Major: Interior Design
It was Emily Barry’s painting background that led her to interior design.
“When I would see my paintings hung in poorly designed spaces, I was motivated to design the space around my paintings as well!” she said.
Barry earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio with an emphasis in Interior Architecture, Designed Objects and Painting from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and began working in the interior design field. She enrolled at College of DuPage to learn how to use Revit, a building information modeling software.
When she looked at the other courses offered through the Interior Design program and saw how interesting they looked, Barry decided to pursue a second degree.
“The instructors, particularly Shelly Mocchi, work overtime to create connections and opportunities for the students who are willing to put in the work,” she said.
Take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to you to best set yourself up for success.
Having completed an Associate in Applied Science in Interior Design, Barry currently works as an interior designer at HH Architecture in North Carolina. She is toying with the idea of getting a master’s degree in Architecture and her long-term goal is to be a principal at a design firm.
She would recommend COD’s Interior Design program and advises students to show up and do the work.
“Take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to you to best set yourself up for success,” she said. “Treat your classes as if you are showing up to work and carry yourself with professionalism.
“COD was a great springboard for my career when I felt like I was in a slump. It's never too early or too late to accomplish your goals.”
Learn more about the Interior Design program at College of DuPage
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“The COD Interior Design program offers in-depth curriculum of both the technical skills and business aspects of interior design.” - Jordan Guide
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“The program strongly emphasized the fundamentals of interior design.” - Stephanie Sarris
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