Sara Dement is the Founder and CEO of Dement Designs.
What degrees/certifications do you have?
BFA in Interior Design from Texas Tech University, 1985
What is your current job title, and what does that role entail?
I am the Founder and CEO of Dement Designs. We are a full-service Interior Design
firm based in Dallas, Texas, but we work throughout the United States. Our primary
focus is designing multifamily and student-living communities. My role as CEO is
to oversee the design, manage the business, develop new business, and maintain relationships.
My interior design team does a great job of keeping the designs unique and fresh.
We do everything from the initial concept to the final installation of art, furniture,
and accessories.
What inspired you to get a degree in Interior Design from Texas Tech University?
From the time I was a little girl, I always was interested in art. I was good at
drawing and took many painting classes every Summer. I also was fortunate to have
a mother who created a warm and beautiful home. Art was always a hobby, and when
I thought about what I wanted to do for a career, an "Art related" career was always
rising to the top of the choices. I wanted to do something I loved, not just have
a boring job sitting at a desk all day. Both of my parents and one of my sisters
graduated from TTU, so Texas Tech was naturally one of the universities I considered.
The program's reputation as excellent, along with the accreditation offered, really
weighed heavily in the decision to attend Texas Tech. Plus, I basically have the West
Texas big sky and lifestyle in my blood. We visited my grandparents in panhandle
since I was a kid. I love the friendly people and big skies of Lubbock, Texas.
How did the ID program prepare you for your current role?
I had wonderful professors at Tech who were a great inspiration. I remember Dr. Edna
Glenn, who taught Art History. Her passion for art and travel and her eccentric personal
sense of style are still memorable today. One of my professors was Kathy Ford Montgomery.
She was inspirational as a professional woman who seemed to have a balanced life-
not just all business all the time. Carol Cunningham was also a wonderful teacher
and a professional in Lubbock at the time. I really loved my courses in the basics,
including Principals of Design as well as Professional Practices or the Business of
design. Being the first Art Major in my family, I was keen to learn the ropes of
making this into a successful career and prove that it is a valid profession.
Would you recommend this program to current and prospective students? If so, why?
Yes, I would highly recommend the Interior Design program at Texas Tech University.
Having served on the Advisory Board for the Interior Design Program, I know that
there is an intense focus on the curriculum offered. There is an entire team of professionals
and faculty working to ensure the program is offering great content and gives the
students an opportunity to learn and succeed. We worked on helping provide opportunities
for internships at firms. One of the unique aspects of Texas Tech is its geographical
location in West Texas. Lubbock has features of larger cities in terms of arts and
entertainment but also has the friendly atmosphere of a smaller town. Due to the
geographical location, I think that students staying to spend weekends there helps
improve the college experience in bonding with fellow students.