Collegiate Times

Kristina Danielyan, Sophomore majoring in Industrial Design, plots ideas to help improve literacy rates in the New River Valley.

‘Financial Concerns’

While one of their most important resources is the creativity and energy of their members, the studio still needs materials for models and potential products. Surprisingly, Post-it notes have proven a vital expense.

“[Post-it notes] are a really helpful thing to have going through this process of jotting down ideas,” said Kulikowski.”[Post-it notes are a] confined space, which forces you to focus your idea into something that’s short and clear. It’s something that’s really helpful to us, but they actually kind of cost a lot,” Kulikowski said. 

In order to cover expenses, the team can apply for a grant either through the school or through DFA headquarters. Also, tapping into what they know of an architecture student’s lifestyle, they plan on having late night bake sales for students working hard in studio.

The operating style of DFA, however, seems to make such obstacles inconsequential. Due to the focus on design and the process of creating solutions, the simple action of participating creates an impact.

“Not all of these projects have been huge successes,” Calvey said. “But they get you involved with the community in a different way, so it builds goodwill even if a project doesn’t come out of it.”

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A version of this article appeared in the Sep 27 issue of the Collegiate Times.