Have you ever thought about how much thought goes into the chair you’re sitting on right now? 

Or the room you’re in? 

No? 

Me neither, until I spent a day in the world of interior design.

That’s where people actually think about these things on purpose. Spaces don’t just come together through instinct and good taste, interior design is a deeply thoughtful and intentional process.

For my latest school project, I shadowed Jen, the head of interior design at Concert Properties. This meant spending time learning about how spaces go from an empty concrete box to a fully realized environment that affects the way people feel and work.  I had never really considered how much planning goes into something as simple as an office, but seeing professionals break down everything from lighting placement to furniture layout made me realize just how much is involved. Every little detail is chosen for a reason, and it’s not just about making things look nice. It’s about functionality, atmosphere, and creating a space that serves the people using it.

One of the biggest takeaways from this experience was understanding just how long the timelines are for interior design and building projects in general. Once a design is decided on, the process doesn’t move quickly. Projects can take many, many, years to complete. From initial concepts to final installations, there are countless steps, and each one takes time. It’s a level of patience and foresight that I hadn’t really considered before, but now I see how crucial it is to the process.

Another thing I realized is that I need to do something in life that engages me creatively. Watching professional designers work made it clear that this isn’t just a job for them, it’s a way of solving problems, telling stories, and making an impact through design. Seeing design in action made me realize how much thought goes into creating spaces that feel effortless. It also became clear that an important aspect of the job is about understanding people. Clients often don’t know exactly what they want, so designers have to figure it out through conversations, sketches, and sometimes a bit of trial and error.

This experience has completely changed the way I look at interior design. I used to think of it as mostly about aesthetics, but now I understand how much planning, patience, and problem-solving goes into every decision. I don’t think I’ll walk into a building the same way again without noticing the choices that went into making it what it is. 

Thank you so much for listening, and if you’re reading this Jen, Hi!! And thanks again so much for the opportunity.