Anderson Oconee Pickens

Tri-County's Interior Design Students Win Best in Show Award

CONTACT: WANDA MORGAN, 444-1007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3/18/2004
(By Lisa Garrett)

GREENVILLE --- Tri-County Technical College's Interior Design students can add the "Best in Design" award to their resumes after a recent win at the 43rd Annual Southern Home and Garden Show in Greenville.

The students, under the guidance of their instructor, interior designer Wanda Morgan, spent the last month preparing for the design of a room and two vignettes for the show. Most of the students are pursuing careers in interior design and will start their own business or work as consultants, said Morgan.

"I'm proud of these students. It's hard work to win first place. It shows what kind of job they have done and their dedication to the field of design. Everyone will do well in his or her profession," she said.

"This was a team project -- they all worked together. It's an exercise in pulling together the total design from beginning to end. Students get valuable experience and project time. They have to find their furninsing, deal with retailers, and arrange the room -- just like in the real world," said Morgan, adding her thanks to local sponsors who provided furniture and accessories for the room.

"This is their most realistic project they work on during their two years in the program," she added.

Students also learn that interior design is not all glamour. "It's hard work -- ask any student and he or she will tell you, but it's incredibly rewarding," she said.

The key is learning to how to turn individual tastes into a design that is pleasing for everyone, said Morgan.

Tri-County's classes are for anyone, not just future designers. "Design is learned; it's no different that English, math or history. But you must be willing to work," she said.

Morgan says when she entered the professional two decades ago, design was not a necessity. "Interior design wasn't considered a profession. Now it's a huge market, and people are more aware that design is important to the environment in both residential and non-residential settings. It's important to have a pleasing design environment," she said.

The market is great for credentialed interior designers, she said. Fabric and wallpaper shops, furniture stores, builders and lighting centers all need designers. Not only do they choose and sell products to accompany the décor, but they are selling good design."

To do a good job, you need the educational background, she said.

Tri-County's Interior Design program is for both personal interest and career advancement, she said. There are 19 courses, including an internship. Graduates earn the title of residential and commercial interior design specialists and can go into any area of design. "When I came to Tri-County 20 years ago, I was teaching one class. Interior design is so complex today. We developed the program over the years, and now we have 19 courses and we plan to add a CAD course soon."

For more information about the Interior Design program, contact Wanda Morgan at 646-1730 or wmorgan@tctc.edu.
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