The quiet power of mentorship
One of the most rewarding parts of my career isn’t just the work I do—it’s the people I get to guide and support along the way. Mentoring emerging designers has become one of the most meaningful aspects of my professional life.
Supporting the Next Generation of Designers
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with both students and new professionals as they begin their journey in the interior design world. This industry is fast-paced, collaborative, and constantly evolving. For someone just starting out, that can feel overwhelming. Having a trusted mentor—someone to turn to with questions, seek guidance from, or simply talk things through—can make all the difference in shaping their professional growth and development.
Mentorship Through IIDA
As a professional member of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), I’ve had the opportunity to participate in the Student Mentorship Program for several years. Each year, I’m paired with students—some from right here in Austin, others from across the country—and together we dive into everything from academic feedback to career strategy.
Letting Students Take the Lead
I let the students set the pace and encourage them to take advantage of our time together. Sometimes we’re reviewing current school projects, discussing the challenges and solutions within those projects. Other times we’re reviewing their portfolios, developing their resumes and LinkedIn profiles. The goal is always the same: to give them the tools so they step into the design world with confidence.
Sharing Real-World Experience
Additionally, I share real stories from my own experience. I talk about how to choose the right firm, what to expect as a new designer, and the many directions a career in interior design can take. We talk about internships and how to make the most of those early opportunities. Helping them see what’s possible early on provides invaluable insight.
Introducing Product Knowledge and Resources
When students and new professionals start out in the industry, they have limited knowledge of products and sources. The old saying “you don’t know what you don’t know” holds true. One of the key items I cover in our mentoring sessions is vendor sourcing, which they can apply to their coursework. After years in the industry, I’ve developed a deep knowledge of product sources and brands, sharing that insight helps them navigate design challenges.
Teaching Budgeting and Real-World Constraints
One of the biggest challenges new professionals face in this industry is the lack of exposure to “real world” budget constraints. In school, projects often have unlimited budgets—the sky’s the limit—thinking, which is great for creativity, but rarely reflects the real world. I help them bridge that gap. I teach them what they can expect from designing with constraints, to being creative within boundaries, and still deliver impactful solutions with limited resources. Because believe me, we’d all love for our clients to give us unlimited budgets, but that’s never happened, so we make the most of what we’re given.
The Lasting Rewards of Mentorship
What do I consider the best part of mentoring? Hands down, my absolute favorite is staying connected with designers and seeing their careers blossom and flourish. I always encourage them to stay connected with me. Over the years, I’ve come to deeply value the role relationships play in this industry—they’re instrumental—in the development of your career. Your network can shape the direction of your career, whether you’re looking for a new job or pivoting to a new sector, the people you’ve connected with and built trust with, they are the ones who will offer advice and help you succeed.
A Full-Circle Perspective
There are a handful of people I consider to have been my mentors, and it’s through their guidance that I’ve achieved some of my greatest successes. The design community is vast, yet it can feel incredibly small at times. Who you know—and who knows you—can be just as important as the work you do. Those connections can take you far.
The Power of Simply Showing Up
Sometimes, that relationship starts with simply being there for someone.
That’s the quiet power of mentorship.
