I believe that design should mimic creation, since God’s creation holds all the principles that designers strive for. Design is functional, adaptable, resilient, and utilizable. My goal as a designer is to create design that is meaningful enough to withstand time. With design, I can help others to communicate ideas that they cannot find a way to express, creating an identity for what it represents by telling the story behind it.

I would tell myself to keep an open mind and to find enjoyment in each project by seeing the opportunity for growth in each one. 

My favorite design memory is designing the Wunderstuhl chair with Kaitlyn, Abby, and Jackson. That group project was fun because it was based on collaboration, and we all pitched in with ideas and kept an open mind about how the final project should look in order to create connection. The project was all about building relationships, and the collaborative process of creating the chair emulated that.

My favorite class was Advanced Design Studio 1 because I enjoyed getting to delve into each project brief. In this class, I learned how important it was to invest myself in an audience to understand how to design for its needs. 

The beginning of my first senior semester was pivotal to me as a designer. I felt encouraged by what I was learning, and I was able to put aside fear of failure so that I could grow. During the semester, I found joy in my work, which exponentially relieved me of unnecessary pressure.

Next, I hope to work at a job that equips me with skills that are beneficial to my career. I want to work in a place that incorporates teamwork and is client-based. 

I hope that the design I do for people helps them to express what they don’t have the skills and experience to express. By designing for others, I am giving a voice to people who have a story to tell.