A virtual chat with current interior design students who are launching into the industry through Fairfield’s online degree.
Our program is designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to succeed in this industry ...
— Robert Hardy, Program Director
For those considering a career change into interior design, the Interior Design: Career Changers Panel on Wednesday, April 26 at 6 p.m. is a discussion not to be missed. This virtual event will feature current students of Fairfield University's Master's in Interior Design program, who will share their experiences and insights on making the transition into this exciting field.
Robert A. Hardy, ASID, IDEC, NCIDQ, program director and independent interior designer, who has more than four decades of industry experience, spoke about the value of the discussion, stating that "this event is an excellent opportunity for anyone considering a career in interior design to learn from our current students who have successfully made, or are about to make, the transition. Our program is designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to succeed in this industry, and this event will give attendees a firsthand look at what it takes to be successful in this field."
Among the featured panelists is Stephanie McAleer MA ’26, who is currently enrolled in the Master's of Interior Design program at Fairfield. Despite initially planning on pursuing a PhD in English, Stephanie realized that interior design was her true passion. She believes that the program will help her achieve her dream of starting her own design firm, and is excited to share her experiences with those considering a similar career change.
Susan LaFrance MBA, MSW, and master’s in interior design candidate, is another featured panelist, who has earned the Residential Interior Design Certification and is pursuing her master’s with an expected graduation date in May 2025. Susan's career has been varied, having worked in grants administration at a university setting, and previously as an administrator in the juvenile justice system. However, she joined the Interior Design program to pursue her inventiveness and build skills that offer long-term career independence, while also engaging with others in a more focused and personal way.
Jenifer Curtis, another featured panelist from the Class of 2025, will bring a wealth of experience to the discussion. She has been a maternal fetal ultrasound technologist for the past 20 years, and will use her studies at Fairfield to focus on creating peaceful, healing spaces in the women’s health sphere. She is excited to share her insights on making the transition into commercial interior design.
The Interior Design: Career Changers Panel will be an informative and engaging event for anyone considering a career change into interior design. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights on the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to succeed in this dynamic industry. The event is open to all, and advanced registration is required.
