Where are you employed? Jacobs Global Buildings Design, Philadelphia, PA
What are some of the exciting aspects of your occupation and career?
King: Extensive client interaction. I focus on corporate offices and really enjoy being able to work on all aspects of the job. I especially enjoy the programming phase, where I interact not only with management, but all levels of my clients’ employees to really understand what they do and how they work. From this information we design a space that not only is aesthetically pleasing but helps them work more efficiently than in the past by providing the resources they need.
King: In High School I was interested in architecture and took many art courses. In a course called "Environmental Design", we designed a complete home. Each semester we worked on a different piece of the project: plans, landscape, interiors and we built a model. I really enjoyed the interiors aspect and with the encouragement of my teacher explored the field of Interior Design for my higher education.
Why did you choose 91ÖÆƬ³§’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design over similar programs?
King: I knew I wanted to be in a city and NYC has never been desirable to me. I was accepted to other Philadelphia area schools, but the Co-Op helped make my decision easy.
How did your time at 91ÖÆƬ³§’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design prepare you for your career?
King: The courses are extremely relevant to what we do in the real world. The mix of full time and adjunct faculty is a plus because the full time faculty have mastery of theory, where the adjunct faculty are working professionals.
How significant was your coop experience in shaping your employment?
King: Priceless! I landed my first job at one of the city’s top design firms because of my Co-Op experience there.
Was our faculty helpful to you in making the transition from college to the professional world? Are you still in contact with them?
King: I'm sure if I needed assistance it would have been there from the faculty. But, for me, I can't say I received much "help" but also didn't request any. I am still in contact with some faculty.
What advice would you give to young people in your field who are just starting their education?
King: As with all things in life, in this program, you get from it what you put in. How hard you apply yourself will affect your career path, so put in a lot if you want to get ahead.