Where are you employed?
I am the Owner and Principal Designer of Liz Walton Home. Liz Walton Home is a luxury kitchen, bath, and interior design firm located in Phoenixville, PA that effortlessly marries style and sophistication with comfort and functionality. Since 2004, I have been designing custom interiors for clients near and far. I have transformed homes across southeastern Pennsylvania, along nearby beach towns of New Jersey and Delaware, and as far as Northern Massachusetts, Southern Florida, and Nashville, Tennessee. My work has been featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Martha Stewart Living, Main Line Today, and I am a regular contributor to KBB magazine and the resident kitchen expert for MyDoma Studio.
What are some of the exciting aspects of your occupation and career?
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is meeting with people from all different backgrounds, beliefs, and ethnicities. I learn so much from my clients and feel privileged that they trust me to design the most personal and intimate spaces in their homes. Every job is different and comes with its own set of restrictions and requirements, it’s like figuring out a puzzle and that is very exciting and rewarding.
Why did you choose Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design over similar programs?
I chose Drexel’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design for it’s strong and rigorous curriculum. The opportunity to gain real world experience through their Coop set Drexel apart from other programs, which made choosing Drexel a no brainer. Their studio-based design sequencing paired with liberal arts studies was the most comprehensive and well rounded program and offered the best chance for a lucrative career in the interior design industry.
How did your time at Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design prepare you for your career?
The WCOMAD program is extremely demanding. To be successful, one must exercise a strong work ethic, time management skills, and a commitment to excellence, all of which are necessary in order to succeed in the real world. The critiques prepared me for real and honest feedback, criticism, and helped me develop a thick skin and confidence when presenting.
How significant was your coop experience in shaping your employment?
My coop experience taught me so many things! I learned about budgets, timelines, and scheduling, how to properly measure any given space, and the fine art of being flexible when plans or the scope of work changes. I also developed critical communication skills with vendors and contractors which helped give me confidence as a working professional post graduation.
What advice would you give to young people in your field who are just starting their education?
Have an open mind and assume you know nothing! The faculty are a wealth of knowledge and will encourage you to think in new and creative ways within an ever changing world. And be prepared to work harder than you thought possible. The all nighters in the studio are real but rewarding, you get what you give! Lastly, I attribute much of my success to the education I received at Drexel, giving me the confidence to start my own firm which is now thriving and growing and I couldn’t be happier.