April Kotjan | Cari Mullaney | Melissa Hucke
April Kotjan
Where do you work and what does your current position entail?
"I currently work at Dawson Design Associates in Seattle. The company's main focus is hospitality projects with an occasional residential or healthcare project. At DDA every project is unique and has a different story, it is the designer's job to work with the client to tell that unique story through the design. The projects range in location from being local to all over the country. As a designer, every day is different and what I do depends on the phase of the specific projects that I am working on. My day can range anywhere from writing specs, putting together spec and finish binders, doing custom drawings for furniture and light fixtures, doing AutoCAD drawings, product research and much more. I also spend time net working with sales reps and arranging presentations with them. I am constantly learning and being challenged to grow as a designer."
What you learned at SPU that has been helpful to you as you begin your career?
"As I began working as an interior designer after graduation I realized that everything I had been taught in the interior design classes at SPU I had already started to put to use! The instructors did a wonderful job at preparing us for the "real world" of design. The knowledge I gained at SPU was a good foundation to build upon with the work experience I am now gaining after graduation."
Cari Mullaney Profile
I work for JPC Architects as an Interior Designer. My days consist of meeting with clients, creating drawings, selecting finishes, and working directly with contractors to ensure the success of each project. JPC's projects are mostly corporate offices, but my current fun project is a small downtown salon. What I appreciate most about the Interior Design program at SPU is that it teaches you that we truly are in the service industry. We have the opportunity to humbly serve people, using the unique gifts Jesus has given us, in a very practical and artistic way.
Melissa Hucke Alum Profile
I'm an interior designer for One Earth One Design. We specialize in sustainable design and work on both commercial and residential projects. What is so great about working for a small company is that I am so involved in all phases of the projects. There is never a dull moment as I'm always busy with a variety of different tasks. My days can range from being on site taking measurements and meeting with contractors to visiting showrooms and meeting with clients. Other days I'm in the office working on plans, elevations, specifications, budgets, proposals, and purchasing. I am constantly learning new things by researching products or meeting with reps. My favorite days are when I get to be more creative. Those days I am selecting furniture and materials or putting together color boards. Depending on the project I even get to go on business trips. I love that no two days are ever the same.
Starting out as a new designer fresh out of college I felt like I had such a great foundation to start with. SPU's interior design program really prepared me to jump right into my career. There was a lot to learn once I was out in the field, but I felt prepared and confident. The studio classes really taught me the processes that designers go through. It was so beneficial to have such a great understanding of construction documents and being able to produce them. Being proficient in AutoCAD was also a huge asset. Having a background in materials, lighting, and textiles has proven to be quite valuable. Although designers are constantly learning and being challenged, SPU's program really gives the background knowledge that is necessary to succeed in the interior design field.