Kate Ithurralde

Describe what you do for work and how your experience with it has been.

I am honored to serve as the manager of Art in Public Places for Salt Lake County Arts and Culture, responsible for stewarding a diverse program featuring over 700 distinctive public artworks. These works are thoughtfully curated into two distinct collections: the Visual Art Collection and the Percent for Art Collection. Pursuing this role has been a dream of mine since I first learned of it 15 years ago, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to now fulfill that dream.

How did you get your job?

I worked hard and networked with a lot of people in the arts community.

What inspires you/your work?

My job and coworkers.

How did you hear about MCAD?

Online search

Why did you choose to earn an MA at MCAD?

The Sustainable Design program encapsulated everything I had been seeking. Initially, I hadn't considered pursuing a master's program online, but my perspective shifted amidst the COVID pandemic when everything transitioned to online platforms.

What was your biggest takeaway from the program?

I've wrestled with learning disabilities for as long as I can remember, and the thought of attaining a Master's degree seemed like an insurmountable challenge. However, I persevered relentlessly throughout this program, and now, reflecting on the journey and the substantial body of work I've accomplished, I feel immensely proud of myself for pushing through to the finish line.

Secondly, my classmates were nothing short of incredible. Their boundless creativity and dedication to propelling our planet towards net zero emissions were truly inspiring. Throughout my studies, I found myself continually amazed by their support and innovative ideas.

Lastly, one resounding truth emerged: design holds the key to saving our planet. This conviction became increasingly evident as I delved deeper into the program and witnessed firsthand the transformative power of sustainable design. It's not just a possibility; it's a necessity.

What was the online education like?

As an established professional dedicating over 40 hours a week to my work, I initially embraced the online platform wholeheartedly. However, as the program progressed, the constant screen time became increasingly draining. Balancing eight-hour workdays in front of a computer, followed by evenings spent on coursework, took its toll, leaving my eyes fatigued from the prolonged screen exposure.

Moreover, my experience often hinged on the proficiency of the professors in utilizing tools like Canvas. While some instructors effortlessly facilitated the learning process, others seemed ill-equipped, leading to confusion and frustration among students.

How has the MA impacted your career/your life?

At this moment, I feel the need to step back from pondering how the MA program will influence my career trajectory. Taking a break to breathe in fresh air and reduce my screen time feels essential. I trust that after a few months of respite, I'll look back and recognize the profound impact this program has had on my life.

Moving forward, I anticipate that this program will significantly shape my career. I'm hopeful that the frameworks and tools I've developed through my thesis will prove invaluable in my professional endeavors.

How do you incorporate sustainability into your everyday life? What advice do you have for others to do the same?

Incorporating sustainability into my daily routine has been a journey of redefining norms and challenging conventional practices. Through my program, I've come to realize that merely aiming for sustainability sets the bar too low; what humanity truly needs is a radical shift in our way of living. While some of my efforts may seem small, like opting to walk to work, sipping coffee from reusable cups, and cultivating my own plants, I recognize the importance of these seemingly minor actions. However, I've also confronted more significant challenges, such as speaking out against workplace practices that contribute to unnecessary waste. When my workplace proposed ordering plastic swag for an event, I couldn't stay silent. I voiced my concerns and took action by procuring biodegradable buttons instead. While these actions align with my values, I understand the need to quantify their environmental impact through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a concept familiar to my fellow Masters colleagues. Nevertheless, addressing workplace waste remains an ongoing struggle.

What would you tell students considering pursuing an MA degree in Sustainable Design?

For students contemplating pursuing an MA degree in Sustainable Design, I recommend diving into the thesis projects of past students, readily available online. These projects offer invaluable insights into the program's focus and the types of work involved. However, it's crucial to understand the unique format of the thesis process. While completing mine fills me with pride, I admit it's an arduous journey I might not undertake again. The program's rhetoric about fostering creative leadership and flexibility can feel somewhat at odds with its rigid structure. While it claims to welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, the reality may make non-graphic designers feel like outsiders, as the emphasis on presentation aesthetics can overshadow other strengths. Be prepared for an intense workload; this program demands nothing short of dedication. To put it into perspective, the workload I encountered exceeded that of an MBA program at UCLA, according to someone I spoke with. Despite the challenges, I want to emphasize my genuine appreciation for the program's extensive reading material and the opportunity to showcase my work, which fills me with immense pride.