Major: Interior Design
Leen Al Kassar always wanted to learn more from her high school art teacher when she talked about interior design.
“During my years as her art student, she would share stories about her colleagues who were in the design industry,” she said. “I would spend any common free time we had asking her questions about what type of work they did, and it always excited me. That inspired me to do more detailed research into the profession and it became a goal of mine to pursue it.”
Al Kassar was excited when she discovered the Interior Design program at College of DuPage. After touring the program space in the Technical Education Center, she knew it was right for her and enrolled.
What she discovered was a program that both challenged her and unleashed her creativity. Al Kassar’s work earned her first place in the Student Residential Project category in the 2021 ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Illinois Design Excellence Awards, and she was featured in Modern Luxury Interiors Chicago Magazine under Chicago’s top talents.
I truly feel that the Interior Design program prepared me to be successful in the design industry.
Leen Al Kassar
“These accomplishments would not have been possible without the constant encouragement and support of my professors,” she said. “I also feel lucky to have met many inspirational classmates who were passionate about the work that we did. I made some meaningful friendships along the way.”
Al Kassar earned an Associate in Applied Science in Interior Design, the Kitchen and Bath Design certificate and the Advanced Computer Applications certificate, and she graduated with highest honors. Currently working as a designer at M House Development, she plans to continue strengthening her design portfolio and gaining experience. She also hopes to take the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) exam for her national certification.
As for COD, she encourages any student to pursue their education and highly recommends the Interior Design program.
“I am so grateful for all the positive experiences I had during my time at COD!” she said. “I truly feel that the Interior Design program prepared me to be successful in the design industry. From detailed studio courses to internship opportunities, the knowledge and experience that I have gained during my time at COD is invaluable.”
Learn more about the Interior Design program at College of DuPage
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