Department of Design senior Macy Pihl ’24 has spent the summer interning with Yates Desygn, a high-end interior design firm in Dallas, TX.
“As an intern over the summer, I’ve learned about the city’s design industry, understanding the unique preferences and styles of the residents in the area, and how to create beautiful and functional living spaces tailored to their needs and tastes,” Pihl shares.
Macy Pihl ’24
During her internship, Pihl has delved into the specific challenges and opportunities that come with designing luxury residential projects. This experience has provided her with a chance to not only enhance her design knowledge but also grow personally and professionally as she navigates the vibrant design scene of Dallas.
“The opportunity to learn from industry veterans like Bryan and Mike Yates, whose work I’ve long admired, is nothing short of a dream come true,” said Pihl. “I committed to soak up every bit of knowledge and expertise they had to offer, with the hope that these lessons will serve as the foundation for my future endeavors in interior design.”
Q&A with Pihl
What made you want to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design?
I’ve always had a love for art and design. Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to be in the design industry somehow. I think I started planning what I wanted my first-year dorm room to look like before I even started applying to college.
When I got into TCU and learned that there was a whole program dedicated to doing what I love, it was an easy decision. Here was an opportunity to not only pursue my passion but also to delve into the technical aspects that underpin great design. The prospect of honing my skills in a supportive environment that balanced creativity with practical knowledge was irresistible. My journey into interior design was fueled by a deep-seated love for artistic expression and a desire to make a tangible impact on the spaces we inhabit.
How have your studies and time at TCU prepared you for this role?
TCU’s campus and programs provided the perfect platform to turn a passion into a fulfilling career. I knew I wanted to attend a school with a strong sense of community spirit, but I wasn’t certain if I could find that alongside a top-notch design program. However, TCU exceeded my expectations by offering both. Not only does TCU provide all the necessary courses to become a well-rounded designer, but it also supports students in taking an active role in shaping the design community.
As Co-President of student design associations American Society of Interior Designers and International Interior Design Association, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to the revitalization of these organizations within the design department. Alongside my fellow interior design students, we’ve connected aspiring designers with industry professionals and created real-life experiences in the design world outside of our studio in the Fine Arts Building. From our dedicated professors to the hands-on experiences provided by the program, we feel more than prepared to enter the design world confidently and competently. TCU has truly equipped us with the skills, knowledge and connections needed to succeed in our careers as designers.