Welcome to the Design Loop Roundup, Issue #5. This online space is dedicated to sharing, celebrating and collaborating on all-things-design.
Every few weeks, we compile highlights of the breadth of activity that takes place at the Wilson School of Design, and we are always reminded…there’s a lot to share!
We are a small but mighty design school and are continually inspired by our students, faculty, alumni and industry. Thanks for following us, and be sure to subscribe!
In This Issue
- Project Backpack
- Awards
- In The News
- Student Support
- Alumni Kudos
- Spotted on Social
- Recapped (Events & Happenings)
- Upcoming Events
- Scene and Heard
PROJECT BACKPACK
Serving our students in a way that provides them with meaningful opportunities for the future is not unlike the non-profit group we’re supporting this holiday season. Project Backpack is an initiative that is part of the non-profit group Help Youth Canada. This worthy organization was established over 17 years ago and has partnered with Covenant House. Both groups are committed to serving all youth with respect and love, to help youth experiencing homelessness and to protect youth in need.
- Did you know that as many as 40,000 young people experience homelessness in Canada every year?
- 20% of Canada’s homeless population consists of young people between the ages of 13 to 24
- At least 6,000 young people experience homelessness every night.
- Over 50% of homeless youth indicated that abuse at home contributed to their homelessness.
With Project Backpack, our goal is to fill 50 backpacks with essentials for youth in the Greater Vancouver area who are experiencing homelessness. We will be provided with the backpacks through the group at Project Backpack. On December 13th our faculty and staff will work together to package and organize delivery of these gifts of care and support. In partnership with local non-profit “Project Backpack”, packages will be delivered to Covenant House in Vancouver,
How to participate in Project Backpack?
Purchase items from a list provided and drop off at the WSD Dean’s Office until Monday December 12th.
Can I donate money instead?
Yes. We will use any cash contributions to purchase the remaining items not received from our list. Drop off any cash contributions to the WSD Dean’s Office or provide a cheque. Contact us for cash/cheque donations at Gabrielle.durning@kpu.ca
What to buy?
See the list of items most needed below. You can buy any quantity or combination of items you are able to. Feel free to provide items outside of this list, that you feel would be well-used by a youth.
- Toiletries
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Toothpaste (travel size preferred)
- Toothbrushes
- Deodorant
- Hairbrushes & Combs
- Hair Accessories
- Shaving cream
- Dental Floss
- Feminine Products
- Hand Sanitizer
- Socks
- Flashlights
- Sewing Kits
- Water bottles
- Gift cards (small denominations please)
- Umbrella
- Art Supplies
What about clothing?
Clothing is also welcome, new and/or gently used.
- Jeans
- Sweatpants
- T-Shirts
- Jackets
- Hoodies
- Rain Ponchos
- Toques
- Gloves
- Scarves
Who is Project Backpack?
Project Backpack(“PBP”) is a subsidiary of H.E.L.P. for Youth Canada Society. It is a community-based campaign that facilitates the hands-on charitable efforts of local schools, clubs, small and large companies who want to make a difference in the lives of Vancouver’s homeless youth. PBP offers a simple & low cost way to show empathy towards these vulnerable youth.
PBP donates the backpacks, then donors fill them with items that help street youth survive. These packs are delivered to various youth agencies in Vancouver for distribution and for your initiative the packs and contents will be delivered to Covenant House in downtown Vancouver.
Thank You In Advance!
The Wilson School of Design has a wonderful community of students, staff, faculty and alumni – people who don’t shy away from reaching out to those who need a helping hand. We appreciate everyone who is able to help in this way with a contribution large or small.
AWARDS
Congratulations to our Interior Design students for recently winning big at the AWMAC (Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada) Awards!
First Place: Jenna Harms
Honourable Mention: Alyssa Scott
Honourable Mention: Danielle Jamieson
IN THE NEWS
Our faculty are often contacted by media looking for an expert in a particular field. Thanks goes to Jessica Bayntun, Technical Apparel Design program chair and instructor in many areas for weighing in on the evolution of gender-neutral design. Check out the story below.
STUDENT SUPPORT
Danielle Jamieson, 3rd Year Interior Design Student
“Hello everyone, I’ve made a survey to conduct research for my interior design degree capstone project! Anyone can answer, though if you know any seniors or daycare-aged children, your input would be especially helpful.”
Student Advising Support
Our WSD Program & Degree Advisor, Gerri Wee, now has advising appointments on campus on Monday’s.
Please book a phone appointment through the online portal at Advisor Connect, which includes a variety of different options. To request an appointment with Gerri, you will need to:
- Log in to advisorconnect.kpu.ca
- Click “Search Availability”
- Choose “Degree Advising—Design” from the drop down list of advising units/student services
- Choose “Phone” or “KPU Richmond” as the location
- Select a date/time that works for you
If you need assistance with booking an appointment, please feel free to call 604-599-2828. This phone line is open 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
She can also be reached by email at designadvising@kpu.ca
Student Research and Innovation Grant
Calling Design Students – Funding Is Available!
Student Research and Innovation Grants (SRIG) are meant for KPU students to gain research and innovation experiences as part of their polytechnic university experience. In accordance with KPU’s Academic Plan, the fund will expand ways of learning by integrating learners into faculty-led and student-led research and innovation. It will foster experiential learning experiences which engage students in practical solutions for physical, social, and discovery challenges. Students undertake purposeful research and innovation while helping advance UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Testimonial from Product Design grad, Marie-Pier Alary who received funding from the SRIG:Marie-Pier R.A., Product Design
“The Student Research and Innovation Grant from KPU allowed me to push my research project further by allowing me to build my own testing machine and make numerous iterations to my prototypes, by having my own 3D printer and materials. Being able to source the right materials and equipment without worrying about my own savings was a tremendous help this term. There is something special when working on a project that you are passionate about and knowing that other people believe in your work. I am grateful for the help and support of KPU and my advisor Stephanie Phillips. I couldn’t think of a better experience for my last design and research project as a KPU student, as I will be graduating very soon.”
Learn more about the SRIG and how to apply here.
New Wilson School of Design Peer Tutor
The Learning Centre can be found within the library on campus.
You can book me at tlc.kpu.ca
Watch this quick video to learn how to use the website.
ALUMNI KUDOS
Kate Schreiner—2017 Fashion & Technology Grad
New Position—Manager, Raw Materials, Global Libraries Lululemon
Celeste Jhala—2020 Product Design Grad
New Position—UX Designer, Evans Hunt
SPOTTED ON SOCIAL
Grads Making Impact – Spaces Uncovered – Episode 9
Alexa Bustamante, 2014 Interior Design graduate and Director of Business Development at Contemporary Office Interiors, interviews Nick Desert, Associate Interior Designer at MCM Interiors on their upcoming workplace project for BDC in Vancouver, BC. Watch this episode to see how they designed BDC’s space to be a pilot centre for progressive working styles to incentivize their employees to interact from the new beautiful office.
Faculty In Industry – Alice Scheuerman
Many of our faculty work in industry as well as teach! Our students benefit from having instructors that are current, plugged in and up on the latest trends, practices and innovations. Alice Scheuerman is one of our newest faculty who teaches in our Fashion Marketing program. She is also an incredible photographer and producer who works with major brands in the city. Apart from her many accomplishments, Alice was recently nominated for the Vancouver Fashion Week’s Industry Originator Award in the photographer category. Check out her TikTok for lots of captivating behind-the-scenes photo shoots! And yes…she looks like a student, but, we promise, she isn’t!
Robert Douglas
Our students share their journeys online, and give us a sneak peek into their studies. LIke design itself, it’s a process! Robert is a Technical Apparel Design student, and we love following his social accounts!
“Coming from a background of industrial design, I often find myself approaching problems from a structural perspective. Though problems can often be rooted in systems outside of ourselves, looking at them from a structural perspective allows me to begin with the fundamental aspects of a design, then work outwards in a process that allows each design change to reflect its core purpose.”
RECAPPED
Pam Baker (Himikalas) – Indigenous Guest Speaker
On November 15th, the Foundations in Design program hosted program graduate and accomplished designer Pam Baker for an engaging presentation. The event was open to all students and Pam left the audience in total awe. Pam shared her journey to becoming a successful artist and designer, with emphasis on her heritage. Pam, an established and award-winning indigenous designer, artist and entrepreneur, spoke about her personal journey towards art and design, her work, as well as her experience as a fashion designer in North America. Pam is from Kwaguilth ancestry on her mother’s side, and from Sqaumish ancestry on her father’s. Many years ago, Pam began a lifelong search to provide First Nations people a stage to showcase their culture. Pam is a very busy woman. She is heavily involved in the upcoming Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week. “Promoting cultural appreciation and uplifting Indigenous designers on a global stage is at the heart of what motivates us at VIFW,” said Himikalas, Pam Baker, Squamish/Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw fashion designer and co-producer of VIFW. “It’s our duty to share our teachings to honour our ancestors, where we create a path towards understanding the designers. Our ways and art will not be lost.”
To learn more about Pam follow her Instagram account here.For tickets to the Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, visit this site here.
National Portfolio Day A Success!
We hosted our 3rd National Portfolio Day event on Saturday November 5th with great success. The only official National Portfolio Day event in Canada, outside of Toronto, we welcomed over 1000 people on campus and, the event ran smoothly from start to finish. Of those in attendance, 503 were students and approximately 500 parents/teachers/friends came to support their students. We are grateful to the 70+ student volunteers/staff who represented KPU so well and made all our guests feel welcomed. We were thrilled to host over 25 prestigious art/design schools from across North America and Europe. We also included the KPU Entertainment Arts team to represent their programs and meet with students to review their portfolios. A wonderful opportunity to build program awareness. Huge thanks go out to all the various KPU Departments involved in supporting this logistically complex event. We are happy to share a Photo Album of the event here.
“No comparison – the KPU Event is always over the top! Consistently a high-quality event every year and this year did not disappoint. I’ve attended many NPD Events but yours is by far the best run event.”
Joni Taylor, alberta university of the arts
Wilson School of Design Faculty Showcase
On Thursday November 17, our team hosted a virtual Showcase which introduced over 200 registrants to our programs. In total 8 information sessions were scheduled, as well as dedicated Zoom rooms for both domestic and international applicants on How To Apply.
We showcased our incredible campus, resources and numerous opportunities available. We also launched one of our newest productions, a tour of our campus and the incredible, advanced technology available to our students. Huge thanks to the KPU Community Engagement and Major Events Team for their support, and of course to our passionate faculty and staff who represent our programs so well.
Check out our Campus & Technology Tour here.
Interested to learn more about us? Register to access our Showcase Event here.
Alumni Chapter Hosts Fashion Panel Event
The Wilson School of Design Alumni Chapter hosted a sold-out event in Vancouver’s historic Heritage Hall on November 17th. The fashion-focussed panel included five accomplished grads from the Fashion & Technology and Fashion Marketing programs. Moderator Jessica Chauhan (2017 graduate/Fashion & Technology) led an engaging evening with the panel sharing their journeys as entrepreneurs in the local fashion industry. The night was a huge success with mixing and mingling and plenty of industry in attendance.
Speakers Included:
Jacci Rai
Alexandra Dean
Sara Jonsdottir
Dayle Wilnechenko
Julia Simpson
Moderator: Jessica Chauhan
UPCOMING EVENTS
WSD Hot Chocolate Bar
November 30 – 11:30am – 1:30pm
Calling all WSD students, staff and faculty! You’re in the home stretch before the holidays and the WSD Peer Mentor team want to share some sweet treats to help get you there. Stop by the 1st floor and indulge!
Indigenous Artisans Market
Saturday, December 3, 2022, 11 am – 3 pm
Bill Reid Gallery – 639 Hornby St.
The Bill Reid Gallery will be hosting an Indigenous Artisans Market where indigenous artists from around BC will be selling works in a variety of mediums including weaving, carving, jewelry-making, beading, painting, printmaking, and more! Over 20 Indigenous vendors will be selling their work. Bannock and refreshments will be served. ??
SCENE AND HEARD
This new Design Loop column features exclusive snaps of some of the most happening people found in the hall and studios of our campus (and sometimes beyond). Captured some behind the scenes photos yourself? Sharing is caring so send us your pics in our What’s The Scoop section. You just may be featured!
Left; Michael Pope, Middle: Sharon Greeno, Right: Jimmy Choi
