Designer Interview
4 questions
I knew from a very young age that I wanted to become an interior designer. My grandfather became a paraplegic at the age of 29, thus I only every knew him in a wheelchair throughout my entire life.
Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
I knew from a very young age that I wanted to become an interior designer. My grandfather became a paraplegic at the age of 29, thus I only every knew him in a wheelchair throughout my entire life. I can remember being frustrated at the injustices he faced, as a wheelchair-bound person in not being able to join the family at many restaurants, beach excursions or fishing trips. Of course, this was in the 70’s and 80’s, before any ADA laws had been enacted. I remember thinking how unfair it was that he was unable to enter restaurants and banks like the able-bodied members of society and observed that with a few minor design changes in layouts of public spaces, the inequalities could be avoided. I chose to become an interior designer because I felt I could make a difference in the layout and function of spaces and wanted to create spaces that were functional for all end-users.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
I believe that all designers have a professional responsibility to be environmentally conscious in their design solutions. Designers must be aware of the environmental impacts of their design decisions and material selections. Oftentimes, the designer must play the role of teacher, as they educate their clients on the ecologically- minded design choices.
What skills are most important for a designer?
I believe that flexibility and adaptability are two of the most important characteristics of a successful designer. Things rarely go exactly according to plan in the design and construction process, so a designer must be able to quickly adapt and employ problem-solving solutions to continue the project’s forward trajectory.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
I truly enjoy designing spaces for clients that are seeking to age-in-place and remain in their homes for the duration of their lives. Oftentimes, this requires a retrofit to their existing home to design for their future needs. These design jobs provide the most fulfillment to me and makes me feel as though I can have the most impact on their long-term health and happiness in a space.
