From Classroom to Career: Sharing My Design Journey with SCAD Students
Sharing Insights on Design and the Post-COVID Built Environment with SCAD Students
Yesterday, I had the incredible honor of speaking to SCAD graduate students located across Africa, Asia, and North America. The virtual lecture, hosted as part of Professor John Gaul’s MA Final Project class, was a three-hour journey through design, career insights, and discussions about how the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our understanding of the built environment. I’m deeply grateful to SCAD for inviting me to share my experience and to engage with such talented and driven students.
A significant portion of the discussion revolved around health, safety, and welfare considerations in design. The pandemic has not only accelerated the shift to remote and hybrid work but also brought new priorities to the forefront. Design is no longer just about aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that are functional, flexible, and responsive to new ways of living and working.
Drawing from my MA Final Project, Workplace Evolution: The Return of Remote Workers, I shared insights into how interior design can help bring employees back to the workplace in meaningful ways. Key elements like biophilic design, flexible work zones, and incorporating residential comfort into office spaces ("resimmercial" design) are more relevant than ever. These strategies not only boost productivity but also enhance well-being, a priority underscored by the pandemic.
I also had the opportunity to showcase my work at Niles Bolton Associates, sharing real-world examples of multifamily and corporate projects. The students were particularly interested in the transition from academic projects to professional work, and it was rewarding to offer advice on navigating this pivotal shift.
Professor Gaul’s kind words after the session reminded me of how fulfilling it is to give back to the design community. I’m looking forward to returning as a juror for the students’ midterm and final presentations in the coming weeks. The future of design is bright, and I’m inspired by the passion and creativity of these emerging professionals. Thank you, SCAD, for the opportunity to connect and share!
Kind words from Professor John Gaul about the lecture:
On Monday, April 12th, 2021 Anne Mason, MA Graduate Alumni (2019), Interior Designer with Niles Bolton Associates (Atlanta) visited Professor John Gaul’s INDS 749 A.01 MA Final Project Virtual Zoom Class.
Anne shared her experience transitioning from MA Graduate student into the industry workforce. She provided an engaging and informative presentation of her projects at Niles Bolton Associates, conveying to the students some helpful advice and counseling with regard to what to expect and how to make the transition as the new team member in a firm.
She also shared her outstanding MA Final Project presentation and boards as an example for the students in the class who are preparing their Midterm presentations. Anne’s presentation of her 2019 Graduate MA Final Project Topic, “Workplace Evolution, The Return of Remote Workers”, remains more relative and current than ever due to the CoVid-19 Pandemic and its impact on individuals working from home and now beginning to return to the workplace environment.
Anne will be returning to provide feedback as a juror for the students’ Midterm presentations on Wednesday, April 21st and then again on Wednesday, April 26th for the Final presentations. It is always a wonderful opportunity when industry professionals take time from their busy schedules to participate in providing quality Interior Design education. SCAD-Atlanta always welcomes alumni back to share their career paths with students.
Thank you, Anne, for your contribution to learning for these Interior Design MA Graduate students.
