Where are you working?
I started my own design firm Fisher Grey Studio in 2012. I’ve completed residential projects in Philadelphia, the Main Line, upstate New York, the Jerseyshore, Delaware beaches, South Florida, as well as Aspen and Telluride, Colorado.
What are some of the exciting aspects of your occupation and career?
Perhaps what I love the most about being an interior designer is pulling inspiration from so many different places. Travel, architecture, art, history and landscape are among the biggest sources of inspiration for me. I also adore working with skilled crafts people and fabricators. Having the vision and concept is only part of the design process, seeing it come together into a reality is incredibly rewarding.
Why did you choose Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design over similar programs?
I chose Drexel primarily for the coop program and urban l location. I wanted to have access to various cultural institutions in addition to the faculty and academic resources on campus.
How did your time at Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design prepare you for your career?
Drexel I introduced me to all aspects of the interior design profession which was I incredibly helpful when I started my career. It allowed me to hone in on what I was I interested in and where my personal skills would be put to best use.
How significant was your coop experience in shaping your employment?
My coop was incredibly significant. It was the first experience I had working at a small residential design firm where I could closely observe what it was like to be an interior designer. I was hooked immediately! Interior design was no longer an abstract idea, it was a professional calling.
Was our faculty helpful to you in making the transition from college to the professional world? Are you still in contact with them?
I had a great relationship with the faculty and still keep in touch with many of them 20 years later. It has always been a pleasure to return to Drexel as a guest juror over the years. I also had the honor of teaching the graduate residential design studio in 2018.
What advice would you give to young people in your field who are just starting their education?
TRAVEL, TRAVEL, TRAVEL! Expose yourself to as many different cultures and experiences as possible. Go to museums. Engage with your instructors and colleagues. Be inquisitive. The learning process doesn’t stop when you graduate. Keep the spark and excitement alive, it will feed your design process throughout your career.