Three years ago Lanier Technical College launched the first Interior Design classes on their Forsyth campus in Cumming, Georgia.  The initial enrollment for the program was only 35 students, one instructor, one lecture classroom and an empty Resource Studio.

Since its inception, the program has evolved and now includes almost double student enrollment, three adjunct faculty to help with the curriculum and a Resource Studio that is well stocked with textiles, flooring, and materials for student projects.

The program provides extensive instruction with three levels of study, including an associate’s degree, a diploma and two certificates of credit.  With all four avenues, students receive a balance of technical, creative and business training necessary for a successful career in the Interior Design industry.

 Students build on a foundation of design principles, color theory and drawing, while learning about human factors, space planning, interior construction, building codes as well as drafting and computer automated design (CAD).

Since the fall quarter of 2006, there have been four students who have completed their Associate’s degrees, and additional students are targeting completion of the degree, the diploma and the certificate by the end of fall quarter, 2007.  These students have raised the standard of excellence for the program through their academic accomplishments as well as personal stories. 

Kristy McPhearson, a graduate from the fall of 2006, has combined her interior design skills with a marketing background to open a new business in Cumming.  Her shop, The Design House, is a retail shop and studio located on highway 20 just west of Cumming. 

Mical Traynor completed training to become a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist and will be able to assess the unique needs of the maturing adult population and to provide them with comfortable and safe living conditions, regardless of age or ability level. 

Moojan Lahouti began her studies in the interior design program last year, and even though English is a second language for her, she maintaining a high GPA in all of her classes while taking care of a family and passing the test to become a US citizen. 

Another star student is Margaret McClain.  Margaret will be the first student to complete the Interior Design Assistant certificate at the end of the fall quarter, 2007. During this last year she has attended class, been devoted to her church work, continued her education in spite of injuries from a bad car accident, has helped everyone with computer problems and this fall will celebrate her 74th birthday!

These four outstanding students highlight only a very small segment of those who are involved in the interiors program.  Each student has his or her own goals, life issues, problems and accomplishments.  But, their tenacity for excellence and with the help and support of their families, area professionals, instructors and administration from Lanier Tech, they are continuing to polish their skills in the classroom, aiming for high levels of professionalism in the local community and the design industry.

The Forsyth Campus of Lanier Technical College is located off Exit 13 on Georgia 400.  For more information about the Interior Design program, contact program director Judy Mills at 770.781.6967 or visit online at www.laniertech.edu.