Where are you employed? Melton Design Build in Boulder, CO.
What are some of the exciting aspects of your occupation and career?
Abramson: Working at a design-build firm, I get to see my design all the way from conception to the final walk through. That is extremely gratifying. When you do everything in house from selling the job to space planning, FF&E, rendering, estimating and finally building the project you achieve a much more intimate knowledge of the job and the customer.
What would you consider as your greatest achievement in this occupation?
Abramson: I'm still pretty new, and so there's a huge learning curve. I'm proud that I'm holding my own against people who have been in this business for decades!
Why did you decide to choose this career?
Abramson: While some people have been sketching rooms and playing with doll furniture since they were children, there are also those of us whose route to this career are less fairytale-like. I would say this career chose me. I started out in the Design & Merchandising program and I was floundering. I knew I had to make a change. I made a leap of faith and fell in love. Interior design is the best of all worlds for me because a successful design requires both brains and beauty.
Why did you choose Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design over similar programs?
Abramson: I came to Drexel for the co-op experience. When I visited the school and got to speak with current students about all of the skills they gained during their co-op I was sold.
How did your time at Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design prepare you for your career?
Abramson: Drexel had a very comprehensive program. While I didn't realize or appreciate it at the time, it truly prepares you for every aspect of the business from basic design principles to software knowledge and construction documentation. I am especially appreciative of the thoroughness of my education. Now that I am in a design-build firm and responsible for all aspects of each design project!
How significant was your coop experience in shaping your employment?
Abramson: I found that employers were very impressed with the amount of responsibility and the variety of tasks I was given during my co-op. Since my experience was well-rounded I was able to apply to an array of jobs even though my co-op was strictly health care.
Was our faculty helpful to you in making the transition from college to the professional world? Are you still in contact with them?
Abramson: Drexel faculty and its alumni are great in helping students transition to the professional world. I get e-mails frequently with information about job postings and I've been in touch with a few professors when seeking advice on how to go about beginning freelance work.
What advice would you give to young people in your field who are just starting their education?
Abramson: Pay attention in every class! Like I said before, Drexel offers an amazing array of classes touching on almost every aspect you will need in the professional world. Even if it seems less exciting than a studio class, a furniture history class, lecture on material applications, or a lesson on codes will do you wonders down the road.