Erica Barnes works as the owner and principal designer of her design group
What degrees/certifications do you have?
Bachelor of Interior Design 2005
What is your current job title, and what does that role entail?
Owner/ Principal Designer. I am the captain of the ship, overseeing the accounting
department, the human resources, our internship program, and all the day-to-day decisions
and design processes of my designers. I am personally involved in all design presentations,
selections, and drawing production. I wear all the hats!
What inspired you to get a degree in Interior Design from Texas Tech University?
I wanted to pursue a job with a creative outlet and the ability to own my own business.
Texas Tech had a wonderful architecture program and an established interior design
program. They also offered a scholarship with Honor's College, so I was able to pursue
an excellent, well-rounded education.
How did the ID program prepare you for your current role?
I learned all the basic drafting and specification skills necessary, proper business
communication etiquette, connection with real vendors and reps, and hands are renderings
and art presentation skills.
Would you recommend this program to current and prospective students? If so, why?
Our program keeps a good balance of theoretical design with practical project applications.
The students graduate with a good understanding of how a project process works, how
to put a drawing and specification set together, and how to approach design theory.