Teaching Leadership Portfolio
Pamela Lindeback Educator

Pamela Lindeback Educator
MFA in Interior Design
Florida State University 2024
BFA in Interior Design
Art Institute of Jacksonville 2013
AS in Commercial Art
Remington College 1994
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Interior Architecture and Design
Florida State University 2022-2023
IND4243 Studio IV Healthcare
IND3440 Furniture Design
IND 3533 Portfolio Development II
IND3533 CAD I
IND1204 Design Fundamentals
Adjunct Professor
Art Institute of Jacksonville 2013
INTA202 Presentation Techniques
INta252 Lighting Design
"Pam played a pivotal role in transforming my vision for BeWell into a cohesive and impactful design. Through her expertise in graphic design, she not only guided the development of the logo, colors, and branding but also emphasized how thoughtful design can deeply influence how users connect with and experience the space." Student permission 2024. Chyna Yates. Florida State University. Studio IV.
Throughout my career, I have worked with diverse interior design clients to bring their visions to life. This experience has taught me the importance of listening and staying open to the identities and experiences of others and collaborating with a wide team of professionals involved in construction projects.
As an educator, I want to understand myself and the impact of belonging to provide more responsive and courageous classroom conversations to benefit not just students but society in whole (Talusan, 2022, p. 6). I strongly believe in identifying real world design experiences and challenges with academic instruction to offer students a rich combination of theory and career perspective. I am a lifelong learner and aim to inspire my students to pursue creativity, their own research and curiosity beyond the classroom with passion.
Having earned my MFA in Interior Design at age 50, I understand firsthand that an instructor’s level of preparedness, organization, engagement and presence can motivate students to do their best work, whether in-person or online. I strive to provide a studentcentered and inclusive learning experience that considers identity,
Assistant: Furniture
Design, 2023
intellect, criticality and joy, encouraging active participation, and framing standards to develop more than just skills (Muhammad, 2023, p. 47). I strive for students to have positive mental health outcomes after my class.
Group work, though sometimes challenging due to varying skill levels, can be a valuable learning experience. I carefully help students navigate group dynamics by identifying tasks and offering time management strategies to ensure meaningful participation and encouraging true intelligence in student’s ability to solve problems.
Aligning my teaching to Stobaugh’s Habits of Mind, I integrate software technology and innovative teaching methods to enrich the learning experience. Authentic learning happens when students are comfortable asking questions and probing with peer and professor responses of wonderment and awe, humor, listening with understanding and empathy, thinking flexibly and modelling the management of impulsivity. My approach emphasizes crossdisciplinary collaboration, service learning, and community engagement, combined with an iterative design thinking process.
Studio IV Healthcare: Graduate Teacher’s Assistant, 2022
This method fosters empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing, enabling students to address complex design challenges with creativity and critical thinking.
Being able to successfully access, analyze, evaluate and communicate messages in a variety of forms supports critical thinking (Stobaugh, 2019, p. 24). As an adjunct professor at the Art Institute, in 2016, I brought my Presentation Techniques class to Gresham Smith, a commercial Interior Design/Architecture firm in Jacksonville, FL. Students were exposed to a commercial studio setting and a formal presentation from one of the designers. I worked closely with students to build confidence by validating their voices in their verbal storytelling and digital presentation techniques needed for effective interior design presenting.
Additionally, I place high value on assessment and feedback to track student progress and guide improvement. The language we use during critiques is crucial to building confidence, and if a student is struggling, I ensure they receive additional support. I prioritize
creating a strong sense of community in the classroom, encouraging collaboration over competition. By fostering an environment where students can inspire and help each other, I believe we create the best conditions for growth and learning.
Inspiration and creativity can be enhanced in the technical delivery of interior design standards in studio settings. I advocate for a collaborative teaching approach that integrates knowledge from various disciplines, providing a broader understanding of complex issues and highlighting design’s impact on other fields. Teaching presents opportunities to harness research and writing skills, ensuring a well-rounded education.
With my education and background in graphic design, I believe that instructional content, such as PowerPoint presentations, should be visually stimulating. As technology evolves, I stay curious and incorporate interactive, multimedia tools like Miro boards, e-portfolios examples, infographics, and digital storytelling through video to inspire engagement in the classroom.
As a Graduate Teacher’s Assistant in 2022 in the Healthcare Studio class, I presented on the critical role of wayfinding design in enhancing the wellbeing of patients and visitors in healthcare settings. During stressful or vulnerable moments, clear and effective wayfinding is essential to guide individuals through complex spaces, reducing anxiety and confusion.
This presentation emphasized the importance of environmental graphic branding in healthcare wayfinding. It explored how the thoughtful use of signage, visual cues, and spatial organization can create a calming, navigable environment. By applying relevant codes and industry standards, I demonstrated how well-designed
wayfinding can improve the overall user experience, making healthcare facilities more intuitive and supportive for all users. The incorporation of universal design principles also ensures accessibility for diverse populations, including those with disabilities, while improving staff efficiency and reducing operational disruptions
To further enhance the presentation, I generated AI images using NightCafe to visually demonstrate the potential of this technology in creating your own images. As part of this discussion, we also explored the copyright considerations surrounding AI-generated content and the implications for designers when creating images online.
Material culture, in the context of interior design, encompasses the physical objects, resources, and spaces that shape and reflect cultural identity. In Finland, where I was born, material culture is deeply rooted in the country’s design philosophy, which prioritizes simplicity, functionality, and a strong connection to nature
Marimekko, one of Finland’s most iconic design houses, exemplifies these principles. Founded in 1951, Marimekko is known for its bold, nature-inspired patterns, vibrant colors, and innovative textiles that blend tradition with modernity. Its designs often draw from Finnish nature, folklore, and everyday life, offering timeless yet contemporary pieces. One notable aspect of Marimekko’s influence on material culture is its iconic dresses. This one, with pockets, a progressive design element not only embraced practicality but also became a statement for women’s equal rights and the freedom to make choices in life.
I was invited to present this topic during a History of Interior Design class in 2023, highlighting how Marimekko reflects these values and offers a powerful fusion of design and social progress. Through Marimekko’s products, designers can bring a sense of creativity, functionality, and cultural depth into modern interiors while respecting the practical minimalism that defines Scandinavian design
Preserving native habitats is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems. During this presentation, I emphasize the importance of inclusive biophilia in community design, which asserts that experiencing nature can improve our well-being. We can cultivate a sense of belonging to this world by fostering a deep connection with nature.
As a researcher, I study the importance of access to nature as a fundamental human right. The power of nature can greatly affect our mental health, hobbies, travels, homes, and workplaces. Our survival as a species is derived from our connections with the landscape, animals, and water sources. Believing in something greater than ourselves can help us work together - awe and nature have brought people together to accomplish incredible feats, from universities to symphonies to voyages to the moon.
Nature is a quiet space where we can hear ourselves think. We use biophilic design principles to bring nature into our surroundings and create spaces that feel alive and inspiring. One of the most significant challenges of our time is to incorporate the benefits of nature into the design of contemporary buildings, landscapes, communities, and cities. But why do we crave these connections? Structures, landscapes,
and places within nature strengthen emotional connections to us and others. It's better to have a genuine experience with nature than a fabricated or forced one.
Regardless of socioeconomic status, spending time in nature and connecting with it can significantly enhance our well-being. We all deserve the privilege of experiencing the amazement and peace of being surrounded by native wildlife. The social determinants of health play a role in development; unfortunately, nature is often left behind. We must ask hard questions about gentrification, discrimination, spatial disadvantage, and healthy housing. By studying history, we can understand how to move forward. As more land is developed, more native nature disappears. Who is the voice of nature? Who is the voice for disadvantage?
It's rare to be able to take a walk in a community where native nature still exists. You can learn more about yourself on a walk through the woods than in any busy place. Developers must know the natural setting and how it can best support human well-being. This applies not just to luxury developments but also to affordable housing. Nature is an equalizer, and we need it to sustain us. The wonder of nature acts as a healer and needs our attention.
Collaborating closely with the interior design department chair in 2011-2013 as her paid assistant, I helped promote the Interior Design program through various channels, including ASID, IIDA, MOSH, student exhibits in the community, and in-house portfolio shows and displays across campus. I created graphic design materials that provided a glimpse into our programs, faculty, and student competitions at the Art Institute of Jacksonville. Additionally, I supported the IDSO’s calendar of activities and funding initiatives. I also developed a CSI format for the material library and led workshops on materials, enhancing students’ understanding and engagement with design resources.
As president of the IDSO and IIDA Student Chapter in 2012, I organized a successful student trip to Miami, Florida, for a group of interior design students. I designed personalized business cards for each student to facilitate networking at the HD Boutique Hospitality Conference. Additionally, I secured funding for accommodations and meals through the Art Institute, ensuring an inclusive and enriching experience for all participants.
Art Institute of Jacksonville
In 2011, I was asked by the professor to lead the final project for the Human Factors class at the Art Institute of Jacksonville, focusing on integrating researched human factors into campus interior design. Our team programmed all departments, developed wayfinding systems, and designed branding and repurposed spaces, including the library and new workstations for studio classrooms, along with proposed art installations. The project culminated in a presentation to the school’s president and administration, where each student contributed their level of design assistance
“Let’s develop your style” Habitat for Humanity
New Habitat homeowners in Jacksonville, FL were invited to join a virtual Zoom discussion I facilitated on interior design in 2021 learning how to cultivate their personal interior design style. The session introduced basic design principles, while fostering an open dialogue where participants explored ways to tell their narratives through their living spaces, deepening their connection to their homes. Emphasizing creativity, upcycling, and thoughtful spatial planning, the workshop guided homeowners in making design choices that reflect their individuality and budget. By providing inclusive, practical tips on incorporating color, texture, and layout, the program empowered participants to transform their homes on a budget, instilling a sense of ownership and pride
Saturday, June 19, 11am
Discussion event registration to get the Zoom link
https://cerv.is/m?0247x181
www.pamelalindeback.com
FABRIC FURNITURE ROOM REFRESH
LIGHTING PRINCIPLES
WINDOW TREATMENTS ART | WALLCOVERINGS | PILLOWS | ACCESSORIES GREENERY | HARDWARE
PINTEREST BOARD
SHOPPING RESOURCES
Artpod, a program I started in 2010 with the support of the PFSOTA PTA in Jacksonville, FL, and parent volunteers, introduces students to a variety of art forms, including interior design, photography, abstract art, printmaking, installation art, mural making, movement and dance, and outdoor free play. Meeting once a month, the program features professionals and parent volunteers who demonstrate how art can evolve into a career. Through engaging, hands-on projects, students explore creative expression while discovering exciting opportunities in the world of art and design.
Muhammad, G. (with Williams, P.). (2023). Unearthing joy: A guide to culturally and historically responsive teaching and learning. Scholastic Inc.
Rubin, R., & Strauss, N. (2023). The creative act: A way of being. Penguin Press.
Stobaugh, R. (2019). Fifty strategies to boost cognitive engagement: Creating a thinking culture in the classroom. Solution Tree Press.
Talusan, L. (2022). The identity-conscious educator: Building habits & skills for a more inclusive school. Solution Tree Press.