design autobiography

        The path that has led me to the Univeristy of Kentucky Interior Design program has been one with a lot of twists and turns but being here I can now see a straight path to the future in front of me.

Before attending the University of Kentucky I graduated from Eastern Kentucky University. Here I considered a few different options before finally graduating with a degree in Education. I wasn’t happy with my choice but it was safe. Before I even completed I knew that I never wanted to be an Elementary school teacher but it was too late to turn around. I knew my interests and one of those was design but didn’t know enough about career options at that time to feel safe in pursuing that degree. While living in Richmond a friend of mine bought a house that was auctioned after an elderly lady passed away.

In buying the house he also inherited all the furniture that she had left behind. In browsing through the house I admired all this beautiful furniture that was now his. In terms of history I knew nothing about it but I was fascinated. There was a dining chair that I found particularly attractive. I needed a chair for my desk and he offered one the dining chairs. After getting the chair home I started to research it and discovered it was a chair from the Drexel line designed by John Van Koert. It was this research that sparked my interest in the history of furniture, which has become ever more relevant in ID 162.

Fast forward a few years and I am now living in downtown Lexington at the Artek Lofts. These lofts are a project designed by AU associates. Living in an open space and allowing minimal “stuff” to clutter my view has allowed me to have a clearer mind. Being at home is like a breath of fresh air. I was not content with where I was working and having a clear mind at home allowed to explore other possibilities. Eventually deciding to go back to school.

Living downtown puts me within walking distance of a lot of great places. Often on a Saturday I will walk down to the farmers market in Fifth Third Pavilion and explore along the way. The market is open air but under a wonderful structure made of glass and steel. These walks through downtown inspire me and are pushing me another step closer to my decision.

If my boyfriend and I feel like treating our selves we will make reservations at one of our favorite places to eat- Table Three Ten. The food is wonderful but I more so enjoy the scenery. It is a space that makes you feel like you have stepped off the street and in to something special. What was once a law office has now been adapted in to an impressive space, unlike others in town. In 2011 the space won a Clyde Carpenter Adaptive Re-use award.   Glass windows make up the façade and you can almost feel the history that once was, with some of the interior woodwork. Being here makes me want to design spaces that inspire and interest people just as it has done for me.

This place encompasses two of the materials that tend to be a contributor to the spaces I am inspired by most. In the space is a lot of Antique or original wood and glass that allows abundant natural light and interaction with the exterior.

As I was becoming more and more frustrated with my work position, an acquaintance mentioned that there may be a position opening up with a Kitchen and Bath design firm. I called one of the designers and mentioned that I would be interested. I didn’t even know what the job description was for the position but I knew that this position would be a step back in the direction I should have headed in college. The designer asked me to come in to their showroom and help to merchandise the items on the floor. After doing this I was hired. In the year and a half that I have been with the company my roles have changed and I am much more involved with one side of the design team. Even though I don’t see myself designing kitchens in the future, this position helped me to envision a career doing something that I enjoy and am passionate about.

Scout is an antique store that I love to visit, even when I have no intention of making a purchase. There is always something there I want to take home with me. It has always been a great place to see some of the furniture I read about and looked at online. While working on chair cards for ID 162 this semester I was able to go out to Scout and sit in some of the chairs that I was drawing for class

In the process of contemplating a move of going back to school I bought a book to do some research. It just so happens that “Becoming an Interior Designer” was also a required text in ID 101. Reading this book allowed me to explore different career options and to hear testimonies from practicing designers. Going back to school was a decision that made me nervous. I wasn’t sure if I was making the right decision. Working full time and going to school full time was going be a big commitment and I wanted to make sure I was ready for it. After finishing this book I made started the application process for the design program. My first semester has been incredible and although I am busier than I ever thought possible I do not even slightly regret my decision!