My Internship!

My Internship Summer 2009 at Susan Fredman Design Group in Chicago, Illinois

Week 1
My first week was pretty good...already picking out fabric and making real life design decisions. Everyone thinks I know nothing which is good cuz I can't really let them down and they are pleasantly surprised when I do know something… The Merchandize Mart, where all the design vendors and showrooms are, is right down the street. This gigantic building is the largest Mart in the world. I went a couple times this week and all by myself the first time, which surprised everyone. (Though it’s not hard if you can read a map) lolOn the second day: Design for Dignity…it’s this pro bono thing set up by Susan Fredman…a way to give back to the community, etc. We did this service project ( It was landscaping and planting gardens at this trouble youth center...turns out I was the only one who had any landscaping experience...So I was the one who everyone went to for questions and directions...it was good to have shown them I can handle leadership, etc. Even my bosses were asking me for help…neato. The commute isn't too bad. The train ride is 35 minutes and a 1.5 mile walk-30+ minutes. Overall so good so far...although it's definitely gonna be a long summer. Especially not getting paid!!

Week 2
Crazy week. Turns out I am a design assistant to like six or more designers. They all have little projects and things for me to do, so I am always busy. Despite the economy, Susan Fredman Design Group is doing really well. It’s fun to work on different projects.
I have become the mart runner, and an expert on the sixth floor of the Merchandise Mart. It’s a ton of walking, but I am learning so much about the different vendors and their different lines. I have even made several friends with sales reps and such.
Mostly, I have fallen in love with design again and the possibilities. There are so many things I love…chairs, fabric, etc. I wish I would have had a better idea of how much is out there for all the projects we did last year. I can’t wait to begin my own designing for real.
Neat things…
I met the owner of Burton James; he flew all the way from LA to do a short presentation for us.
All the fabric…the hundreds I’ve selected and searched for…are seven different color palettes for different rooms that will actually be in this expensive four story town house.

Week 3
Week three went really well. I am finally getting to know everyone's names and be comfortable with everything. I really like the people I work for. The diversity of skills and talents of the different designers I work with gives me a lot to learn from. I have already learned more about the business of design than I thought I would (one of my goals). This week I got to pick out tile at the tile gallery, which is only a couple of blocks away. Also, I spent several hours learning about and picking trim. We had several vendor presentations this week. I look forward to the vendor presentations...the usually mean catered lunch or snacks, plus I get to see all the new lines and stuff and learn how products work, etc.

Week 4
So this week has definitely been the best one for me so far. Mostly I feel like I really fit in now. I got to work for one of the older or more experienced designers. She let me sit in one of her client meetings..yay first one. It was pretty exciting. I couldn't just sit and watch though..I ended up commenting and saying my opinions on things. Both the client and designer seemed to be impressed and excited about my suggestions. So that was fun. Also, she had me draw up five different window treatment options. It was just like the way we did it for one room two ways..lol except on trace paper. I also did a little bit of photoshop. Another cool thing I got to do this week was design two different bed options for a bachelor. I think one of them may actually be built:) I used CAD for the first time when drawing them up. Its weird though...they only have CAD lite...aka no 3D. It’s funny where before in the first couple of weeks, I’d walk around the offices asking the designers if they needed help with anything, projects, etc. Now they are almost fighting over me. "Hey after you're done could you come find me? Etc " I like it…it makes me feel wanted. I can really see myself working here or a similar place in the near future. O also really good food this week at the lunch presentations. It's amazing how much money these companies will spend. I guess it’s really hard to get time here though. They have to book the presentations 6 months in advance. I think I am just barely getting to understand how big Susan Fredman is in Chicago. On the phone when I call to check on orders...they mention that we are VIP and they put me right through. Even at the mart, people treat me very well. I like it. Lol I'm glad I chose to work here.

Week 5
This week started out kinda rough. I was excited to move accessories into this house for the final installation and photo shoot. They said I would help move it there and set it up. But I spent the entire time, first bubble wrapping then moving it and un-bubble wrapping. By that point, there was no time left to set up. Lame. Just to miss the three different trains I usually take. And run ¾ mile just to miss the later train and have to wait 35 minutes for another. Brutal. You should have seen how close. The doors shut as I approached running.
Overall I have felt a little like a mover. I am learning a ton as I go and organize, but still. Free labor? Ugh
One really great thing though. The two bed designs I did got sent to Ron Fisher, a furniture company. He, Ron himself, liked both beds. We got the bids back. The bachelor will chose one of the two and it will probably be built. Cool huh?
I am also getting closer with the people at Susan Fredman. Making lots of friends and positive relationships. (Maggie the marketing intern and I especially.) The other intern left this week also. Good and bad news for me. People are saying they don’t want me to leave. It’s nice to be appreciated.
Tomorrow I am going to the wine tasting charity event for Designs for Dignity. Should be kinda fun.

Week 6
So this week was really great for me...Today I got hired to work for Susan Fredman, paid! , for the rest of the summer. They liked my work and value me enough they wanna keep me around. Things have really gone well. I have learned so so much. Working with the different designers and vendors has been so educational. I am excited to continue. Now I won't have to say goodbye to all my new friends yet. Plus I only have to be here part-time so I can still enjoy the summer and have time to be a tourist. This week was significant also because I am now working directly for Susan Fredman herself. She has me working on this bedroom for an old client. I am the only one working with her! So I am finding furniture, pricing, checking stock, printing the sheets for the client and her, etc. I already completed the first step...she said it was perfect. So I get to continue working with her :)Another thing that was exciting...I was able to completely transform, gut out, organize, and color code the carpet room. Lol that’s the good part about it being so messy...Everyone is very happy to see it and the change is huge...It looks like a completely different room.So definitely a good week. Hope everyone else’s went just as well. I can't wait to hear about it! Later