IIDA Indiana Idea Awards Gala 2025
Indianapolis, IN
​I attended the 2025 IIDA Indiana Idea Awards Gala, where designers, firms, and industry partners from across the state came together to recognize some of the strongest work happening in our local design community. The event itself was a bold, forward-thinking atmosphere with creative lighting, color, and material choices setting the tone. I went with friends from my program and we were seated with Dan Binford and Associates, who made the night even better with great conversation and a fun, welcoming table.
Seeing the projects that were celebrated and the people behind them highlighted the range of talent and collaboration present here. It was an inspiring and energizing evening that left me looking forward to being more involved in the design community here in Indiana!
IDS National Conference 2025
New Orleans, LA
​This fall, I traveled to New Orleans to attend the Interior Design Society National Conference. It was an opportunity to step outside of the classroom and experience the design industry from a broader perspective. The conference included keynotes, workshops, and an architectural tour that highlighted how culture, history, and modern design all come together in the built environment.
The sessions covered the full scope of a design career, from starting and growing a successful business to planning for retirement and passing a company on to the next generation. Hearing those perspectives helped me see the bigger picture of what it takes to build longevity in this field and how different stages of a career bring new challenges and opportunities.
Another major highlight was networking with designers and vendors from across the country. Talking with them about career paths and project experiences gave me a clearer sense of the different directions this field can take. Outside of the conference, I also loved experiencing the city. Visiting Café Du Monde, stepping inside the cathedral at Jackson Square, listening to live jazz on the streets, getting tarot card readings, and enjoying amazing food at restaurants like Mambo’s rooftop bar.
RJE Internship 2025
February to August 2025
Indianapolis, IN
​This spring and summer, I interned with RJE Business Interiors, a commercial interiors dealership and design firm located in downtown Indianapolis. This experience gave me an inside look at how the design industry works in the real world and gave me the chance to gain hands-on experience with designers, vendors, and clients.
Throughout the internship, I worked on a variety of projects, from large-scale corporate offices to smaller community-focused spaces. I helped with updating finish palettes, organizing and maintaining the materials library, building spec books, and sitting in on both client and vendor meetings. One of the most valuable things I learned was how to use CET Designer software, which allowed me to work on space planning, furniture layouts, and renderings.
I also got to see the behind-the-scenes side of sourcing and pricing. I worked with reps to request samples, kept track of quote revisions, and helped document finishes. These tasks gave me a better understanding of all the moving parts that go into getting a design from concept to completion.
Beyond the technical side, I learned how important it is to stay flexible and detail-oriented. Whether it was a product going on backorder or a last-minute client change, I learned how to adjust quickly and keep projects moving forward. Being part of a team that really cares about creating meaningful spaces was super motivating and made me even more excited about this field.
This internship helped me build confidence, grow my skills, and better understand how design firms operate day to day. I’m heading into my junior year feeling more prepared and clear on the kind of designer I want to become.
NeoCon 2025
Chicago, IL
​ This summer, I had the opportunity to attend NeoCon for the second year in a row. I went with my mom and one of my friends who’s also studying interior architecture at Purdue. This year, we shifted our focus toward residential design and made our first trip over to Fulton Market, which was full of fresh inspiration and creativity.
We visited countless showrooms filled with beautiful, innovative products that are shaping the residential design industry. From high-end materials to clever space-saving solutions, the things we saw sparked so many ideas I can’t wait to bring into my junior-year projects this fall.
More than just a product showcase, NeoCon gave me a better understanding of how companies present their brand identities through design. It was incredibly inspiring to see how intentional storytelling and aesthetic choices work together in a professional setting. This trip left me feeling excited, refreshed, and more connected to the interior design world.
Study Abroad 2024
Bali, Indonesia
​ This summer, I had the opportunity to participate in a transformative 4-week study abroad program in Bali, Indonesia, where we explored various aspects of sustainable design and architecture. The program focused on how Bali's rich cultural heritage influences architectural practices, with an emphasis on the use of local, eco-friendly materials like bamboo. We learned how this versatile resource is incorporated into building structures in a way that is both sustainable and aesthetically harmonious with the natural surroundings. The experience culminated in a final project, where we applied our knowledge to design a sustainably constructed family villa near the ocean. This hands-on experience greatly enhanced my perspective as an interior design student, deepening my understanding of how sustainability and cultural context play crucial roles in design, and how these principles can be integrated into future projects.
Outside of my academic studies, I immersed myself in Bali's vibrant cultural and design scene. I participated in bamboo construction workshops, learning sustainable building techniques firsthand. I also got tours of some of Bali’s most popular beach clubs and had the unique opportunity to take part in a traditional Balinese ceremony. Exploring a local village and temple deepened my understanding of Bali’s cultural heritage, while surf and yoga lessons added a fun, physical aspect to my time. I toured the Ubud palace grounds, where I had the privilege of meeting the prince, and met renowned designer Ida Bagus Oka Genijaya, who introduced us to homes he designed, including various US celebrities. These diverse experiences enriched my time in Bali beyond the classroom.
SDO Show 2024
Indianapolis, IN
The 23rd annual Student Design Organization (SDO) Show at IUPUI in Indianapolis, IN, blossomed with creativity and inspiration under the theme "inspired by florals." From vibrant hues to delicate patterns, attendees were immersed in a garden of innovative designs. Meeting vendors such as IIDA, Fleming Design Group, Arc Design, and others provided invaluable insights into the industry, while guest speakers Katie Vrabel of Vrabel Consulting and Amanda Medlen, CEO of IDO, shared wisdom that resonated with aspiring designers.
Among the highlights were the showcases of work by IUPUI interior design students from the spring and fall of 2023, each piece a testament to their talent and dedication. The event was not just about admiring designs but also about community-building, with opportunities for networking over lunch, free professional headshots, and even the chance to take home a beautiful bouquet from the flower sales. Excitement peaked with a raffle offering coveted prizes, including a task chair donated by Fleming Interior Group. For me, the pinnacle of the event was clinching second place in the INTR 10300 Intro to Interior Design category, a validation of my passion and hard work in the field. The SDO Show was not just a showcase but a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the vibrant spirit of design.
NeoCon 2023
Chicago, IL
In the summer of 2023, as a freshman student in Interior Design, I embarked on a trip to Chicago, IL, accompanied by my father, to attend NeoCon 2023. The city welcomed us with its iconic skyline and vibrant energy. Over the course of the design conference, held at the Merchandise Mart, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the latest trends, innovations, and inspirations within the field of interior design.
The event showcased many cutting-edge products, concepts, and influential speakers, providing invaluable insights into the ever-evolving world of design. Seminars and workshops allowed me to interact with industry professionals, fostering connections that would undoubtedly shape my future endeavors in interior design. My favorite being the IIDA Beyond Futurism seminar in which we heard multiple speakers converse about how AI Technology is changing the industry.
Outside the conference, my dad and I explored the diverse neighborhoods of Chicago, from the artistic atmosphere of Old Town, to the historic charm of Lincoln Square. We indulged in the city's culinary delights as well, stopping at Twin Anchors Restaurant to try out their famous ribs.
All in all, the trip was a perfect blend of educational/professional growth and personal exploration, leaving me with a renewed passion for interior design and a handful of memories from the amazing city of Chicago. As a freshman student, NeoCon 2023 became a pivotal experience that has further fueled my aspirations and understanding of the ever-evolving world of interior design.
