Sarah Ferenz is one of the most passionate people I know.  I’ve only had the opportunity to work with her outside of design, but it’s easy to see how her passion in everyday life transfers into design.  In this spotlight I talk with Sarah and uncover how to become an interior designer, how to become and stay passionate as a designer, and then we talk a little about her blog.

What inspired you to go into interior design?

I have always been infatuated with the “Before” and “After” transformation process. Initially, I thought being a makeup artist or a Fashion Designer would be my career path. It wasn’t until high school that I realized transforming spaces was more exciting to me. Then, in my second year of college at Shippensburg University, I realized that Interior Design was the major for me. I transferred to Philadelphia University and left behind everything, including the traditional “college experience” to pursue my dream career.

How to become an Interior Designer

For anyone who might want to learn how to become an interior designer, what would you tell them?  If you could give your past self any advice what would it be?

I actually get this question frequently! If you are just starting out in college, I would suggest looking for a CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation) accredited university. The curriculum at these colleges are specifically designed with higher standards that “assure the public that interior design education prepares the students to be responsible, well-informed, skilled professionals who make beautiful, safe, and comfortable spaces that also respect the earth and it’s resources”-http://accredit-id.org 

If not just for the knowledge, accredited universities are usually more respected in the field, and can help you land your dream job. 

 

However, most of the time, the people that ask me about interior design are graduates that already have a degree, but realize their true passion is design. Look for accredited universities that offer graduate degrees in Interior Design. If grad school is not something your wallet can handle, there are lots of other creative careers that are design related, but not necessarily “Interior Design” specific. Look into Staging or Decorating courses. Check out these sites for more information!

http://www.stagedhomes.com/training/three-day/threedaycourse.php

http://www.realestatestagingassociation.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&module_id=23077

http://www.theacademyofhomestaging.com

http://www.stagingtraining.com/staging-course

 

My alma mater, Philadelphia University (which is a CIDA accredited university) offers the Masters program for Interior Design and also a Interior Decorating Certification Program 

http://www.philau.edu/scps/CPE/Certificates/InteriorDecor.html

 

As a side note, while studying interior design, I interned at a staging company during the summers and holidays for 3 years. I loved it because it gave me the quick satisfaction of seeing a project come together right before my eyes. I also had a lot of influence, so it gave me confidence in how to pull the details together. My first job upon graduating was at an interior design firm, which exposed me to the corporate setting and fast-paced nature of a real design position. My current job brings the best of both of those worlds together. By setting up model apartments, I am satisfying my decorating side, and by designing our public areas, I am playing a large part in the first thing our residents see once they walk through our doors.

 

Ultimately, if you are interested in any kind of design career, you should read Crystal Russell’s (of TVL Creative) eloquent description of what makes Interior Design different from Interior Decorating. She is an extremely talented designer and knows her stuff! https://designerhacks.com/crystal-russell-visionary-life/

My explanation of the difference is much more simple. I like to say that interior design is like baking a cake-you know how to perfect the combination of ingredients for flavor, bake it at exactly the right temperature, AND add the icing and fondant flowers. Although I am trained as a designer, and I absolutely enjoy having the knowledge to make design decisions, my true passion is pulling it all together at the end in the details. Know your calling and build on that.

 

I would tell my past self

You will be amazed at the things you can do when you really want something. Everything you ever wanted can and will be yours, even if you have to wait a little longer for the reward!

What book(s) have had a major influence on you?

Some Place Like Home: Using Design Psychology to Create Ideal Environments by Toby Israel, PhD. 

I read this book while designing my senior capstone project, a wellness center. I had the chance to hear Dr. Israel speak and she told the story of her cancer diagnosis and how she healed by surrounding herself by creating a space that was most relaxing to her. The book focuses on how past experiences can dictate what we find comfortable in our current spaces. It was so interesting. It strengthened how I feel about my role as a designer and what that means to me: Giving people the pleasure of walking into their own home, everyday.

You’ve always been a very passionate and driven person.  How do you find the time to be involved in everything you love?

Just like anything, you make time for what is important. I am a big proponent of trying to do everything and compromising to make it happen. 

Are there any tools or habits you’ve developed to help stay organized and on task?

As far as a tool, I’m one of those list-makers. I multi-task all day long, so as soon as a thought comes into my head, I must have a pen and paper nearby to write it down. And of course, I love crossing out the things I have already finished. It makes me feel accomplished! 

 

But in terms of a habit, I must always feel confident when I leave the house. This means making sure I like the clothes I’m wearing, that I have done my hair, and that my skin is glowing. It may seem silly, but when I am confident, it helps me to be ready to tackle anything that comes my way!

What’s one setback you’ve had?  How did you overcome it?

In my first year in design school, I was terrified of having to use the computer for any design aid. I remember seeing senior design presentations and thinking, ‘How am I ever going to have a project that looks that good?’ It was so intimidating! Drafting in AutoCAD was a real struggle, and rendering in Photoshop was even worse. I had a great teacher for CAD, so I slowly learned how to computer draft the same way I drew by hand-with a great attention to detail. Hand rendering had been one of my favorite parts of a design presentation. I felt like the computer rendered drawings were so flat and lifeless. After taking a Photoshop course directed towards Industrial Design students, I was extremely frustrated and cried my way through many classes. The following year, I forced myself to use the few tricks I had learned and rendered a few drawings. The more I played, the more I taught myself. Similar to CAD, I found a way to make my renderings appear more hand-done, and got more enjoyment out of using the computer to my benefit. Interestingly, my first job out of college was at my dream hospitality firm. I was hired specifically because they needed someone who had Photoshop rendering skills. Who would have guessed?!

How do you stay inspired and passionate?

I read several blogs and I Pin (on Pinterest)…a lot. I don’t stick to interior design blogs specifically, just anything beautiful makes my brain illuminate. I see design as a great tool to influence your mood by your surroundings. I feel like I am responsible for providing an “escape”. I actually feel uncomfortable and restless when I am in a place that has no thought to design (or worse, a place that has a generic decor approach). By constantly looking at new things, I am always inspired.

 

If there was only one designer you could learn from or mentor, who would it be?

Sarah Richardson. She was trained as a prop stylist and set decorator, so her attention to detail is where we are similar. She has a laid-back, clean, airy aesthetic. Her spaces are balanced with unique, fancy, and lived-in pieces, so that the overall effect is inviting. My favorite thing about her is that she seems so normal and friendly. I think having a good attitude about everything in life is the best way to go! 

What’s the future look like for Sarah Ferenz?

The future is bright, bright, bright. The projects that I am working on with Post Brothers is unlike anything that is being developed in Philadelphia. We are renovating existing buildings that have been neglected and turning them into more than apartments, but homes. We are raising the bar, in terms of what to expect in apartment living. We are giving residents hotel luxuries everyday. We are not afraid to think outside of the box and always offer more than what is expected. I am so proud to be on a team of individuals who are all working towards improving the community and expanding the standard of apartment living.

Any parting words of wisdom?

If you don’t love it, don’t buy it. My problem is, I usually love it…

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Sarah is an interior design graduate from Philadelphia University and currently working at Post Brothers.  She runs a blog on the side where she shares whats going on in her life and the beautiful things she encounters.  If you’d like to contact her to learn more about how to become an interior designer, stay passionate, or just to chat you can email her at [email protected].  I also suggest you stopping by her blog and leaving a comment http://thehuntressblog.com .