Hickey, Sofia

My name is Sofia Hickey, I have a high amount of respect for the people around me and myself. I love making true connections with people and learning who people are in the inside. I am very driven and ambitious and love growing as an individual and as a student. I have gratitude for life and nature, and love communicating the worlds beauty to the people around me. I like positivity and have aspiration to create an accepting and uplifting community around me.

Do you have any plans after this semester?

My plans after this semester will be to email and connect with design firms and jump into the interview process for my upcoming Internship this summer. During the break, I will head back to Colorado and keep working at my job with Life Time.

What type of designer would you like to be?

Overall I want to be a designer who can bring imagination, hope, and a fresh perspective to the design world and my clients. I can use my skills to help individuals create an environment that they do not know how to put into words. Right out of school, I would love to immerse myself in a boutique firm, one that would allow me to talk and collaborate with my clientele. I could also futuristically see myself in a bigger firm designing schools and spaces for the younger generations to grow and thrive in.

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

I believe a problem I ran into was how to direct this project. I did not know if I should keep it more realistic or If I was able to imagine, because of this I got stuck. Outside of school, I ran into a couple of health issues. I recommend everyone do their yearly checkups and make sure their bodies are healthy!! (:

What kind of place would you like to design next?

I would love to design a project centered around kids, possibly a kids’ library, an elementary school, a kids’ museum… I have a very Imaginative mind and when it is centered around the younger generation I feel as though I can design a more creative environment.

What do you think makes a good workplace?

I believe what makes a good workplace is one that cultivates a calming yet opportunistic environment. Designing for the individuals who would be occupying the space and creating an environment that allows for connection, Independence, and passion.

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

Evidence-based design is a design that has been researched thoroughly and consistently.

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?

I learned how to design a space based on researching consistently and thoroughly. In this course, you will learn how to use research to your benefit in designing a space. I believe that I have always been told that it is good to put yourself into the environment, in this course you do this, but you do it with knowledge of the research you have conducted. This lets you grasp the realities of what is truly needed in each environment.

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

Refrain from comparing, comparison will lead to you getting stuck. Trust yourself and your work. You have been taught the skills so do not be afraid to keep imagining. This semester goes by very fast so put your best foot forward with each day.