
On Sept. 18-19, 2014, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) is bringing together 100 of the design industry’s top students and emerging professionals for our fourth annual GO PRO/NYC. Developed exclusively for emerging design professionals, GO PRO/NYC connects leading design practitioners with rising talent and provides education to help jumpstart careers in design.
The PRO Bono segment of the program, one of the pillars of GO PRO/NYC, aims to inspire new interior designers to volunteer and become involved in social service programs.
One of the Society’s primary goals is to continually educate ASID members about the many opportunities available for designers to give back to their communities. That’s why we’re proud to welcome two experts from Make It Right to present this year’s PRO Bono session, “Transforming Communities Through Design,” at GO PRO/NYC.
Make It Right was founded in 2007 by Brad Pitt after witnessing the lack of rebuilding in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, two years after Hurricane Katrina. Its mission is to prove that high-quality, green housing can be built affordably. Seven years after Katrina, Make It Right has built 100 homes in New Orleans and all have earned LEED Platinum certification.
Jordan Pollard and Cesar Rodriguez have been instrumental in making the vision of Make It Right a reality. Rodriguez was part of the first group of contractors in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. At GO PRO/NYC, both will share their personal stories and discuss the newest Make It Right project at the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana.
As Make It Right’s Research, Design and Development manager, Jordan Pollard works with the Construction team to develop cost appropriate design and construction methodologies. He also works on the organization’s Library and Laboratory, two new platforms for sharing lessons learned and the technical aspect of the foundation’s work with a broader audience. With 10 years’ experience in architecture, fabrication and construction, Pollard previously worked with the executive architect for the Make It Right project, John Williams Architects and at William McDonough + Partners.
Cesar R. Rodriguez coordinates product donations and construction services for Make It Right. He is a second-generation contractor with more than 10 years’ experience in construction management. Rodriguez is a graduate of the University of Houston with a major in Political Science. In 2013, he was honored by Building Design & Construction magazine in as one of its ”40 under 40.”
To meet Jordan Pollard and Cesar Rodriguez and learn firsthand how giving back has enriched their lives personally and professionally, join ASID at GO PRO/NYC. Tickets are available now for this exclusive event. Register today and be part of the 2014 GO PRO/NYC 100.