Ferguson, Julianna

Quality design can be separated into categories including love, honor, and collaboration. The designer needs to be passionate about their work, pushing past boundaries and being thorough in all design decisions (being courageous enough to think outside the box). Next, they should be faithful and considerate to their clients’ needs and preferences. In this way, the designer must also be honorable and do exceptional research to make just choices that best suit their clients. Finally, a designer needs to be friendly, open minded, and comfortable being flexible with the client.

Do you have any plans after this semester?

After this semester, I will be taking a few design and marketing classes in the spring. As my junior year closes, I will hopefully be studying abroad in Copenhagen and Rome. I love the historical relevance of these two cities and can’t wait to study abroad. Studying abroad is important to connect with cultures outside of the United States and grow from unparalleled precedents. By expanding my scope, I will grow my skillsets as a designer.

What type of designer would you like to be?

Although there are many interesting fields of study, I intend to specialize in hospitality design. Working towards two business majors, I will have a unique knowledge of the intersection of design and the realm of business. I want to build brand identities through my guest experiences that explore ambience, creativity, and comfort. As for my design, I love designing both functional and aesthetically pleasing environments. I want every guest to leave with a memory they can hold on to for a lifetime.

Can you tell me about any problems you ran into in the studio or outside?

This studio is challenging because a successful designer must be self-reliant. The best design comes from the iterative process, learning by doing. Thus, it is imperative that a large amount of time be budgeted for the course. It is difficult to be heavily involved in campus due to the nature of the course. Therefore, having a work-life balance is hard to achieve. It takes much dedication to be a memorable designer.

What kind of place would you like to design next?

I would like to design a themed building such as a restaurant, museum, or attraction. A great designer encapsulates the feeling of a space, abstracting literal motifs. In addition, I would enjoy the business aspect of the design, encouraging people to use a service or utilize a product. However, I would be open to other types of design as well if the opportunity presents itself.

What do you think makes a good workplace?

A good workplace is one where every member feels at home. Even the most mundane work can be made enjoyable with friendship. Besides camaraderie, having an uplifting, positive work environment would be incredibly beneficial. A fostering environment leads to happier employees which contributes to less sick days and a higher rate of return, great for both employees and business.

Can you tell me what evidence-based design means to you?

Evidence-based design is imperative. Every decision needs to be made with care and consideration. A wise, informed decision will lead to the best design. Carelessness will be a designer’s downfall as the consequences of the decision will be overlooked. It is the designer’s responsibility to think critically about every decision made as each is meaningful.

Compared to previous semesters, the semester may be challenging in many ways, but you may be able to see your accomplishments. Reviewing your accomplishments, what did you learn from this studio?

In this studio, I learned that a concept should be the center of a project. It is the heart and soul, influencing the design exponentially. It isn’t flowery language; it drives the design. Every decision should be based off the concept. In addition, the concept should be clear and distinguishable. The client should easily understand the concept for them to emotionally invest in the project. If a client can connect with a project easier, it will be the chosen concept.

Would you like to share anything with future students of this studio?

Design can always be improved. By ignoring suggestions, designers lose perspective. It is the designer’s responsibility to commit to challenging their work constantly. Settling will be the artist’s enemy. Always work to improve your skillset and portfolio.