Laura Ramsey Engler

Degree: Bachelor of Science
Major:   Interior Design

Previous job titles and organizations:
Systems Furniture, Internship  Ellerbe, inside, Design Assistant

Current Job Title: Design Principal
Organization:        Ramsey Engler, Ltd

How did you find this job?
I founded my firm in 1981 in response to an opportunity to work on a large scale renovation for a residential client.

Please describe your job:
I direct 7 person staff in design work for approximately 20 to 30 projects at any given time. I market to gain new clients, manage the facilities and systems of the design business, work as lead designer/Design Principal on behalf of clients, and determine the philosophies and goals of firm.  I also work on construction sites with trades and travel around the country to meet with clients and supervise projects.

What from your undergraduate educational experience was most helpful in preparing you for this career?
The most significant courses included: Drafting, History of Design classes, business classes and textiles. What I learned from these classes are bodies of knowledge I call upon daily.

What is the biggest misconception about this occupation or field?
We often work on a project for weeks or months in meetings and plan stage without selecting or creating anything tangible that would be seen as an aesthetic element. The vast majority of our work is in programming, planning, problem solving and implementing. The amount of time spent with the "beautiful" materials; textiles, furnishings, art, etc is the least amount of time we spend.

What advice do you have for current students?
Do several internships in a variety of design firms.  Each design firm and job is like a completely different career. There is enormous variety in this profession. Take a lot of psychology classes!