Savannah Smith Dunson

Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors

Self-employed interior designer credits FACS with giving her the skills needed to succeed in business

Degree/Year

Furnishings and Interiors, 2011

Current occupation/Location

Self-employed interior designer, project coordinator, Eufaula, Ala.

What has been your proudest accomplishment since graduating?

Having this business "fall into my lap" and being able to sustain it using my history and education in FACS!

What was your favorite class in FACS?

Loved them all, but most beneficial was CAD/Revit training!

Did you have a favorite – or most memorable – faculty member?

Dawn Schuneman and Jaya Rose

How do you think FACS prepared you for your career success?

I absolutely believe that the classes laid out a path that helped me get my first job in commercial interior design at a large architectural firm (foundations, CAD/Revit training, hand drafting and rendering, design theory, etc.) while also giving me enough information to branch out and go solo in a business!

What inspires or motivates you?

Content clients! It thrills my soul to be able to "decode" the needs of someone engaging my services, and deliver a product that they could not grasp by themselves. Interpersonal communication is a MUST for my business, and I love seeing larger businesses that do this well.

What advice would you give a current FACS student looking to pursue a career in your field?

KNOW YOUR MARKET! The world of design is vast and offers so many paths that it's easy to get covered with an unclear direction. Knowing your strengths and what type of designer you want to be would be helpful in navigating a career path. Also, get some clarity on typical salaries and associated responsibilities before diving in!