INDESIGN f e a t u r e. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Interview continuedGG: What does <strong>ASID</strong> have in store for students in <strong>2008</strong>?RCG: A new exciting program for students, Real World DesignWeek, will occur October 19-25 this year. It will be acomprehensive, nationwide program focused on career developmentfor our student members, offering both classroomand hands-on learning experiences to introducestudents to the real world of interior design. <strong>ASID</strong> studentmembers will participate in one-day shadow experiencewith <strong>ASID</strong> designer members and Industry Partners. Theshadow week will be book ended by a pair of online instructionalseminars-Prepare and Position-hosted by prominentguest speakers. Check for information on signing up atwww.asid.org and click on Real World Design Week. Weare so proud of Matthew Whittaker who came up with theidea for the program when he was on our National StudentAdvisory Committee.In April, we are launching a social network site called <strong>ASID</strong>Connex. On this site, members can start their own blogs orcategories of interest to talk to members all over the country.It is similar to Facebook, but for <strong>ASID</strong> members. We believethis will be a great tool for our student and professionalmembers to connect and discuss different areas of interest.The more we can connect our membership the more valuethere is for our members.GG: How did you become the National President of<strong>ASID</strong>? It is such a huge role to take on.What were the particular challenges you faced?RCG: When I became a professional member of <strong>ASID</strong>I became involved. I believe you have to give to get anythingout of any organization. I immediately becamechair of a committee in our chapter, then became thetreasurer of the <strong>Georgia</strong> chapter, then presidentelect,followed by president of our chapter. At thesame time I was chapter President-Elect, I was presidentof GAIDP and that was the year we finally passedthe law allowing interior designers to be registered in<strong>Georgia</strong>. I spent that year traveling all over the stateeducating designers about the legislation and seekingtheir help. I had to put the tools into their hands andteach them how to meet with their representativesand Senators. We won 98% to 2% and I realized Iworked too hard. I knew we had worked 13 yearswithout passing a law and wanted to be successfulthis time.After our law became effective, Governor Miller appointedme as the 1st interior designer to the Boardof Architects, which I served on for 10 years. Interiordesigners bring so much value to our world, yet our professionhas not been valued like architecture, medicine, and law.As president-elect of the <strong>Georgia</strong> chapter that year, as well Istarted attending national <strong>ASID</strong> meetings. I started meetingpeople from all over the US and was elected to the Leadershipof the Council of Presidents. Our group of 5 headed upthe Council of 48 chapter Presidents. We were responsibleto lead all of the national meetings, and help the presidentsdo their jobs well. After serving that term, I was elected tothe National Board of Directors twice and served or chairedseveral national councils.When I was asked to run for National President, while concernedaboutthe time itwould takeaway from mybusiness andfamily, I believedmy businesswasmatureenough to survive after 24 years in business. I also am fortunateto have John Guest, my husband, to work with meand he has taken the brunt of the work when I have beenaway so much this year. I am so fortunate to have him as apartner in life and work. He is passionate about excellent design,excellent client service, brilliant, and more than competentto lead our team with limited support from me.Being National President involves a lot of traveling as well asa lot of time every day. It is a three and half year commitmentof time to <strong>ASID</strong>, but an incredible opportunity to makea difference in our profession. I’ve met the leaders of our industryin all areas and am working to build bridges so we canall accomplish more together as we work to educate consumersabout the value of our work.GG: I had no idea the role of National President requiredthat much dedication. You must care a great deal about<strong>ASID</strong>.RCG: <strong>ASID</strong> is such an incredible organization. We have over40,000 members, we have an outstanding headquartersteam of about 50 people, we are financially stable with a lotof savings and investments, and have always been the leadersin our profession. We started the NCIDQ exam, westarted FIDER (now CIDA), we support and enable the majorityof the research about the value of our profession, we havea strong government and public affairs department that supportsall of the interior design coalitions all over the country,and so much more. I am humbled and honored to lead thisincredible organization.GG: You are obviously an extremely busy individual. What doyou do to reward yourself? What do you do during yourspare time?RCG: I absolutely have no time to do anything except to takecare of my little angels, help John run our business and seemy family occasionally. These little guys (Winston &Spencer) and my husband are the loves of my life. They areour children and they have no idea that they are dogs. Theyare spoiled rotten and they are so wonderful to have aroundthe office. Everything can get very tense when we have loomingdeadlines, yet no one can walk past these little guys withoutsmiling.GG: How is your own home and personal space designed?RCG: It’s actually the “Puppy House” now. I have somefriends who laugh at me saying we used to have the perfecthouse and then the puppies moved in. Now our home has tobe comfortable for the puppies. It is very eclectic; I alwaysthought it would be fun to have several homes, as one who appreciatesall types of design, traditional as well as contemporary,eclectic, etc. We have a mixture of contemporary,antiques, and early attic. One day I would love to design a perfecthome to support our current lifestyle with the puppies.s p r i n g s u m m e r 2 0 0 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
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