Bachelor of Science in Interior Design

• Job Placement: 97.2% of the students that graduated in May of 2023 were employed by January of 2023, with 97.2% employed within the interior design field.
• Acceptance into Graduate Programs: Two graduates from 2023 applied and have been accepted to a graduate program.
• Graduation Rates: 91% of all interior design students enrolled during the Spring of 2023 graduated in 4 years.
• Retention/ Attrition: 94% of all interior design students enrolled during the spring 2023 semester returned in the fall 2023 semester, putting attrition at 6%.

ICA and Interior Design program collaborate on ICA lounge redesign

 

IDES 356 Junior Studio II - Service Learning Projects. Presentations are linked below.

Introduction to the Project by Professor Shelby Hicks

Team 1

Team 2

Team 3

Team 5

Team 6

Team 7

Team 8

Design Students Try Blum's AgeExplorer^®

On October 2nd, for the second year in a row, Capstone Lifestyles, Inc. hosted 27 students from the Western Carolina University senior design class, along with their instructor Shelly Gregg, for a field trip.

The students spent the day learning about Blum’s AgeExplorer® suit and its use in research and development of products that create functional solutions implemented in universal design kitchen plans, with one lucky student opting to wear the suit and run through some tests in Capstone’s Hacker kitchen display. They experience the benefits of using drawers in base cabinetry, lift doors in upper cabinetry, motion technology to assist

with the opening and closing of cabinet doors, and how being thoughtful in design for your client can help benefit them throughout their life in their home, allowing them to comfortably age in place.

They also received some insights from local architect John Petri of Petri Architecture, on how creating something functional (whether it be an individual room, or an entire house), while also fulfilling the client’s design requirements are a hugely important part of his job, and in some instances, the experts just know what is best. What followed were some conversations with Kaye Tefel of Care Solutions Mobility Center, who helped highlight the importance of aging in place and mobility. She explained that listening to customers and asking the right questions helps you gain an understanding of their circumstances, helping you create solutions for them that make everyday life far easier to navigate. The students received quite a few gems

from Missi Smith and Betsy Edwards of The Design Gallery, who discussed their daily lives as interior designers. The day ended with the students learning from Rob Weeter, of Capstone Lifestyles, Inc., who shared his knowledge of providing design solutions that work for all ages, and what drives his passion for creating these solutions.

As the next generation of students enter the workforce, it is admirable to see clients like Capstone open their doors to inspire and engage and bring guests to share their experiences from various areas of the K&B community. The students all left with a smile on their face, and ready to take on the challenge of designing thoughtfully crafted spaces.

 

Joslyn Stinson, Interior Design Senior, earns TWO University Awards for Community Engagement! 

A HUGE congratulations to Interior Design senior, Joslyn Stinson for her outstanding achievements for community service and engagement!  Joslyn was named as recipient for the following two awards at WCU’s 18^th Annual Community Engagement Awards Banquet:

• Lily Community Engagement Award, which is bestowed upon students who participate in direct service, awareness/ advocacy events and service-learning designated courses.
• Shining Star Award, which recognizes student leaders for outstanding contributions and demonstrated commitment to promoting the Community Engagement Program. 

Congratulations on your well-deserved accolades, Joslyn!!

 

Congratulations to WCU's FOUR Interior Design students selected for participation in the Bienenstock Future Designers Summit!

Of the only 40 Interior Design students selected across the US to participate in the annual Bienenstock Future Designers Summit, FOUR were WCU Interior Design majors:  Avery Grice, Abigail Gulley, Amanda Ghianda and Jordan Truss!!!  This 3-day, all-expense paid summit invites only 40 design students from across the nation to partake in a student design charrette competition, attend educational seminars, manufacturing plant tours, special mentoring sessions with design industry professionals and offers attendees a plethora of networking opportunities to help launch their careers in the profession.  Students will attend the Bienenstock Future Designers Summit in Highpoint, NC in September of 2022. Congratulations to y’all and we know you will represent us superbly!

Faculty member Shelby Hicks wins Teaching Award at the DesignWorks conference!

  

Kaitlyn James, Junior Designer Office Coordinator

I am a proud 2020 graduate of WCU's Interior Design program, and I am now equally proud to work as a Junior Designer and Office Coordinator for Nistenhaus Design in St. Louis, Missouri. Our office offers interior design, architecture, general contracting, retail, and event planning. Our design projects range from residential to commercial, each project involving different sets of creative minds to meet absolute client satisfaction.

   

Kelsey Gribble, Design Project Manager,

CBI Workplace Solutions, AIT (Associate in Training), Charlotte, NC

Kelsey graduated from Western in 2019. She accepted a job with CBI as a Design Project Manager through their AIT program here in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kelsey is currently working on commercial design projects throughout the country and has learned so much since accepting this position. Prior to this, she worked at Marsh Kitchen & Bath for 1.5 years as a project coordinator. Kelsey says “It has been interesting to see how versatile our roles as Designers can be.”

  

Sara Graham, Interior Designer

TSA, Salt Lake City, Utah

Deeply motivated by improving the human experience for people in all walks of life, Sara was drawn to healthcare as it allows her to beautify spaces that positively affect the lives of all who enter regardless of their backgrounds. Particularly familiar with women’s centers and clinics. Sara’s dedication to supporting our highly skilled clients with equally skilled and innovative design is supported by her pursuit of a Master’s degree in interior design and constant study of healthcare design resources. 

 

  

Taylor Goforth, Architectural/Interior Designer

Atriax Group, Hickory NC, Graduated 2021

 

I currently work as an Architectural/Interior Designer for a company called Atriax Group based in Hickory, NC. The services we offer are architectural, design and engineering services to medical centers, military and governmental facilities, and public and private sector locations around the world. I have only been here one week and loving every minute of it! I am currently traveling to Lexington, KY for field verification today till Friday!

 

Deonte Mykel Holmes, Co-Founder and Artistic Director for Trap Decór

Co-founder and Artistic Director for Trap Decór, Charlotte, NC; pictured here with wife and co-owner Steph Holmes, began conceptualizing Trap Decór, during our Junior year at Western Carolina University when we were living in less-than-ideal conditions. However, it was a pinnacle time and place to be in, as our space was furnished and decorated in a way that reflected this chapter in our life. Through this revelation, as an Interior Design student, I became enamored with the idea of luxury home design that spoke to young homeowners who, as the saying goes, "came from the bottom now we're here." So from there, I began sketching ideas like pillows, curtains, towels, chairs, etc. that evoked elegance, but with an edge. I knew that I wanted to create a business that goes beyond just visually interesting home decor - I wanted Trap Decór to be a brand of conversational yet functional art pieces. As the Artistic Director, my job is to develop collections that bring awareness to diverse and underrepresented narratives. I want Trap Decor to resonate with our clients on a personal and artistic level, as well as empower them to curate their own unapologetically authentic home.

 

Kaylen Hester, AIT -Design Project Manager

Kaylen Hester will soon to be starting a role as AIT-Design Project Manager at CBI workplace Solutions, Charlotte NC. (Associate in training). I recently graduated from WCU in May of 2021. Directly after graduation I landed myself in a residential design role. During that short time, I decided that residential design was not the best fit, so I perused a job in commercial interiors. This led me to accepting a role at CBI as an AIT-Design project manager where I will eventually be handling commercial interiors projects.

 

Samantha Teague Easterly, MS, Senior Design Manager

WCU Interior Design Alumna of 2019

Clemson University - Master of Construction Science and Management 2021 Alumna

I currently work as a Senior Design Manager at Design South Builders in Cashiers, NC. We are a Design-Build firm that specializes in high-end residential homes. Before earning my master’s at Clemson, I earned my NC Real Estate License. I enjoy combining my passions for design, construction, and real estate knowledge in my current work. I look forward to continuing learning while I prepare to take my NCIDQ exam next April.

 

Garrett Wilson, NCIDQ

TITLE: Interior Designer
EMPLOYER: McWaters
GRADUATION YEAR: 2014 BS Interior Design, 2023 BFA Architecture, 2025 M. Architecture.