Business Partnership Profiles

newmanArchitecture
Hosts Naperville
North Students

Sixteen Naperville North High School students realized a practical application for their geometry, art and communication studies during a hands-on field trip to newmanArchitecture in Naperville on May 9. After an overview of the architecture and interior design fields by Licensed Interior Designer and newmanArchitecture Principal Dawn Ruth, students were challenged to produce a dog house of their own unique design. Working from architectural drawings they created, students then fashioned three-dimensional cardboard models built to scale. Three students’ creations were selected for recognition by the group, and all students presented the results of this project to the public during a Celebration of Learning hosted by NNHS on May 23.

This is the third year that newmanArchitecture has hosted this event, which Ruth feels is time well-spent. “I think it is important for students to understand the skills they develop in high school will help them in the future, no matter what career they select,” she explains. “When I went to college I majored in art and had no idea how I was going to earn a living. I was lucky that one of my professors in college helped me find a career where I could use my creativity and earn a living. I absolutely love my job and hope I can help at least one student find a career about which he or she can be passionate.”

Chuck Newman, president of newmanArchitecture, adds that the benefits aren’t just for the students, but for their architectural mentors as well. “It’s gratifying to see what fun the students have working on these projects and to help them realize the talent and ability they have,” he notes. “Their enthusiasm is contagious and reminds all of us about how rewarding and how much fun our job as architects and designers really is.”

“Many of the students didn’t think it was going to be a fun day when they left school that morning,” notes NNHS Mathematics Coordinator Karen Canty, who accompanied students on the field trip. “But later they reflected that they had a great time and all learned many useful ideas. Dawn always does such a nice job of inspiring the students to consider these wonderful fields of study, and I know it was helpful to hear from an intern as well.”

Founded in 1982, newmanArchitecture offers professional architectural and interior design services that incorporate the art, the science and the profession of designing buildings, specializing in educational, religious, municipal and corporate projects. For further information call 630-420-1600 or visit www.newmanArchitecture.com.