A Farewell to My Seniors: Curating a Life in Design

Today, I taught my last class with my 2025 senior interior design students at Louisiana Tech, and my heart is full. One of my favorite things about being a design professor is watching these students transform—from insecure freshmen into confident young adults, ready to conquer life’s next challenges. Over four years, I’ve seen them master their craft, turning sketches into spaces that tell stories. But design school isn’t just about design; it’s about growing into adulthood, and I’m honored to be part of that journey.

This morning, as I looked at their proud faces, I thought about the ups and downs we’ve shared. Design education is a medium for problem-solving, but it’s also a crucible for personal growth. These students have learned to trust their instincts, to create with purpose, and to embrace the messiness of creativity. My final words to them were simple but heartfelt: curate your own life. Don’t just follow what’s expected—design a path that’s authentically yours, one that sparks joy and meaning.

For me, design is a life of highs and lows, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. With 27 years as an architectural designer, I’ve learned that we’re problem-solvers at our core, using design as our medium to craft beauty—whether it’s a space, an object, or a moment. Every challenge reminds me why I do this: to create, to connect, to inspire.

As my seniors step into the world, I hope they carry that same passion. Design isn’t just a career—it’s a way of seeing, of living. How do you curate your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts below—I’m curious!