Research Team


WHY DID YOU APPLY TO THE ITALIADESIGN FIELD SCHOOL PROGRAM?

Because the legacy it is leaving at SFU is very intriguing. The stories and skills past students have come back with are important to our field of study. Also, having an Italian background myself, studying in the country was something that also appealed to me on a personal level.

WHAT I LEARNED

Living in another country is really something great to experience. Design has so much history. From viewing the buildings to the paintings, a lot of great techniques were used that I have had great joy in applying to my own work. From interviewing the top leaders in the industry, their personal techniques and take on the field was inspiring, and seeing that personal passion is key when creating.

Generally?
There is a lot out there to learn and see. Actually going out and seeing it is the only way to experience it. Living with the group and experiencing cities together was an awesome thing to share. There is nothing wrong with sitting for an hour or two and taking in something, if that is what will help you keep that moment with you forever. Take the time to do the things you really want to do.

About design?
You have to be passionate about it, and love your work. If you do not love what you have created, start over. Good design makes people happy and smile.

About innovation?
You have to constantly challenge yourself to find it, study it and learn from it.

About design process?
Everyone’s process is different.

About cities?
Cities are amazing if you look at them in a different context. The first thing I remember about being in Milan was when Russell told us to stop and watch how people were moving in the city center where the Duomo is. Every city is different, and it is mind blowing if you stop and watch the people once in a while.

What new perspective do you/did you come home with?
It takes a lot of work to be in this field. It is mentally and emotionally draining. But when you hit a moment where you are truly happy and excited with what you have created, all the work becomes worth it. Secondly, get out and experience what is around you, or even what is on the other side of the world, you’ll be surprised at what you find and come back with. Seeing a picture or watching a movie won’t do you any good until you live it and breath it.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STUDYING ABROAD AND STUDYING AT HOME

You are much more engaged in the field. You take your studies more seriously and emotionally. The studies are meaningful and deep. Everything you learn makes sense. You are both forced to listen, and truly want to listen.

FAVOURITE MOMENTS

  • Biking at night through the small empty streets in Florence.

  • Living in and soaking up the atmosphere of Milan. Getting to know other students in Daniel’s Palace.

  • Walking into our Rome apartment on a sunny day, and hearing all the noises and people in the neighborhood outside

  • Walking on dark roads in Dolciano at night trying to find fireflies

  • Generally the nightlife, and days-off wandering through the cities.

MY TRANSCENDENT MOMENT

"However, it is the connecting experience you feel with the ones that are truly studying and feeling the same things you are feeling that is special. "

Download this and the rest of my Florence moments here

MOST MEMORABLE INTERVIEW MOMENT/QUOTE

Anything Aldo Cibic and Carlotta de Bevilacqua said and laughed about. Also Carlotta talking about all the animals and dogs she owns.

FAVORITE PLACE/SPACE

  • The city center of Milan, and the quiet street leading up to it with the design showrooms.

  • The courtyard of our Rome apartments.

  • The Medici Palace garden in Florence.

  • The chapel on the Dolciano apartment grounds.

MY FAVORITE ITALIAN

Carlotta de Bevilacqua from Danese. It was so great to meet her, and listening to her speak so passionately about her field and work. She made the interview interesting and was a real character.

MY FAVORITE MEAL(S)

Vitello Tonne

MY CAPTURED MOMENTS

ADVICE FOR UPCOMING ITALIA DESIGN STUDENTS

Pack whatever you have--then cut it in half! Don't sweat being away from home for that long, once you go through the airport gates your worries will go away. Make sure you cherish every moment, you will want to remember it when you get home. Realize where you are and what you are witnessing at the time. Embrace the nightlife, you won’t find anything else like it back home. Take the time to realize you are living in these cities, and not just visiting them. Find things that take your breath away. It sounds corny, but when it happens, you’ll know what I mean.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

5th year SIAT student. NME and ID student.

CAREER GOALS AND INTERESTS

To work in the field, and then pursue a teaching career.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND

Born and raised in New Westminster. I have been at SFU Surrey for five years, after enrolling straight out of high school. Traveled to Italy once before.