First Recipient Of IFDA Educational Foundation Universal Design Grant Announced

Furniture World Magazine

The International Furnishings and Design Association Educational Foundation (IFDAEF) has awarded its first Universal Design Grant to Irma Laufer Dobkin of Bethesda, Maryland for her entry to write, edit and publish a photo-essay book entitled Gracious Spaces: Universal Design Principles in Practice. The panel of judges selecting the recipient of IFDAEF's Universal Design Grant included: Scott Ageloff, AIA, ASID, Dean of the New York School of Interior Design, Carlene Dockery, CKD, NKBA, past president of the Georgia Chapter of NKBA, Charles Gandy, FASID, IFDA, award-winning designer and principal of Gandy-Peace, Inc. The $2,500 grant, underwritten with an initial endowment by the IFDA Washington Chapter, was awarded at IFDAEF's first educational symposium in Charleston, SC in early November. As IFDA's philanthropic arm, the Foundation provides support for quality professional development, education, programs, research and service to the furnishings and design industries. The grant recognizes the increasing importance of Universal Design, the evolving discipline by which solutions are created, spaces are designed and products developed to meet people's needs throughout the challenges they may meet either through accident, aging or illness. Through this grant, the IFDA Educational Foundation intends to assist individuals involved with Universal Design who work independently in the areas of product development, design, education or marketing. "Universal Design is at its best when its concepts are incorporated as an essential part of all good design," explained Judy Rigby, FIFDA, IFDAEF Director of Grants. "It calls for creative, aesthetic, imaginative, functional and compassionate solutions that respect the human condition throughout life's continuum of abilities. The IFDAEF intends to assist those working to develop such Universal Design principles." IFDA is an international association of executives representing diverse industries related to residential and commercial furnishings and design. For more information on IFDA programs e-mail them at jennifer_lewis@dc.sba.com.