Megan Place, graduate class of 2013
DAVIS, an Architecture and Interior Design firm in Phoenix, Arizona.
What are some of the rewarding aspects of your occupation and career?
Place: I find innovation and collaborating on ways to detail and define your designs a rewarding aspect because I enjoy the discovery aspect of this career. Further one of the most rewarding aspects has to be experiencing a project become a reality; seeing your clients inhabit the space and get excited about their new “home” Is very satisfying.
What would you consider as your greatest achievement in this occupation?
Place: My greatest accomplishment thus far is passing my NCDIQ. Additionally, being a part of a design team that won an IIDA design award for a commercial office space was exciting.
What did you study for your undergraduate degree? Did it inform your choice of Interior Design as a career?
Place: My undergraduate degree was in Art History and Criticism. Interior design as a career was a switch from my original plan, but my art history background has served as a good foundation and helps me to visualize spaces in a different way.
Why did you choose this career?
Place: After graduating with my Art History degree I realized that I desired a creative career in which I was producing the art, rather than reading or writing about it. Interior design was always of interest to me, so it seemed like a natural choice to return to school for Interior Design.
Why did you choose Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design over similar programs?
Place: I selected Drexel's program over several other programs after I visited the program and meet with students and faculty. I liked Drexel's class size. It is big enough to have a variety of designers with different points of view, yet small enough for one-on-one time with faculty. Also, I felt that Drexel's program has a more supportive and encouraging environment compared to the other programs I visited.
How did your time at Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design prepare you for your career?
Place: Drexel's program prepared me for the future by giving me a strong foundation of technical information, codes and computer skills. I also learned a sound design process all while finding my own design sense.
Was our faculty helpful to you in making the transition to a career in interior design? Are you still in contact with them?
Place: During my job search, I sought advice from faculty, which ultimately helped me make decisions about my career. Drexel faculty was there to help; all I needed to do was ask. I am still in contact with a few faculty members.
What advice would you give to someone considering returning to a Master’s program in interior design?
Place: My advice to someone considering returning for a Master's is that you have to be committed, but it is all worth it! If you commit your time and energy and you accept advice and critiques from professors and classmates, it is a very rewarding program.