Where Are They Now: 2024 Winner Cali Pitcher

Work Design recently caught up with 2024 Next Work Environment Student Competition Winner, Cali Pitcher. See what has happened since her big win for Notions. (see her winning submission here)

What has happened with the project since the competition?

Since the competition, my design has become a standout asset in my portfolio, showcasing how I prioritize functionality and practicality in everything I create. My goal is always to design spaces that are not only visually appealing but also enhance a client’s daily life and routine. In today’s fast-paced world, where time is precious and space in a home is more valuable than ever, it’s crucial that my designs serve multiple purposes and streamline everyday living.

How did the competition help you as a student/young professional?

As a young professional, my experience with Work Design Magazine at IFMA’s World Workplace played a pivotal role in shaping my career. The opportunity to meet industry experts and connect with like-minded, career-focused young professionals helped me to build lasting relationships and amplified the skill sets I had been cultivating throughout my education and industry experience.

Through the competition, I gained confidence in translating my ideas into practical solutions and learned how to clearly explain and justify my designs, supported by the immense thought, research, and creativity I invested in my work.

Participating in the IFMA World Workplace events pushed me out of my comfort zone, both personally and professionally, fostering tremendous growth in my presentation and public speaking abilities. This competition provided me with a platform to showcase my identity as a designer and created an environment where I could flourish, learning from industry leaders, presentations and professionals.

What advice would you give to current students in interior design?

To all interior design students, above all else, I encourage you to push yourself and trust in who you are as a designer. Seize every opportunity that presents itself, whether it be reimagining past projects or tackling a competition brief. Participating in competitions as a student is an excellent way to challenge yourself and apply the skills you’ve been developing during your education. Dedication, innovation and out-of-the-box thinking will always be recognized, whether it turns into a winning submission or serves as a showcase of your skills to include in your portfolio. Competitions like the Next Work Environment Student Competition provide an invaluable opportunity to build your resume, expand your portfolio, and kickstart your career in the interior design industry.

What are you working on now?

Currently, I am managing over 10 interior design projects across both residential and commercial interior design sectors at Justin Sherry Design Studio. My undergraduate education, along with invaluable experiences from competitions like the Next Work Environment Student Competition, gave me the foundation to dive headfirst into an incredibly fulfilling career in the interior design industry. The experience and knowledge I gained from this competition accelerated my career, propelling me years ahead in my development as a designer. The experiences I had as a result of this competition helped shape who I am as a designer and positioned me to confidently tackle new projects and challenges without hesitation.

Tell us about what is to come!

This next chapter of my career is the most exciting yet. As several of the projects I started working on in 2024 are nearing completion, I am thrilled to promote what I have been diligently working on over the last year. Having recently purchased my first home, I am diving into one of my most exciting projects to date: curating and designing a space that reflects both my partner’s and my lifestyle and showcases who I am as a designer.

 

💡 Scholarships, Cash & Career-Boosting Opportunities Await!