It’s not Pecha Kucha, the Japanese style of presentation in which a speaker is required to keep to 20 slides shown for only 20 seconds each—and then they’re done. Nor is it a TED Talk, which can run to 18 minutes. But the College of Design’s program “Design in 7,” during which seven Twin Cities makers, architects, developers, retailers and other design-related luminaries present the inside scoop on their practices in seven minutes, also keeps the conversation moving. It’s a relatively fast-paced evening with detailed doings from the design trenches.
Don't miss Jennifer Yoos, FAIA share her architecture perspective #D7in7! https://t.co/MxMa4JzUSH @VJAAinc pic.twitter.com/p75NswEHzX
— College of Design (@UofMDesign) April 4, 2016
The program on Wednesday, April 13, looks to be a lively one. And what variety! Anna Claussen, Director of Rural Strategies from the Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy is on the docket, as is Jennifer Yoos, FAIA, Principal/CEO of VJAA, the architecture firm that’s designed—among a slew of award-winning projects—the swanky new Walker Library on 28th and Hennepin, often referred to as Uptown’s living room.
Don't miss Brent Webb @shermanassoc—developer/yogi/father/snappy dresser— at #D7in7! https://t.co/rksZjFLH08 pic.twitter.com/DaYsVeARPQ
— College of Design (@UofMDesign) April 1, 2016
Brad Holschuh, a designer of “wearable technology” in the College of Design, will regale attendees with his stories, along with Wesley Uthus, owner of the Primp cheap-chic boutique. Brent Webb is a business development associate for Sherman Associates, one of the firms changing the North Loop neighborhood in Minneapolis with the adaptive reuse of warehouses into new apartment and condo buildings.
Hear Wesley Uthus's design perspective as entrepreneur @primpboutique #d7in7 https://t.co/MxMa4JzUSH pic:@lizarova pic.twitter.com/LWVpJKCVGG
— College of Design (@UofMDesign) April 7, 2016
Sharon Werner, founder and creative director for Werner Design Werks, explains in her company’s emphasis on brand storytelling, and Susan Weyandt, area healthcare manager for Steelcase, has a word or two on meeting the needs of patients and staff in new specialized healthcare facilities. Guest emcee, comedian Andy Erikson, will wrangle these cool cats—ensuring they stay within their seven-minute allotment—and keep egos in check!
“Design in 7: 7 Stories, 7 Minutes” is also in its 7th year. So show up early (doors at 6:30 p.m.; presentations begin at 7:00 p.m.) at the Coffman Memorial Union Theater for complimentary appetizers, a drink from the cash bar, and a chance to hobnob with this year’s presenters and returnees—as well as your fellow design enthusiasts. Tickets are $5 for U of M students, $15 for UMAA Members and $20 for General Admission. Register and purchase here.
By Camille LeFevre 
