Member Name with Appellation(s): Dominick Hammer

Education: NDSU 2006. Bachelor Mass Comm. with minor in PR & Advertising

Employer with Location: J+J Flooring (Based in Dalton GA). Covering ND, SD, Western MN, & Manitoba

Years in Design: 14 years at J+J Flooring

Years in IIDA: 8 yrs between Northland and Great Plains Chapter

IIDA Great Plains Chapter City Center: South Dakota

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What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

“You can’t live your life expecting someone to give you gold/riches, you’ve gotta earn your own way in this world”

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What book is on your nightstand?

Comanche Moon by Larry McMurtry 

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Do you have anything in your home that you’ve designed/created?

The most recent is a custom length and height bar table and floating shelves made from the same slab of spalted maple. 

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Do you have any rules or philosophies that steer you in design and/or career?

“If you take good care of people, more often than not they’ll take good care of you in return”

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What are some of your favorite design related blogs and/or mobile apps?

Uncrate & Gear Patrol have great links and articles on Architecture, Fashion, Vehicles, Gadgets, &Home Goods. There’s great design everywhere, not just in the building industry. 

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What words of advice do you have for passionate interior designers early in their career?

Don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t know what you don’t know. That knowledge will come with experience and not being afraid to ask questions and seek help from those that have been there before and can help give you insight. 

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When needing a break from it all what helps you escape?

Driving. Out of city limits. Radio off. 

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How do you practice self-care?

Combat breathing helps with short term anxiety. Otherwise a good deep tissue massage every few months 

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What are the last five songs you’ve listened to?

The new Morgan Wallen album with some classic Rock mixed in. 

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How have you found IIDA invaluable?

For reps I’d say thenetworking and involvement in the design community through the events that arehosted. 

For designers it provides aplatform to offer access to the knowledge mentioned earlier by collaboratingwith other designers and attending CEUs and tours. 

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