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Interior Design Students Gain Real-World Experience

Interior designer alumna Betha Krupa discussing color theory with students regarding wood grains.
Alumna Beth Krupa hosted current interior design students at her studio in Greenwich, Connecticut.
By Sara Colabella

This past April, graduate students in the online MA in Interior Design program had opportunities to engage in two immersive learning experiences that provided exposure to the professional world of interior design.

The first event took students to Beth Krupa Interiors, LLC, a Greenwich-based firm led by program alumna Beth Krupa. During the visit, students attended a seminar offering a behind-the-scenes look at the interior design industry. The event allowed students to network and gain invaluable insights from experienced professionals.

“Beth provides a wonderful opportunity for students to see how a successful interior design practice operates,” said program director Robert A. Hardy, ASID, IDEC, NCIDQ. “Her ability to balance the creative, intuitive design process with meticulous planning and execution is invaluable for our students.”

One of the highlights of the seminar, according to student Audrey Moore McNichols, was gaining a deeper understanding of the financial aspects of the profession. “Learning about the level of detail involved in budget planning and how to ensure realistic cost tracking was incredibly insightful,” she said.

Later in the month, students participated in a day-long showroom tour at the New York Design Center. Hosted by Carol Brewer Interiors, the tour exposed students to some of the most renowned design showrooms in the industry.

Interior design student Kira Henderson shared her insights from the day. “Walking around with Carol was amazing," Henderson said. "She gave us so many insights into her specific process and shared tips and tricks that have been really helpful in my own work. I felt much more comfortable navigating the design world after spending that time with her.”

Henderson also highlighted her visit to David Sutherland during the tour, a stop that helped deepen her understanding of how professional designers work. “Connecting with established designers who have lots of experience has been very beneficial," she said, "and having these connections that I can foster into long-term relationships can only help further my career.”

She also shared advice for prospective students considering the program. “I would tell them to take advantage of as many of these experiences as you can. Having the opportunity to connect with industry veterans, no matter what the format, can only help further your career." 

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