What are some of the rewarding aspects of your occupation and career?
White: Seeing your design go from a concept to a complete, built project!
What would you consider as your greatest achievement in this occupation?
White: I designed a 40’-0” x 30’-0” mural made of glass and ceramic tiles for a restaurant in the new Disney Springs in Orlando, FL. The mural has recently been installed and looks fabulous!
What did you study for your undergraduate degree? Did it inform your choice of Interior Design as a career?
White: I majored in Studio Art and minored in Advertising and Economics. My undergraduate work absolutely informed my choice of interior design! As an artist, I have always had an eye for color and loved building things. Merging these skills has greatly helped me in my career as a Hospitality interior designer.
Why did you choose this career?
White: I wanted to stay within the arts, but not as a "striving artist". I wanted a business environment that I could still use my creativity. Being a designer is a perfect fit for my skill set.
Why did you choose Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design over similar programs?
White: I liked that the program was heavily weighted with architectural classes, which is absolutely necessary in my field. I also liked that majority of the classes were 3 hr. studio courses in which you could really be productive during the class time. I feel like shorter length classes are just not as valuable.
How did your time at Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design prepare you for your career?
White: The studios that were offered covered a wide range of design fields i.e. commercial, residential, hospitality, retail, etc. It introduced us to all the possibilities that the design profession has to offer.
Was our faculty helpful to you in making the transition to a career in interior design? Are you still in contact with them?
White: The faculty was absolutely helpful in my transition to the working world. Because many of the professors are actively working in the field, they have great connections to help get students an interview or a 'foot in the door.' Yes, I am still in touch!
What advice would you give to someone considering returning to a Master’s program in interior design?
White: Pay attention! Absorb all the information that you possibly can. Some of the more 'boring' classes are 100% the most valuable in the field. Also, pick a direction you want to head in and try and carry that throughout the program. At the end, your will have a portfolio showcasing your desired direction.