High Desert Design Council slates competition

Landscape designer Tanya Carlsen of Carlseng Designs understands each project is unique and has its own challenges and joys.

But, she said, there is always a solution.

“Sometimes the challenge is just to keep the creative juices flowing and to think around the challenge,” she said.

Charmaine Manley, owner and designer of Charmaine Manley Design, gets a kick out of seeing the creative uses people find for discarded items.

“When I was a kid, my mom had a coffee table made out of an old wooden door; complete with vintage hinges and knobs. I remember the delighted laughs when guests would see it for the first time, and inevitably knock on “the door.” It opened my eyes to the possibilities of reusing items, turning something old into something new,” Manley said.

As members of the High Desert Design Council, Manley and Carlsen appreciate good design and enjoy seeing what fellow designers – be they architects, interior, landscape, product, furniture or lighting – create using their imagination and exploring the possibilities of what makes good design.

“Good design is good design,” Manley said.

Along with her fellow HDDC members, Manley encourages designers to submit their work in the 2012 High Desert Design Council Competition. The first of its kind, Manley, who is the president of the group, said the competition aims to recognize designers and craftsmen whose work may not be recognized by other awards. The categories are Repurpose/Up-Cycle; Interior Design – Residential and Commercial; Landscape; New Construction; Remodel, Best Use of Technology; and Best Craftsmanship.

The High Desert Design Council is a nonprofit organization supporting the Central Oregon design community by providing educational, promotional and professional events. Interior Designers & Decorators, Architects & Building Designers, Builders, Landscape Architects & Designers, Artists and Industry Partners are encouraged to join.

The High Desert Design Council provides comprehensive information and professional support to its members and to improving the living environments for Central Oregonians. The HDDC offers design professionals a platform to cultivate knowledge and maintain high standards of design and quality.

Members enjoy learning from one another as well as visiting each other’s workshops. They also do philantronpic work.

All types of design are considered equal in the competition, Manley said.

“Take a look around at your studio and find the brilliant idea a client rejected or take a picture of the furniture you created from recycled materials,” Manley said. “We are excited to see the creativity we know is all around us in Central Oregon.

The competition is open to residents of Crook, Deschutes or Jefferson counties. The deadline to submit entry form and fee is noon Friday, Aug. 24. The registration form can be downloaded at www.thehddc.com.

The cost is $25 for HDDC members and $50 for nonmembers. The cost for those who register between Aug. 24 and Sept. 15 is $35 for HDDC members and $75 for nonmembers.

Emailed submissions are due before midnight on Sept. 14. Contestants’ presentation boards are due by noon Oct. 5 and awards will be presented Oct. 9.