IU cross-country runner looks beyond the finish line to a career in interior design

The Design for Impact Challenge, a collaborative event bringing together students from George Fox University's interior design program and Portland State University's architecture program, showcased real-world design experience. Held at BORA Architects' Portland office, the event partnered students with industry leaders and higher education design programs. The challenge required teams, each comprising interior design and architecture students, to design a new entry and classroom space for a high school in Southern California. Each team was also paired with an industry mentor, a practicing architect or designer, who provided guidance throughout the five-hour design process. The prompt specified that ideas from the student proposals would be incorporated into the high school's upcoming renovation, adding a significant layer of real-world impact to the exercise. Students engaged in an intensive five-hour session, sketching, modeling, and refining their concepts. The focus was on balancing aesthetic innovation with practical application, demonstrating the students' creativity and problem-solving skills. Following the design period, each team presented their proposals to a panel of professional jurors from the architecture and design industries. This provided students with valuable experience in communicating their design vision and receiving expert feedback. The winning team included George Fox interior design seniors Ava Heflen and Kali Braukmiller, mentored by Shawn from VIDA Design. Their design was lauded for its strong understanding of biophilic design, which integrated native and location-specific plants to promote wellness and environmental harmony within the classroom space. Furthermore, their proposal incorporated trauma-informed design principles. This involved providing choice and flexibility in furniture arrangements and seating, careful attention to classroom acoustics, and the implementation of open sightlines complemented by AI-powered security systems. These elements aimed to create safe and calming environments conducive to learning. The design was further enhanced by curved elements in finishes and furnishings, adding softness and approachability, culminating in a thoughtful and forward-thinking solution. Ava Heflen highlighted the memorable nature of the experience, particularly the opportunity to collaborate with architecture students, which provided valuable insight into real-world design scenarios. She also emphasized the crucial role of the industry mentor in offering helpful feedback and encouragement throughout the process. Heflen noted that the collaborative environment fostered refreshing interactions and sparked numerous creative ideas. The event also served as an inspiration, allowing her to witness the diverse and thoughtful designs developed by other participants in the challenge. Another team, featuring George Fox interior design students Sam Kinsman and Michaela Vega, and mentored by Melissa from Gensler Portland, received the 'Best Concept' award. This recognition acknowledged their visionary approach and compelling presentation. The Design for Impact Challenge provided students with a unique platform for inter-institutional collaboration, direct mentorship from industry professionals, and constructive feedback from respected jurors. For the George Fox students, this experience underscored the practical application of design thinking in real-world contexts and highlighted the transformative power of intentional, human-centered design in shaping future educational spaces. #InteriorDesign #DesignChallenge #GeorgeFoxUniversity #PortlandStateUniversity #BiophilicDesign #TraumaInformedDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #StudentCollaboration #RealWorldExperience

Metropolis Magazine has announced its Future100 Interior Design Undergraduate Winners, recognizing the top interior design undergraduate students across the United States and Canada for 2025. This annual initiative highlights emerging talent in the field, showcasing students who demonstrate exceptional creativity, technical skill, and innovative thinking in interior design. The selection process involved nominations from program chairs and professors, who lauded their students' dedication, leadership potential, and unique design philosophies. The featured students come from various prestigious institutions, each bringing a distinct approach to interior design. Irina Alturmessova from Yorkville University is recognized for her strong academic performance, ethical conduct, and volunteer service. Chloe Bartek from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is noted for her motto, 'Think gardening, not architecture,' emphasizing sustainability, adaptability, and community-focused design. Betty Christianson from Colorado State University is celebrated for transforming spaces into immersive stories and her commitment to inclusivity, balancing aesthetics with practicality. Ewura Esi Eghan from Virginia Commonwealth University integrates her sculpture background into her designs, pushing boundaries to create magical and unexpected spaces. Lené Fourie from the University of Houston is described as a bright, hardworking, and eager-to-learn individual with significant leadership potential, consistently impressing her professors with her capacity as both a designer and a thinker. Olivia Grote from Columbia College Chicago stands out for her empathic approach, blending artistic vision with designs that support and engage, challenging the status quo. Louisa Gutenberger from the School of Visual Arts is on a mission to advocate for unheard communities, valuing cultural heritage, community, and context in her designs. Daria Hall from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, exemplifies hard work, exceptional talent, curiosity, and craftsmanship, demonstrating a determination to creatively solve problems in interior architecture. Elly Hallack, also from Columbia College Chicago, is praised for her unique blend of creativity, technical expertise, and commitment to innovative design, balancing imaginative ideas with practical solutions. Keeleigh Johnson from the University of Central Oklahoma combines creativity with practical design solutions, approaching projects thoughtfully and producing high-quality, refined work. Morgan Jourdin from the School of Visual Arts is noted for her extraordinary talent and commitment to innovating for the underserved, creating designs that foster positive behavioral change. Jin Liao from Pratt Institute is an exceptional student with a passion for design, consistently going beyond course requirements with her commitment to excellence. Emilie Luce from the University of Arkansas demonstrates a quiet confidence and determination to achieve excellence, actively seeking feedback to strengthen her work and taking on leadership roles. Anna Maris from Columbia College Chicago shows innate design sensibility and maturity, translating narratives into sophisticated and creative spaces. Tomis Phuong Nguyen from the University of Central Arkansas exhibits a bold aesthetic and strong sense of self, with work that surpasses his schooling. Kate O’Neil from the University of Tennessee, a Gensler Brinkmann Scholarship Recipient, is recognized for her dedication to addressing emerging societal needs through thoughtful design solutions and diverse global experiences. Isabela Rasmussen from The George Washington University displays an exceptional blend of creativity, technical skill, and understanding of design principles, marked by her curiosity and attention to detail. Kiera Rupp from the University of Tennessee integrates creativity with empathy, valuing feedback and collaboration. Monica Samaniego from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln challenges assumptions with her wonder-filled ideas, actively engaging in expanding her understanding of the profession. Juliana Sanchez Duran from Savannah College of Art and Design possesses a rare combination of natural talent and willingness to take creative risks, with a notable dedication to inclusive design. Elina Singh, also from Savannah College of Art and Design, combines technical excellence with creative vision, producing beautifully crafted and inspiring spaces through thoughtful execution. Sydney Slaughter from the University of Arkansas has a keen eye for aesthetics and a remarkable ability to absorb and apply new knowledge. Jesse-James Smith from Purdue University is committed to high-quality craftsmanship and dedicates long hours to design problems, driven by a quest for excellence. Ashley Sparks from The University of Texas exhibits a natural finesse in design development, seamlessly blending digital and analog techniques. Martina Terry from Virginia Tech showcases masterful use of color and impactful diagrams, creating a consistent narrative throughout her projects. Cecilia Torres-Panzera from the University of Tennessee stands out for her academic rigor and creative vision, merging technical skill with poetic narratives. Kiara Villa from The New School, Parsons School of Design, embodies an empathetic and forward-thinking design philosophy, fostering connections through cultural narratives and sustainable practices. Troa Vimahi from Rochester Institute of Technology immerses himself in design culture and current events, demonstrating capability in challenging subjects. Lufan Yang from California College of the Arts creates innovative solutions to complex design challenges with careful attention to detail. Jiuyu Zhou from the University of Oregon presents thoughtful, well-considered design solutions with a keen eye for detail. Finally, Zining Zhu from Colorado State University, an international student, integrates cultural philosophies and aesthetics into innovative design solutions, driven by self-motivation and high ethical standards. #Future100 #InteriorDesign #UndergraduateWinners #StudentShowcase #DesignExcellence #EmergingTalent #ArchitecturalDesign #CreativeThinking

Brooke Williams, a senior at the University of Colorado Boulder, shares her journey from initially pursuing Architectural Engineering to finding her true passion in Environmental Design. Hailing from Santa Cruz, California, Brooke initially chose CU Boulder for its engineering program, drawn by her proficiency in math. However, after two years in engineering, she discovered the Environmental Design program through a friend and quickly realized it offered the design-focused education she craved, which was lacking in her engineering curriculum. She describes the competitive environment of engineering versus the supportive community she found in ENVD, highlighting the unique faculty-student relationships where professors encourage students to address them by their first names. Brooke's academic path includes a transformative study abroad experience in Rome during her junior year, where she immersed herself in a challenging 3000-level studio. This six-week summer program was pivotal, pushing her out of her comfort zone and providing intense, enriching learning opportunities. She emphasizes the value of travel for inspiration and personal growth, having also explored Germany and Venice during her time abroad. Within her major, Brooke appreciates the wide breadth of study in Environmental Design, which encourages understanding the entire human-built environment, encompassing architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning. She believes this comprehensive approach provides her with a unique edge in the field. Beyond academics, Brooke actively participates in campus clubs such as the Illumination Engineering Society (IES), Design Build Institute of America (DBIA), and American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), aligning her extracurriculars with her passions. She recounts a particularly gratifying experience as a Teaching Assistant, where she inspired students during an impromptu lecture on the importance of model-making. Brooke also shares her involvement as the team captain for a DBIA competition, leading a multidisciplinary team to a third-place finish. This experience, which involved responding to an RFQ, creating design concepts, and managing construction schedules, solidified her desire to one day own her own firm and be involved in all aspects of projects. Her summer internship at Fuse, an architecture firm in her hometown, was a significant turning point. Initially, she secured the internship by cold-emailing the firm and was tasked with basic duties. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, she quickly stepped into more significant roles, including drafting renderings for clients and developing a schematic design for a cake shop that is now being built. This hands-on experience confirmed her passion for architecture and provided early exposure to the construction process. She plans to return to Fuse to see the cake shop project through to completion. Brooke's future aspirations include becoming an architectural intern, incorporating lighting design into her work, and eventually earning her architecture license to open a small residential firm, ideally in San Francisco or Santa Cruz. Her advice to underclassmen is to seek out as much work experience as possible to clarify career goals and to fully utilize university resources, separating the theoretical learning of school from the practical, budget-driven realities of the professional world. #EnvironmentalDesign #ArchitectureStudent #StudyAbroad #CareerJourney #DesignInternship #StudentLeadership #ArchitecturalEngineering #UniversityOfColoradoBoulder #LightingDesign

The article highlights Jules Stafford, an interior design alumna from George Fox University, and her impactful work at DesignCase, a firm recognized for its community-focused projects. Stafford, a bi-cultural woman with Mexican and Filipino heritage, integrates her understanding of diverse cultures into her design philosophy, emphasizing the creation of hospitable spaces that foster community. A notable project discussed is the Immigrant Food restaurant in Ballston, Virginia, which she helped design. This restaurant is celebrated for its vibrant aesthetic, reflecting various immigrant cultures, and its role as a hub for cultural exploration and community engagement. Stafford's work extends beyond commercial projects to pro bono community initiatives. DesignCase recently revamped teacher lounges in a local K-12 public school, designing intentional spaces for educators across different grade levels. This project deeply resonated with Stafford, who witnessed the profound positive impact these revitalized spaces had on the teachers, reinforcing her belief in the power of design to serve and uplift communities. She views these opportunities as a way to steward her talents and contribute meaningfully to society. The article also delves into Stafford's personal journey, detailing her upbringing in Hesperia, California, within a large family that instilled in her a strong sense of community and a knack for organizing events. Her early experiences with hospitality and planning naturally transitioned into an interest in interior design. As a first-generation college student of color, Stafford faced unique challenges in pursuing higher education. Her family, with no prior college attendees, found the prospect of university cumbersome. She navigated a crossroads between pursuing a design-focused school or a faith-based institution, ultimately finding George Fox University and its Mosaic Scholars Program, which offered both academic and leadership development support. Her transition to George Fox was initially difficult due to the distance from home and financial pressures. Overwhelmed, Stafford considered leaving after only two weeks. However, the unwavering support from university staff, particularly Bryce Coefield and Jenny Elsey, played a crucial role in her decision to stay. They provided her with options and encouragement, demonstrating the strong community ethos at George Fox. Further support came in the form of a nanny position with George Fox’s women’s volleyball coach, Emily Davis, which offered her housing and extended her stay at the university, allowing her to thrive academically and personally. Casey Martin, Stafford's interior design professor, also provided significant mentorship and practical assistance, including helping her secure employment when an initial job fell through. Martin's commitment to connecting students with industry professionals and offering comprehensive support, whether professional or personal, was instrumental in Stafford's success. The collaborative spirit among her peers in the interior design program, where students supported each other through competitions and celebrated collective achievements, further underscored the importance of community. Stafford's story culminates in her securing a position at DesignCase, a moment celebrated by her classmates, symbolizing a shared victory and the fulfillment of her aspirations. She continues to advocate for collaborative design, emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives to create impactful and meaningful spaces, believing that even small organizations can achieve significant positive change. #InteriorDesign #CommunityEngagement #AlumniSuccess #GeorgeFoxUniversity #FirstGenerationStudent #CulturalFluency #ProBonoWork #Mentorship #CareerJourney

Melinda Cardenas, an interior designer and creative thinker, discusses her career path and inspirations. She explains her decision to pursue a creative field, attributing it to a natural inclination towards design, organization, and creativity from a young age. As she matured, she focused on developing these innate skills into a professional career. Her research into interior design and architecture led her to fully commit to the field, despite recognizing its inherent challenges. Cardenas emphasizes that the profession allows her to utilize her core strengths in design, organization, and creativity, and she continuously seeks opportunities for growth to enhance her capabilities as a designer and creative asset within the industry. Cardenas describes her journey in interior design as both challenging and rewarding. She recalls long nights during college studio sessions and highlights the satisfaction derived from client reviews and project completions. She expresses gratitude for working in a field she enjoys, which also allows her to positively impact spaces and the individuals who inhabit them. Key to her professional development has been a commitment to continuous learning and maintaining confidence in her design decisions. She also values surrounding herself with more experienced and knowledgeable individuals, which has been instrumental in navigating problems and developing effective solutions. Cardenas advocates for consistently asking questions, regardless of how trivial they may seem, and lives by the motto, “Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.” This philosophy encourages her to push boundaries, embrace new experiences, and engage in uncomfortable situations as a means of personal and professional growth. When asked about local attractions in Los Angeles, Cardenas highlights the city's diverse offerings, from natural beauty to vibrant nightlife. She suggests a day trip up the coast to Malibu, starting with breakfast burritos at Lily’s Cafe and coffee at Le Cafe de la Plage. Relaxation at Lechuza Beach would follow, enjoying the ocean scenery. For evening entertainment, she recommends dinner at Grandmaster Recorders, possibly followed by a show at the Pantages Theater. Another favored activity is attending outdoor concerts and movies at the Hollywood Bowl, appreciating the combination of good food, music, and the picturesque Los Angeles backdrop. Cardenas takes the opportunity to acknowledge Sarah Barnard, an interior designer who served as an early mentor. Barnard provided guidance on professional conduct, impactful contributions to the design community, and helped Cardenas refine her design influences during her formative years. This mentorship proved crucial in shaping Cardenas's understanding and approach to the design profession. #InteriorDesign #CreativeThinking #CareerPath #ProfessionalGrowth #LosAngeles #Mentorship #DesignCommunity #WorkLife

This blog post offers extensive advice from various professionals in the design industry for individuals aspiring to become interior designers. It compiles insights from interior designers, artists, editors, and business owners, covering aspects like inspiration, unique career paths, and valuable career advice. The overarching theme emphasizes passion, continuous learning, and practical experience. Shea McGee, owner of Studio McGee, highlights that her passion for interior design was all-consuming. She advocates for constant evolution, quoting Martha Stewart: "When you're through changing, you're through." Anita Yokota, an interior designer, stylist, and photographer, found inspiration in her architect father and her childhood love for rearranging furniture. Her key advice is to embrace learning curves and appreciate the journey of gaining experience. Joy Cho, founder of Oh Joy!, shares a unique path, starting her design company through freelancing during a career transition. She advises aspiring designers to gain experience through internships, build a portfolio showcasing desired work, and proactively approach companies rather than waiting for job openings. Leanne Ford, designer and host of HGTV's "Restored by The Fords," encourages a "SAY YES!" attitude, urging individuals to take opportunities even if they feel unprepared and to figure things out along the way. She emphasizes kindness and the idea that passion and inherent talent ("IT") are more crucial than formal education in a creative field. Stephanie Watkins, a designer and blogger behind Casa Watkins Living, expresses her lifelong love for creation and using design as an artistic outlet. Her advice is to follow one's passions and take the plunge, asserting that it's never too late to pursue what you love. Sarah Wittenbraker, founder of SARAH WITTENBRAKER INTERIORS, advises starting immediately—asking questions, seeking internships, and building a portfolio. She stresses the importance of understanding the business side of design, including marketing, sales, and bookkeeping, and advocates for running a business with integrity. Tara Oxley, owner of Eugene & Co and Chick’y’s General Store, recounts her candid approach in job interviews and highlights the importance of honesty and resilience. She draws inspiration from Theodore Roosevelt's quote about the "man in the arena," emphasizing that trying and potentially failing is better than never attempting. Nicole Gibbons, an interior designer and TV personality, advises paying dues, being humble, and learning from mistakes. She emphasizes the value of finding a mentor for guidance and support. Corey Damen Jenkins, a principal interior designer, reflects on his lifelong interest in design from a young age. His valuable career advice is to help clients spend money wisely, rather than just save it, which shifts the designer's approach. Duffy Stone, owner of Studio Duffy, emphasizes gaining diverse experience within the industry and actively creating and showcasing work to demonstrate one's style and capabilities. Rebecca Atwood, a designer, artist, and author, found her calling in creating environments and objects. She advises tailoring portfolios to specific companies, putting in extra effort, and not being discouraged if the first job isn't a dream job, as all experiences offer learning opportunities. Robin Wilson, CEO of Robin Wilson Home, was inspired by her family's rental properties and took an unconventional route, pursuing a Master's in Real Estate Finance. She highlights the business aspect of design, stressing the importance of a good attorney, bookkeeper, and cash flow for long-term success. Eddie Lee, owner of Eddie Lee Inc., realized his passion for design by reflecting on childhood interests. He shares a story of landing his first job through a timely encounter and a challenging on-the-job interview. Elaina Sullivan, style editor at Domino Magazine, was inspired by an interior designer friend and discovered her passion for styling and set-building through an internship at Martha Stewart. She encourages aspiring designers to reach out to admired professionals and never give up. Tiffany Brooks, HGTV Host and interior designer, found her calling during a stressful period when she redecorated a model home, which won an award. She advises pricing services according to their worth to establish professional value. Vanessa Deleon, CEO of Vanessa Deleon Associates, developed her design interest working in her family's furniture store. She emphasizes patience, delayed gratification, and the "triple D" model: Drive, Dedication, and Discipline. Claudia Stephenson, Director of Operations at Cultiver, advises having a clear vision of personal style and being authentic. She also suggests starting at the bottom, working for free for inspiring individuals, and treating everyone with respect. Erika Hollinshead Ward, owner of Erika Ward Interiors LLC, leveraged her business education in accounting before fully committing to interior design. Her advice includes building a board of advisors, connecting with peers, working hard, and maintaining a spiritual practice. #InteriorDesign #CareerAdvice #DesignIndustry #CreativeCareers #ProfessionalDevelopment #DesignInspiration #Entrepreneurship #PortfolioBuilding #Networking

Metropolis, a prominent design publication, has announced its 2024 Future100 Interior Design Graduate Winners, recognizing 17 outstanding graduate students from universities across the United States and Canada. These individuals were selected by the Metropolis team for their exceptional talent, innovative design concepts, strong technical knowledge, and forward-thinking approaches to interior design. The recognized students demonstrate a profound understanding of design principles, a commitment to research, and an ability to create impactful and sensitive spaces. The featured winners include Helia Amini from Marymount University, whose design concepts are noted for superb technical knowledge and a strong research foundation. Lari Bittman, also from Marymount University, is recognized for her remarkable combination of raw talent, technical ability, and perseverance, evident in projects ranging from a playful daycare to a meticulously designed multi-use refuge community center. Brooke Bower from The University of Texas at Austin is highlighted for her imagination as a visual artist and embodied understanding of space, developing a portfolio reflecting an inspiring point of view poised to positively impact the built environment. Christa E. Gorman from Kansas State University is praised for her intensely creative and iterative design process, focusing on producing thoughtful and complete solutions. Sanjana Gopalakrishnan from The New School, Parsons School of Design, possesses a rare sensitivity toward playful design while remaining committed to circular economies. Henry Hammes, also from Kansas State University, is recognized as a talented and motivated student who creates carefully choreographed solutions through deep research and concept development. Kile Hotchkiss from The New York School of Interior Design exemplifies great promise with meticulous research and an insightful approach, integrating architectural details and clever interpretations of history. Pavitra Jairaj from the University of Oregon demonstrates a clear connection to client and user experience, grounded in research, precedent, and empathy. Malik Lovette, also from the University of Oregon, combines a background as a college athlete and artist into his design work, showcasing strong graphic communication and natural collaboration. Madina Masimova from The New School, Parsons School of Design, brings a global perspective to interiors and technology, leading with optimism on the future of design within the context of AI, design, and belonging. Eva Neri from Florida State University is described as a bright, free-spirited, and talented designer who weaves diverse research interests, including ambient sound and music, into multilayered designs focused on physical and emotional well-being. Tasha Singh from Drexel University is commended for her skill, enthusiasm, and consideration for people and place, possessing noteworthy design talent in both digital and hand-drawing mediums. Nihitha Sreenath, also from Drexel University, has a deep set of talents for communicating ideas across various mediums, demonstrating strong material sensibility and sensitivity to human needs. Melida Valera from the New York School of Interior Design is passionate about the design industry, with a deep respect for how things work and a diligent approach to learning. Nicolle Villa from Boston Architectural College is an attentive, detail-oriented student with fantastic interpersonal skills and a great eye for design and materiality. Jessica Wilsey from The University of Texas at Austin is an outstanding graduate student whose work has been repeatedly awarded for its design excellence, bringing remarkable sensitivity to extensive design research and the study of human behavior. Finally, Mingming Zhao from the Savannah College of Art and Design has chosen interior design to create beautiful and functional living environments that positively impact individuals and communities, with a design philosophy rooted in cultural context and locality. #Future100 #InteriorDesign #GraduateWinners #DesignExcellence #StudentDesign #ArchitecturalEducation #MetropolisMagazine #DesignInnovation

Brittany Lyons, an Oak Cliff resident, transitioned from a full-time position as a chairman’s office coordinator at UT Southwestern Medical Center to a career in interior design. Despite holding a biology degree, Lyons’ passion for home interiors, cultivated since her childhood experiences with her parents flipping and building houses in Mississippi, eventually led her to establish Brittany Lyons Interiors. Her journey into professional interior design began in 2015 after she decorated her own home and shared photos on Instagram. A high school friend, impressed by her work, commissioned her for a home makeover, initiating a steady flow of clients primarily through word-of-mouth referrals. Upon moving to Dallas in 2016, Lyons strategically utilized social media platforms like Instagram, Houzz, and Pinterest to expand her client base. Her design philosophy centers on creating "peaceful, functional design" that promotes self-care for her clients, regardless of the project's scale, from large suburban residences to compact urban apartments. Lyons emphasizes that even small spaces deserve thoughtful design to enhance enjoyment and utility. She offers practical advice for smaller areas, such as using lighter paint colors, painting ceilings the same color as walls to create an illusion of space, incorporating mirrors, and avoiding oversized electronics. Running her business, Lyons faced the initial challenge of assembling a reliable team of contractors, painters, and installers who could deliver quality work at a reasonable cost and uphold her brand's integrity. She has since built a trusted crew, ensuring that anyone representing her company is professional and dependable. Lyons considers professional photography of her completed projects an indispensable asset for her business, as these images are crucial for her online marketing efforts and attract a significant portion of her clientele. Among her notable projects, Lyons recently completed a $1.5 million custom-built new home in Lucas, Texas, where her responsibilities included selecting every detail, from flooring and paint colors to stone and lighting fixtures, to personalize the space for her clients. She particularly enjoys redesigning bedrooms, considering them personal spaces where much can be done with elements like headboards, linens, and pillows to foster peaceful environments. Lyons highlights that many people misunderstand the value of hiring an interior designer, often viewing it as a luxury rather than a worthwhile investment. She clarifies that a designer's role extends far beyond aesthetic choices, encompassing intricate tasks such as coordinating deliveries, ensuring correct item reception, running errands for materials, advising on technical details like grout type and lighting placement, and managing contractors. Ultimately, Lyons asserts that the primary benefit of hiring a designer is saving clients considerable time and ensuring projects are executed correctly the first time, thus providing significant value for a fraction of the total renovation cost. She finds immense satisfaction in witnessing clients' reactions to their newly designed spaces and hearing how these transformations positively impact their lives, despite the inherent stresses of her profession. #InteriorDesign #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #HomeDecor #ResidentialDesign #DallasBusiness #CareerTransition

Lauren Bencivengo, a 23-year-old interior designer, has achieved significant success in multiple facets of the design industry. After graduating from college, Bencivengo secured a position as an interior designer at Delawie Architects in San Diego, where her work involved furniture and fabric curation. Her design approach is characterized by a refusal to be confined to a single medium, as she seamlessly transitions between painting, drawing, and interior design, embracing diverse opportunities. A pivotal moment in Bencivengo's career occurred when she discovered a design competition co-hosted by Bed Bath & Beyond and Cloth & Company. The competition sought emerging textile designers to contribute to Cloth & Company’s forthcoming furniture collection. Recognizing this as an opportunity to expand her design repertoire, Bencivengo embarked on textile design as a side venture. For the competition, Bencivengo aimed to create patterns that exuded a timeless quality while maintaining a fresh and contemporary appeal. Instead of drawing inspiration from existing 'timeless' patterns, she challenged herself to seek timeless design elements from unconventional sources, such as architecture, fashion, and everyday objects. Her unique perspective and innovative designs distinguished her entry from hundreds of others. Bencivengo's textile collection emerged as the winning entry and was subsequently launched at Bed Bath & Beyond in October. This achievement marked a significant milestone for the young designer, providing her with exposure in a major retail environment. Despite this early success, Bencivengo remains committed to continuous learning and broadening her design skills. Her current primary goal is to become a licensed interior designer, with aspirations of eventually launching her own line of designed goods. In addition to her professional endeavors, Bencivengo dedicates her spare time to self-teaching hand lettering and illustration. She leverages these skills to create custom greeting cards and wedding invitations, demonstrating her passion for diverse creative outlets beyond her full-time job. Her journey exemplifies a dynamic approach to a career, characterized by versatility and an openness to new challenges. Bencivengo offers a key piece of advice to aspiring young designers: to actively seek out and embrace new challenges. She encourages them to navigate uncertainties by learning as they go, emphasizing that each experience, regardless of initial expertise, contributes to personal and professional growth. Her philosophy underscores the importance of a proactive and adaptable mindset in the competitive design landscape. #InteriorDesign #TextileDesign #BedBathAndBeyond #ClothAndCompany #YoungDesigner #DesignCompetition #SideHustle #CreativeFulfillment #TimelessDesign

This article highlights the journey and career of Jeff Grob, a 1985 graduate of Rutgers Cook College with a degree in landscape architecture. Grob is currently a senior associate at Stantec, a global professional consulting firm. With over 40 years of experience as a registered landscape architect, Grob continues to find significant satisfaction in his work, emphasizing the importance of creating outdoor spaces that benefit society and the environment. His work has primarily focused on New York City's five boroughs, but he particularly prides himself on a project in New Brunswick: the reimagining of Route 18 between Route 1 and the Amtrak bridge, which enhanced the road's aesthetics and integrated Boyd Park with the community. Beyond his professional achievements, Grob is noted for his commitment to mentoring students and community service. Richard Alomar, an associate professor and chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture at Rutgers, who has known Grob for decades, praises his kindness, resilience, positive attitude, and generosity. Alomar describes Grob as a wise mentor who made colleagues feel at ease, recounting past experiences and outlining tasks effectively. Grob’s journey to landscape architecture was unconventional, as he initially pursued a career in music. In the 1970s, he was a rock musician with the band Looking Glass, achieving a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and touring with prominent bands such as Kiss, Aerosmith, and ZZ Top. He continues to play the drums in two bands, Looking Glass and Starz, and recently performed at the Carteret Performing Arts Center. Grob’s decision to pursue landscape architecture stemmed from a career aptitude test he took after his music career waned and he worked in construction. The test indicated that his diverse experiences, skills, and interests made him ideally suited for the field. He enrolled at Rutgers in 1982, having previously attended college from 1969 to 1971. His choice of Rutgers and Cook College was influenced by his familiarity with the various Rutgers campuses, where his band Looking Glass had performed extensively in the early 1970s, and his identity as a “Jersey guy.” The band had dedicated its first album to the people of New Brunswick, who had been very supportive. During his time at Rutgers, Grob served two years as the president of the student Landscape Architecture Club, an experience he credits with developing essential organizational and leadership skills. He describes the most challenging aspects of his undergraduate years as consistently attending classes, meeting deadlines, managing living expenses, and maintaining a balance with leisure. The most rewarding aspect has been finding a profession that integrates all his interests, including plants, people, Earth systems, transportation, construction, and recreation. He emphasizes that landscape architecture offers a dynamic career where he never encounters the same task twice, and he continues to enjoy his work even after 40 years. Grob has maintained strong ties with Rutgers, returning for events such as Ag Field Day, landscape architecture juries, conferences, guest lectures, and football games. #LandscapeArchitecture #RutgersAlumni #CareerJourney #MusicCareer #Mentorship #CookCollege #UrbanPlanning #EnvironmentalDesign

Kimley-Horn, a consulting firm, organized the Kimley-Horn/FIU Design Collab, an all-day landscape architecture design workshop for students at Florida International University (FIU). The initiative aimed to provide students with practical experience that simulates real-world industry processes and parameters. The event was orchestrated by five Kimley-Horn employees: Gregory González, PLA; Michelle Latte, PLA; Sami Trinchetto; George Puig, PLA; and Maggie Giraldo, PE. To further enhance the realism of the workshop, representatives from various governmental entities were invited, including two members from the City of Miami Environmental Resources group, one member from the Miami-Dade County Planning Department, and one member from the Miami-Dade County Transportation Department. This multidisciplinary collaboration allowed students to engage with diverse experts, mirroring the complexities of actual professional projects. The workshop commenced with a detailed presentation outlining the project, which was based on an authentic design criteria package developed by the Kimley-Horn team in 2022. This initial phase established the project's scope, expectations, and deadlines for the student participants. A notable aspect of the workshop was a hand-drawing session, where the team instructed students on the use of bases, overlays, and paper for manual design creation. This was a unique learning opportunity for the students, as their academic training predominantly involved digital design tools. Following the introductory and instructional segments, the twelve participating students were divided into three groups to begin developing their designs. Throughout this design phase, Kimley-Horn's landscape architects and other invited design experts circulated among the groups, offering personalized guidance and insights. These one-on-one discussions emphasized critical considerations such as civil engineering, environmental impact assessments, and urban planning issues. The experts provided practical tools and tips, helping students integrate these diverse elements into their designs. This mentorship aimed to broaden the students' understanding beyond purely aesthetic landscape design to include the practical and regulatory aspects of the profession. The culmination of the workshop involved each student team presenting their designs to the panel of multidisciplinary experts. During these presentations, the judges posed questions and highlighted potential challenges associated with the proposed designs. This required students to articulate and defend their creative and technical decisions, an experience that directly mirrored the real-world review processes for landscape architecture projects. The objective was to prepare students for the rigorous scrutiny and collaborative problem-solving inherent in professional practice. At the conclusion of the presentations, an $800 prize was awarded to the winning team, recognizing their exemplary design and presentation skills. The event concluded with a networking dinner, allowing all participating students to interact informally with the judges and other industry professionals. Gregory González, PLA, commented on the workshop's efficacy, stating that it provided students with a comprehensive understanding of what it means to be a landscape architect in professional practice, moving beyond theoretical knowledge. The initiative represented a significant investment in the professional development of aspiring landscape architects, offering them invaluable hands-on experience, direct connections with professionals, and the opportunity to work on a relevant, real-world project. #LandscapeArchitecture #StudentWorkshop #RealWorldDesign #FIUStudents #KimleyHorn #DesignCollaboration #ProfessionalDevelopment #EnvironmentalPlanning