great masters, I also benefit greatly by the inspiration gained from mentoring a new generation of talented artists who are fearless in their visions. Education is a noble form of service.
One Thing Most People Don't Know About Me Is ... Adventure is the driving force behind most of my decisions, from professional skydiving to flying jets and WWII planes, from cooking to base jumping, from fine arts to advertising, from war photography to traveling the world. Adventure focuses my creative endeavors; it helps me relate to students who enter into their unique adventures, allowing me an insight in their journeys.
My Notable Awards/Achievements Include:
- 1984: Gold National awards, AFAEP, England
- 1986: Gold award, Edinburgh arts festival, Scotland
- 1987: First prize, association of British advertising agencies
- 1988: Best of show, International Advertising fair, Paris
- 1992: Gold award, European Advertising agencies association, Munich
- 2001: Silver Local ADDY, Gold Regional ADDY, American Advertising Federation
- 2002: National Gold ADDY for excellence in photography, Regional Charlie award, Two Gold ADDYs Regional, Three Gold ADDYs Local, Best of the Bay local award, Best of Show award, American Advertising Federation
- 2010: Nominated for Teacher of the Year by IADT Tampa
Websites: www.dutertre2.com and redkitestudios.com
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