Jessie Santini Earns Master’s Degree!

Congratulations to Jessie who earned a Master of Science in Interior Architecture from Chatham University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  For her thesis, Jessie explored the perceptions of the professional term “Interior Architecture,” surveying 476 architecture and interior design practitioners, educators, and students located throughout the United States, Canada, and several countries outside of North America.

We asked Jessie a few questions about her journey to become a commercial interior designer and how she plans to relax a bit now that she has completed her master’s degree.

When you were in grade school, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

I knew at an early age that I was going to design interiors.  I have always been fascinated with building floor plans, the arrangements of interior spaces, and the objects within them.  Translating that fascination into a career was something I didn’t really question.

What is the best part of being an interior designer? 

Being able to positively impact others with design – even in the smallest way – is such a rewarding feeling.  I love using the design process to take something which isn’t quite right and “fixing” it.  Whether at the macro or micro scale, good design makes life better for all of us. 

Now that you have earned your master’s degree what are you looking forward to doing?

I am looking forward to being able to travel more; grad school has had me grounded for too long!  I am also looking forward to reading books for recreation!  A lighthearted fiction read sounds good after so much time “reviewing the literature” for my thesis! 

A bit more about Jessie . . .

Jessie serves as a volunteer grader for the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ) exam. She is also a LEED Accredited Professional, Building Design + Construction and serves as Vice President of Communications for the PA/NA/DE Chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).