Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts: Interior Design; Iowa State University

Employer with Location: Simonson + Associates, Des Moines, IA

Years in Design: 9 years

Years in IIDA: 7 years‍

IIDA Great Plains Chapter City Center: Des Moines

How do you record yourideas?‍

I am a huge list maker and will frequently utilize my notes app, planner, or a notebook to jot ideas down. Digitally, I will organize photos for inspiration in folders or collections within specific apps to reference. When it comes to presenting, I will often “brain dump” ideas or photos into one document and narrow things down from there.  

What might we find on your desk right now?

‍My Simonson coffee mug, Stanley cup, “Day Designer” planner, colorful pens, air pods, Chapstick (probably a lip gloss or two as well), architectural prints and TONS of material samples!

Do you have anything in your home that you’ve designed/created?

‍Our home was your typical “builder grade” home when we first moved in. My Husband and I have had fun swapping out things like light fixtures, countertops, and hardware to make it feel much more customized to our style. I have also painted a handful of the canvas art pieces hung around the house & DIY’d some décor items. We even reupholstered our kitchen bar stools to give them a fresh look & had some matching pillowcases made for the sofa!

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What inspired you to go into your line of work?

As a kid I always needed a creative outlet, from drawing in notebooks to building a small Barbie town, I wanted to be doing something hands on & have the ability to curate the experience. Through my early years in academics, I struggled feeling passionate about any certain subject but thrived in my art classes. I didn’t know what that meant for my future, but with some time discovered Interior Design was the answer. In my professional career I have found so much satisfaction through creating functional, beautiful spaces and having the opportunity to express my creativity in a practical and tangible way. 

What words of advice do you have for passionate interior designers early in their career?

Seek feedback from colleagues and continually invest time in learning new or improving upon existing skills. Stay patient and persistent in pursuing your goals & take the time to build connections within the industry to learn from experienced professionals. You’ll never stop learning & there is something to be taken away from every project!

How have you found IIDA invaluable?

IIDA has provided countless networking and professional development opportunities over the years. The events are always top notch & I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know so many people in our design community on a personal and professional level. There is nothing quite like being in a room full of people who are all passionate about the work they do and can appreciate the nuances of the design world.