From SCAD to Success: 4 Years at the Forefront of Interior Design at America's Top Retailer

Celebrating my fourth anniversary at an innovative interior design and corporate business has been both exhilarating and rewarding. Each day brings fresh challenges and opportunities to grow creatively. Over the past four years, the experience has profoundly shaped my career, fueled my passion for design and business, allowing me to thrive in an inventive environment. Let’s dive into some highlights from this journey.

A Thriving Working Environment

Since the beginning of my tenure, my workplace has cultivated a culture of creativity and innovation. My role, in collaboration with my colleagues, is crucial to the production process across all platforms and projects. I began as a 3D Coordinator and have since advanced to the position of Digital Engagements Project Manager.

Throughout this progression, I have collaborated with modelers, directors, merchants, photographers, and web developers. Each day offers opportunities to understand each department's contribution, and how my role plays into the success of the company's international network.

A vibrant workspace fostering creativity and innovation.

The Strength of Strong, Small Teams

One of the aspects I cherish about working here is the cohesive nature of our small teams. In contrast to larger corporate structures that can slow down processes, our size promotes efficient work cycles. This agility has been instrumental in launching several successful projects under tight deadlines.

A project that consistently demonstrates the strength of a small team is the production of digital and printed magazines. This collaboration involves teams from copyright, 3D modeling, style direction, and marketing. The production process relies heavily on the contributions and feedback from each member. To produce some of the most unforgettable magazines, each department offers outstanding feedback and work to ensure the creation of the best visuals.

An energetic design brainstorm session among team members.

The Impact of My SCAD Education

My creative undergraduate degree from SCAD has proven to be invaluable. The rigorous coursework and practical design projects refined my artistic skills and critical thinking. SCAD's focus on real-world applications provided clarity on design principles, even within complex corporate environments.

My experience in animation and 3D production offered a new perspective on how immersive reality can transform industries such as interior design. The education I received at SCAD particularly enhanced my expertise in 3D visualization, UX, and AR/VR. Experimental electives broadened my career opportunities, and learning from innovative professors using industry-leading software has been fundamental to my success and ongoing development.

Personal Growth Through Memorable Projects

Reflecting on the past four years, I am proud to have contributed to numerous memorable projects. Each project has taught me more about products, project management and leadership. A particularly important project was creating a new-user guide for our designer network.

This project challenged me to change perspectives and relearn a platform I use everyday. This experience enhanced my technical skills and deepened my appreciation for the platform's versatility. It highlighted the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, demonstrating that familiar tools can still offer new growth opportunities.

An eco-friendly workspace showcasing sustainable design materials and solutions.

Looking to the Future: Career Development and New Initiatives

Working with professionals that have nearly 45 years of experience has inspired me to pursue a master's degree to gain advanced skills essential for today's competitive landscape. My undergraduate education laid the foundation for my role as Digital Engagements Project Manager at Ethan Allen, where I've applied academic learning to real-world scenarios, enhancing my digital strategies and project management expertise.

Recognizing the need for ongoing learning in our ever-changing world, I plan to merge data analysis with design thinking to create innovative business solutions and enhance user experiences. I plan to further my education for business administration in STEM. I aspire to make meaningful contributions in areas like interior design, corporate environments, and virtual reality.