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Ayana Gaither

Ayana Gaither

Houston, TX, US

 
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About 

Ayana graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Interior Design in May of 2017. She is eager to shift her focus from hypothetical studio projects to real, impactful environments and spaces. 

The CIDA accredited Interior Design program at OU is integrated in the College of Architecture - which has given her a well rounded individual education and a sense of responsibility for the Built Environment. Her studies include architectural lighting design and acoustic design, as well as furniture, art history, and LEED. As an interior design student, she worked with architecture and construction management students, participating in collaborative projects and design charettes. She also expanded her studies abroad in Dubai, where she observed modern construction and Design-Build methods. 

Ayana  has experience in both residential and commercial applications and wishes to further her skill set across various fields of design. She has experience working on theatrical sets and stage design, which has given her the ability to add a touch  of whimsy to each of her concepts. She strives to create new worlds that bring out the innocence in the individuals that experience her spaces. 

Beginning her post college career at Corgan Associates; Ayana helped complete projects in the corporate interior, healthcare, and education sectors. She contributed to UT Health and Sciences and EP Heart Training Facility in Houston; Kerr Elementary in Allen, Texas; Locke Lorde, West Palm Beach; and Houston Methodist Hospital. While at Corgan, she was exposed to exclusive guest lectures and workshops, which further developed her knowledge of growing industry trends. She also chaired the volunteer committee where she helped to organize events that created exposure for a growing Houston office. 

As she continues her career, she hopes to find a position where she can further enhance her skills in various aspects of Architecture and Design and  acquire new knowledge that allows her to enrich lives through her artistic expression.

Elsewhere:

Employment 

Corgan, Houston, TX, US, Interior Design Intern

• Gained extensive field knowledge of Commercial Interiors.
• Completed projects in the Corporate Interiors, Healthcare, and Educational interiors while working at a fast pace, open office environment with Architects and Interior Designers.
• Projects contributions to UT Health EP Heart Training Facility; Kerr Elementary in Allen, TX; Locke Lord West Palm Beach; and Enlink Houston.
• Exposed to exclusive lectures and learning opportunities developed knowledge of growing industry trends.
• Reorganized and updated the in-house materials library, whilst working with Reps to create diverse material and resource selections.
• Served as volunteer chair, helping to organize events in Houston and introduced Corgan employees to new Houston charities, which in turn provided exposure for the Houston office.

Jun 2017 - current
 

30A Home, Oklahoma City, OK, US, Interior Design Intern

• Prepared CAD drawings and finish boards for client presentations.
• Performed site visits to client homes for field verifications, presentations, and installations.
• Organized and inventoried showroom stock.
• Rearranged and organized materials library.

Feb 2017 - May 2017
 

Montgomery Roth Architecture & Interior Design, Houston, TX, US, Interior Design Intern

• Assisted Interior Design professionals on a multi-family housing project located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, bringing overall progress to 75%; including FF&E Selections for apartments, public restrooms, clubhouse and on-site business incubator.
• Prepared and presented finish boards and presentation documents to the client.
• Participated in various conference calls, communicating with architects, contractors, and engineers.
• Other: Prepared residential furniture layouts. Cleaned out, updated and reorganized materials library.

Jun 2016 - Aug 2016
 

Architect for Life, Houston, TX, US, Interior Design Intern

• Completed schematic design for a residential kitchen remodel that included site visits to client property, informal and formal presentations,
appliance specifications, and produced a full set of construction documents with renderings.
• Completed programming and design for a 25-acre medical community master plan.
• Accompanied leadership and spoke in various business meetings and site visits, including a contribution to winning a contract.

Jun 2015 - Feb 2016
 

Education 

The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, US, Bachelors, Interior Design

The CIDA accredited Interior Design program at OU is integrated with the College of Architecture - which has given her a well rounded individual education and a sense of responsibility for the Built Environment. Her studies include architectural lighting design and acoustic design, as well as furniture, art history, and LEED. As an interior design student, she worked with architecture and construction management students, participating in collaborative projects and design charettes. She also expanded her studies abroad in Dubai, where she observed modern construction and Design-Build methods.

Jun 2012 - current
 

Areas of Specialization