Lakeland's interior design technology (IDT) students showcased their knowledge and skills at Lloydminster's largest tradeshow in March.

Second-year IDT students educated the public about kitchen and bathroom trends, and solutions at the 2019 Showcase's DIY stage, which was a valuable experience according to student Bret Hansen.

“We're used to presenting in front of our class, so to present a client project in front of an audience was a confidence booster because you get to be an expert for a day. It gives us an idea of what it would be like presenting our ideas to a client, to someone we don't know personally,” says Hansen. 

In separate teams, Hansen and her classmates utilized the Vermilion campus' innovative learning labs to create PowerPoint presentations ​about kitchen and bathroom trends. They also produced concept boards for a client looking to update their kitchen and bathroom. Hansen says her team shared each presentation in a 30-minute time slot.

“We each had an opportunity to talk about the different trends such as black mullions and floating vanities. We also shared some insight on Lakeland and the interior design program,” she explained. 

Hansen ​is excited about how this leadership experience helpedimprove ​her public speaking skills. She'll use this skill set when pitching projects to peers or clients in her interior design career.

“I love the idea of being able help people. As interior designers, we assist clients who either don't know how to fix things or go about a renovation, and they might not know what to do and how to start. I get to be the coordinator and help them figure out what works and what doesn't.”

Hansen has plans to fulfill her practicum requirement in the Calgary-area, after feeling inspired by the city during a field trip in her first-year of studies. 

Lakeland was invited back to the showcase this year after IDT instructor Rochelle Horne impressed last year's audience with two presentations that highlighted her students' work and 2018 design trends. Horne says they've already been asked to participate in 2020.

Photos: (Top-Bottom) Bret Hansen (left centre) with her classmates at the DIY Stage during the 2019 Showcase. Interior design technology students working on their presentations and concept boards. IDT students present the latest kitchen and bathroom trends.