I have discovered a real love for teaching. There is still much for me to learn, but I truly enjoy the interaction with the students as they increase their knowledge and develop their skills. I am currently in my twelfth semester of teaching at ACU and have taught 18 courses during that time out of 34 total offerings. That means I have repeated only 47% of my course content during the past five+ years. In other words, over half of my classes have been taught once only. I am uncertain how unique this is throughout the university, but I can say confidently that my delivery of a course is much more successful after at least three offerings. In some cases, I picked up a course for colleagues on leave; others I agreed to teach for a variety of reasons (CORE for example). All of the courses I teach are only offered once a year, with the exception of Cornerstone. A few of the courses are new ones I developed and have just been offered in the past year, but will continue to be part of my course load in the future. I value the learning gained from each course taught and feel it has helped determine my strengths. With that said, I feel having more consistency in the courses I teach will continue to make me a better teacher. This is most evident to me when I consider the course I have taught the most, ART 353: Identity & Brand Design. I have taught this course a total of six times, one of those being a summer offering. Like most of my classes, the first year was spent trying to keep my head above water. During the second year I was able to get a few steps ahead, and by the third year I felt fairly confident in my delivery. The years that followed allowed me the freedom to go back and rework projects, consider other options and additional possibilities. I was no longer burdened with the fundamentals of the course and was free to explore ways to make it even better. My goal is to get to this point with all of my classes, but that will require me to teach them repeatedly over several years.
I am one of four faculty in our department involved with the CORE curriculum, and have been since 2010. I have been teaching CORE 110: Cornerstone since the beginning in fall 2010 and co-taught CORE 120: Identity with Drs. McKelvain and Heflin during spring 2011. I feel my involvement in the CORE reflects an interest in interdisciplinary collaborative efforts at ACU, and is another way our department stays connected with the university as a whole. In 2012, I was part of a team researching intentional communities across North America (see the scholarship section for more information). The research completed and the evidence compiled will fit well in CORE 210: Identity & Community and several professors that teach the course have expressed interest in using the resources we have made available.
COURSES TAUGHT
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>> Link to Supplemental Evidence = Syllabi, Assignments, Student Work and Evaluations
* New course I developed
** Significant course revisions
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DSGN 141: Introduction to Interior Design // Spring 2008
Course Description: Exploration and application of interior design theory and design process techniques using problem solving methodology with emphasis on human needs, values, context, and resources. Creative application of design principles for planning and furnishing interior environments.
DSGN 202: Fundamental Design II* // Fall 2013
Course Description: Fundamentals of design concepts and processes through place-making and universal design. Human factors, building envelope and spatial development applied to varied building typologies. Design responses informed by historical and contemporary precedents.
>> Link to Supplemental Evidence
DSGN 211: Design Drawing II** // Fall 2012
Course Description: Development of design drawing and rendering skills to illustrate interior and architectural concepts. Emphasize color, value, tone and presentation.
>> Link to Supplemental Evidence
DSGN 242: Interior Design 2 // Fall 2008-2009, 2011
Course Description: Creative and technical problem solving relative to various residential or commercial interior applications including special needs of children, handicapped, and elderly. Space planning, working drawings, elevations, finish schedules, and budgeting.
>> Link to Supplemental Evidence
DSGN 245: Digital Design Communication // Spring 2008
Course Description: Processes and procedures for studying and communicating spatial design ideas utilizing digital media.
DSGN 248: Visual Presentation Graphics // Spring 2010-2011
Course Description: Development of visual presentation illustrating interior design concepts and solutions. Rendering with color and tone.
>> Link to Supplemental Evidence
DSGN 251: Construction I* // Fall 2013
Course Description: Introduction to building construction materials, methods and structures, as well as building envelope performance and sustainability considerations.
>> Link to Supplemental Evidence
DSGN 341: Architectural Design 1** // Fall 2008-2011
Course Description: Introduction to the principles and methods of spatial design analysis and synthesis processes. Development of skills for two- and three-dimensional design with emphasis on abstraction, transformation and composition.
>> Link to Supplemental Evidence
DSGN 346: Interior Components // Fall 2009
Course Description: Selection and specification of interior materials and finishes based on performance, decision-making criteria, resources, and estimating processes. Writing Intensive Designation.
DSGN 402: Design, Construction & Details for Interiors* // Spring 2013
Course Description: Students demonstrate comprehensive understanding of interior design, responding to contemporary issues such as socio-economic, cultural and environmental factors. Team-based project for a residential or commercial typology. Emphasis on research, programming, regulatory criteria, contract documents and coordination with other disciplines.
>> Link to Supplemental Evidence
DSGN 442: Architectural Design 2 // Fall 2008 & 2010 / Spring 2012
Course Description: Exploration of design skills with practical emphasis on drawing and modeling to achieve inquiry, form, transformation, composition and spatial modulation.
>> Link to Supplemental Evidence
DSGN 448: Advanced Design // Spring 2009
Course Description: Students demonstrate competency skills in capstone course with solutions to a residential or commercial design project. Includes research, client interaction, and contract documentation presentation. Computer aided drafting lab format.
DSGN 463: Field Experience // Fall 2012-2013
Course Description: Supervised work experience in a business, agency, or organization appropriate to the student’s area of specialization. Minimum of 160 hours experience in the field required, plus one-hour seminar per week.
ART 352: Digital Graphic Techniques // Summer 2008 / Spring 2010
Course Description: An introduction to computer aided design with emphasis on InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. Continuing emphasis on problem solving in relation to electronic message making.
ART 353: Identity & Brand Design** // Summer 2008 / Spring 2008-2012
Course Description: Examination of problems and the possibilities of using design to interpret information. Special emphasis is given to the development of logos and trademarks. Exploration of how complex concepts and abstract ideas can be made visible and understandable to an audience.
>> Link to Supplemental Evidence
ART 490: 3D Modeling* // Summer 2009
Course Description: An introductory course focused primarily on the creation of three-dimensional forms, ranging from sculptural to architectural, using digital tools. In addition to modeling, a brief portion is spent on lighting, material rendering and animation.
>> Link to Supplemental Evidence
CORE 110: Cornerstone // Fall 2010-2013
Course Description: Engage first semester students in thinking about the ideas which shape our current and future views of ourselves, our communities, and the cosmos. Special attention is given to a Christian perspective on liberal education as a foundation for life-long integration of faith, ideas, and action.
CORE 120: Human Person & Identity // Spring 2011
Course Description: Addresses the question of identity or the self through a variety of approaches from the humanities, fine arts, and theology, asking students to consider and begin to articulate their own developing sense of identity.
>> Link to Course Blog
INDEPENDENT STUDIES & HONORS PROJECTS
Honors Contract // Spring 2013 (in progress)
Guided Study: Architectural Drawing / Student: Michael Ferguson
ART 490: Advanced Studio Problems // Fall 2012
Advanced Identity & Brand Design / Student: David Singer
>> Link to David’s Website – Personal Brand Identity Project developed in ART 490
ART 490: Advanced Studio Problems // Fall 2012
3D Architectural Modeling / Student: Graeme Williams
Honors Capstone // AY 2011-2012
Furniture Design & Fabrication / Student: Haley Buffington
>> Link to Student Work
Honors Contract // Spring 2012
Exhibit / Student: Haley Buffington
Honors Contract // Spring 2012
Exhibit / Student: Lisha Cottrill
Honors Contract // Spring 2012
Community Outreach / Student: Lisha Cottrill
Honors Colloquium // Fall 2011
Relocalization: Going Old School to Make a New World
Co-taught with Dr. Jon Camp, Assistant Professor / Communication
>> Link to Course Blog
ART 490: Advanced Studio Problems // Spring 2009
Environmental Graphics & Wayfinding / Student: Jenny Tenbush
Honors Contract // Spring 2008
Guided Study: Advanced Graphic Design / Student: Laura Brokaw
CONTINUING EDUCATION
In order to maintain my license to practice architecture in the state of Texas, I am required to complete twelve continuing education units (CEUs) per year. (Prior to 2013, the state requirement was 8 CEUs per year.) All units must be in the area of health, safety and welfare, three must focus on sustainable design and one on accessibility. The American Institute of Architects (AIA), the national organization for architects, requires 18 CEUs per year.
Since 2004, I have been a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional). “LEED is transforming the way we think about how our buildings and communities are designed, constructed, maintained and operated across the globe.” It is a “green building tool that addresses the entire building lifecycle recognizing best-in-class building strategies.” (usgbc.org/LEED) In order to maintain my status as LEED AP with a specialty in Building Design & Construction, I am required to complete 30 CEUs related to sustainable design and construction every two years. I completed my first cycle of LEED-related CEUs in spring 2013.
While continuing education is required for me to maintain licensure, it is vital for me, both as a professional and an educator, to keep up with the latest developments in the design and building industry. Like many industries, architecture and design changes rapidly, especially considering the use of technology and innovative construction methods and materials. I regularly incorporate information gained through professional development opportunities into the classroom, such as information and photographs of contemporary buildings across the country. Sustainability in design and construction is a passion of mine and something I continually integrate into my course and project delivery.
Following are links to my continuing education transcripts since arriving at ACU in 2008*:
*Note: Some credits may not be shown on the AIA transcripts because they were self-guided or achieved through alternate methods and subsequently approved. (Ex. 2010 & 2011 years I received multiple credits for my participation in the Ghost International Architectural Laboratory.)
Following are a list of conferences/conventions I’ve attended for continuing education and professional development purposes:
CEUs through Local AIA Chapter // Abilene, Tx / 2008-Present
Greenbuild International Conference & Exposition // San Francisco, CA / Nov. 2012
Funded by ACU’s College of Arts & Sciences Professional Development Program
AIA National Convention // Washington D.C. / May 2012
Funded by ACU’s College of Arts & Sciences Professional Development Program
Ghost International Architectural Laboratory // Nova Scotia, Canada / June 2010
Funded by an ACU Adams Center Summer Stipend
College Art Association National Conference // Chicago, Il / Feb. 2010
Funded by ACU’s College of Arts & Sciences Professional Development Program
AIA National Convention // San Francisco, Ca / May 2009
Funded by ACU’s College of Arts & Sciences Professional Development Program
AIA National Convention // Boston, Ma / May 2008
Funded by ACU’s College of Arts & Sciences Professional Development Program
OTHER TEACHING RELATED ACTIVITIES
Document & Display // 2008-Present
Assist in the selection and coordination student work displayed in the Don Morris building.
Collect & Archive // 2008-Present
Exemplary student work is collected and archived for use as reference for future classes and accreditation purposes. Much of the work is uploaded to the Department’s Flickr site as an easily accessed digital archive.
Mentoring: Letters of Recommendation // 2008-Present
I have written letters of recommendation for 20+ students during my time at ACU. Most of the letters were for an application to graduate school, several for scholarships and a few for portfolios and job applications. I’m pleased to say that 100% of those applying to graduate school, most of which are Master of Architecture programs, were accepted.
Award: Mentoring // June 2013
Received an Exceptional Leadership and Dedication award from ACU based on the recommendation of scholarship recipient Morgan Hudson. >> Link to award letter
Mentoring: Instruction // Spring 2011-2013
Provided Revit (architectural design software) tutorials for Professor Rama’s DSGN 245: Digital Design Communication class. Tutorials were provided over the course of two class periods typically.
Class Field Trips // Spring 2013
Led seven field trips for DSGN 251: Construction I to multiple fabrication shops and construction sites. These were guided tours and the students were required to document the processes observed in a single-page journal entry with both drawings and text. Various locations including Abilene, Leuders and Mineral Wells, Tx.
Mentoring: Instruction // 2010-2013
Demonstrated documenting/photographing work for portfolios to students on multiple occasions. Typically, these sessions happened outside of class meeting times.
Award: Mentoring // August 2012
Received an Exceptional Leadership and Dedication award from ACU based on the recommendation of scholarship recipient Breanna Barrow. >> Link to award letter
Lecture // Feb. 1, 2012
Guest lecture entitled “Self-Portrait: Reflection of an Artist” to Professors Riley and Heflin’s CORE 120: Identity class.
Lecture // Oct. 29, 2011
ACU held its first holistic mission workshop at ACU’s Rhoden Farm. I presented a lecture titled “Stewardship of Housing” that discussed alternative models of living that place an emphasis on smaller footprints and shared resources. Dr. Kent Smith (GST), Dr. Monty Lynn (COBA), Dr. Jim Cooke (AES) and Dr. Michael Nicodemus (AES) also presented at the workshop.
Class Field Trip // Abilene, Tx / Spring 2011
Took design students to Bar Naked Soap for project research. Student learned about the process of making soap and discussed brand ideas with the client.
Class Field Trip // Abilene, Tx / Fall 2008-2011
Took design students to the North Park Development for project research. Student walked the neighborhood, documented existing houses and noted environmental conditions.
Class Field Trip // Cedar Gap, Tx / Fall 2010
Took students to a micro-house for project research. Students were guided through the house and grounds by the homeowner and designer, Blake Smith.
Class Field Trip // Cross Plains, Tx / Spring 2010
Took design students to Slowpoke Farm for project research. Students learned about the farm’s operations and discussed brand ideas with the client. It was very cold, so we drank a lot of tasty hot apple cider.
Mentoring: Workshop // Spring 2009-2010, 2012-2013
Conducted portfolio design workshops for Interior Design and Architecture students. Provided examples of portfolios, discussed organization and design approaches, and provided software tutorials.
Class Field Trip // Fort Worth, Tx / Fall 2008
Took students to the Fort Worth Museum District for guided tours of the Kimbell and Modern Art Museums for project research. This was a really fun trip and I keep telling myself I need to do it again!
Class Field Trip // Cedar Gap, Tx / Fall 2008
Took design students bird watching for project research. Students were in the process of designing birdhouses, so this was an attempt to understand their clients.
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