I’ve always been interested in Interior Design. I may not have always been conscious of it, but it has always been a part of my life. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by space, light, texture and color. My first unofficial design project goes back to early high school, as I helped my parents redesign and update our circa 1960’s kitchen and dining room. Not long after, my career path led to Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, MI and eventually to a BFA in Interior Design. After graduation, it was off to New York City and an internship and eventual full-time position at Material ConneXion – one more step closer to pursuing my dream of becoming an interior designer. 

My design process often includes creating an inspiration board. Mostly using Adobe software, I find that seeing all of the items, colors, and patterns together helps me visualize the integrated impact of the elements. I love using Pinterest, too, because it provides a way to turn unfiltered thoughts into usable ideas. I like to keep my designs cohesive with the spaces being left unchanged: I may introduce more playful patterns or brighter colors, but by not committing to a specific theme, the overall space will remain in harmony. 

At work, I am a Material Archivist, helping to maintain a library of over 7,500 materials on the floor and in the archive space. I also maintain the online database, updating it on a monthly basis with new materials and their corresponding contacts for our subscribers. I am constantly being called a “material savant” or “freak” when someone is looking for a material catalog #, or the name of the manufacturer of that material. I know my library! 

I do not have specific specialties in the materials field, but I have a wide general knowledge that has proven to be very helpful for our members who visit and are need help identifying and locating materials specific to their project. Because of my design background, I feel like I am able to better collaborate and assist members in the quest for just the right materials, rather than simply as a search assistant. 

Overall, as a valued member of Material ConneXion’s library team, I have routinely gathered information and presented it clearly and succinctly to clients and senior management; successfully managed and completed a variety of projects concurrently; and effectively communicated with colleagues, clients and manufacturers. My involvement in consulting projects has also allowed me to develop experience in material research and sourcing, cost projections, ordering and tracking materials, and client presentations. 

With a BFA in Interior Design and relevant work experience, I am confident that I could bring to any position a thorough knowledge of materials, sourcing and organizational experience, as well as my creative and technical skills in concept development, drafting and design. Further, my personal skill set contains several key traits that have contributed to success in my education and career to date: Attention to detail. Organization. Clear communication. Enthusiasm. Initiative. Efficiency.