Category: CFAD Alumni

#CFADWorks: Leah Brownell

UCO Interior Design Alumni Spotlight:  Leah Brownell from GH2 Architects in Tulsa, OK

Our graduates are doing extraordinary things!  Interior Design Alumni Spotlights are a feature highlighting our talented graduates.  These interviews allow you to learn about where our alumni work, the types of projects they do, and how their experiences during their time at UCO helped shape them into the designers they are today.

UCO Design:  What year did you graduate?

Leah Brownell:  May 2016

UCO DES:  What was your name in school?

LB:  Leah Eubanks

UCO DES:  What was your major?

LB:  BFA in Interior Design

DES:  Where are you from?

LB:  Muskogee, Oklahoma

DES:  What got you interested in interior design?  Why did you decide to major in it?

LB:  Between my junior and senior years of high school, I was able to travel to Europe for 5 weeks. The man-made environment was phenomenal and so well crafted. This is what sparked my interest in interior design/architecture.

DES:  Did you double major or get a minor when you were in school?  If so, what other areas did you study?

LB:  While I did not minor in anything specific, I did take graphic design and fashion design classes. I find both of those very beneficial in my day-to-day work and overall career.

DES:  Do you have an additional degree besides Interior Design?  Has that degree helped you as a designer?

LB:  I have an Associate Degree in Business Administration. It has helped remind me of the business side and processes of architecture and the service industry.

DES:  What was your first job after graduation?

LB:  I interned at REES Associates in Oklahoma City the fall after graduation, which opened the door for me to land my current position at the GH2 Architects headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

DES:  What are you doing today?  Where are you working?  How long have you been at your current place of employment?  What do you specialize in?  What is your title? 

LB:  I am an Interior Designer at GH2 Architects and have been with GH2 Architects for over 6 years. I specialize in healthcare design but have worked on many project types and sizes, including education, corporate, hospitality, and civic. GH2 does a wonderful job of giving their employees an opportunity to work on multiple things to gain experience in all areas and phases of design.

DES:  What has been one of your favorite projects you’ve worked on as a professional?

LB:  K-12 education projects are typically my favorite. I love working under budget constraints and forcing myself to be extra creative with materials. I also love enhancing the learning environment for younger generations and showing that each school district, regardless of location, can have healthy and safe environments. My favorite project to date is the Muskogee Public Schools’ new state-of-the-art athletic facility, Rougher Village, which houses a new stadium, press box, arena, and office space.

DES:  When you were a student, did you work?  If so, where?

LB:  I worked at Emory Anne Interiors in Edmond, OK

DES:  Were you involved in any other campus activities or organizations when you were in school?  Were you in a leadership position?

LB:  I was involved in SIDA, IIDA, and ASID while at UCO. Starting my sophomore year, I held board positions for SIDA: publicity chair, vice president, and eventually president.

UCO:  Are you a member of a professional organization now as a practicing designer?

LB:  I have remained an active member of IIDA and attend AIA Women in Design events when possible.

DES:  What is one of your fondest memories of your time at UCO?

LB:  Being in SIDA was great and created a lot of wonderful experiences and memories. Having that support system is so important, and who better to have in that circle than people going through a similar experience as you?

DES:  What advice can you give our current students?

LB:  Try to always come from a place of yes and do the thing that not everyone may want to do, like volunteering to attend events, participating on a panel, or getting involved in your community. It will push you forward and open doors to experiences early on in your career that you didn’t think would be possible or available to you. Dig in and be as involved as you can. It will serve you well both in your college and professional careers!

Visit GH2 Architects website.

See renderings of the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.

See renderings of the Muskogee Public School Varsity Stadium and Activity Center.

See photos of the Mustang Science Academy.

Compiled by Amy Jacobson-Peters, MFA, ASID, IDEC
Assistant Professor
Division Head, BFA Interior Design, UCO School of Design

Posted on March 31, 2023 by Scott Hale
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#CFADWorks: Lauren Naney

UCO Interior Design Alumni Spotlight with Lauren Naney of Champion Supply

Our graduates are doing extraordinary things!  Interior Design Alumni Spotlights are a new feature highlighting our talented graduates. These interviews allow you to learn about where our alumni work, the types of projects they do, and how their experiences during their time at UCO helped shape them into the designers they are today.

UCO DES: Where are you from?

Lauren Naney: Edmond, OK

DES: What was your major?   

LN: BFA Interior Design from the College of Fine Arts and Design

What year did you graduate from UCO?

LN: 2018

DES: What got you interested in interior design? Why did you decide to major in it?

LN: I had a childhood friend whose mother had fairly eccentric taste compared to my own mother’s, and I felt very drawn to their home. Every room was bold, and all the bookshelves were filled with knick-knacks, photographs from their travels, and pieces from local artists. My friend and I spent hours watching HGTV and rearranging our own rooms, trying to outdo one another. I found it intriguing, and then one day, it just seemed so unnatural for it not to be a part of my day-to-day life.

DES: Did you double major or get a minor in school? If so, what other areas did you study?

LN: In the early 2000s, I wasn’t certain that Oklahoma would ever be a place where interior designers could thrive, and I wasn’t ready to move, so I originally majored in business; Purchasing Materials Management specifically, with the plan to minor in Italian, French, and Mandarin to become a buyer for some sort of textile company. Ultimately, I never grew passionate about logistics and decided to focus on Human Resources since my late Godmother was a well-known professional in Oklahoma. Most of my electives were all in Marketing and seemed to hold my interest, which allowed me to double major. I graduated from the College of Business in 2011 with two Bachelors of Business Administration in Human Resources and Marketing.

DES: Have those degrees helped you as a designer?

LN: Most definitely! Both have been instrumental in helping me build business relationships and market myself and my abilities as a design professional.

DES: What was your first job after graduation?

LN: In 2012, I took a position in Human Resources with Mathis Brothers, where I could further my business knowledge. After working with them for three years, I realized that it would never be the life I wanted. I constantly referred to myself as a hot pink zebra in a black and white office and soon found my way back to UCO to pursue my degree in design.

DES: Where are you working today? Do you specialize in a certain type of design?

LN: During my last semester in 2018, I found my way to Champion Supply with the help of Dr. Valerie Settles (UCO School of Design Director) since a former student worked here. The company specializes in supplying amenities and operating supplies to hotels and restaurants, with its biggest client being its parent company Champion Hotels. Several years ago, the company started to branch out into design and has since been growing the business and department to accommodate the market’s needs. I specialize in hospitality design, primarily in custom hotels; however, I also assist with prototype projects periodically.

DES: What has been one of your favorite projects you’ve worked on as a professional?

LN: I have 2 La Quinta projects in Houston, TX, that the same investment group owned. Watching them both transform after not being updated in roughly 15 years was a pretty awesome experience.

DES: When you were a student, did you work? If so, where?

LN: I mainly worked for Republic Gastropub, then moved to the Ranch Steakhouse during my senior year to work around my new position at Champion Supply.

DES: Where did you do your internship? How did that experience shape your future?

LN: I worked with a local lighting retailer and quickly realized how important business finances and relationships were, especially when you trade on your name. It helped me realize being in retail and working in residential was not for me.

DES: Have you taken the NCIDQ exam? Any advice?

LN: In the process of studying, but it is a beast! I would encourage students to take the IDFX portion during their senior year while the information is fresh.

DES: What is one of your fondest memories of your time at UCO?

LN: Graduating… both times. The feeling of hearing your name called and walking across the stage makes all the sacrifices worth it.

DES: What advice can you give our current students?

LN: Do multiple internships. You can do so many different things with the knowledge you get from this program. Dip your toes in several things to see what positions and company’s culture fit your goals, values, and lifestyle. Create a professional social media account where the content highlights your work, interests, and you as a creative. Keep it clean and professional because I guarantee it will be one of the first things potential employers will look at when sifting through their candidate pool.

The pictures provided show some before and after designs for the exterior of a LaQuinta Hotel and the lobby.

La Quinta Inn lobby before La Quinta Inn lobby after La Quinta Inn exterior before La Quinta Inn exterior after

Compiled by Amy Jacobson-Peters, MFA, ASID, IDEC
Assistant Professor
Division Head, BFA Interior Design, UCO School of Design

Posted on June 22, 2022 by Scott Hale

#CFADWorks: Cassidy Brunsteter

UCO Interior Design Alumni Spotlight on Cassidy Brunsteter of Mr. Robert Fine Furniture and Design, Norman, Oklahoma

Our graduates are doing extraordinary things! Interior Design Alumni Spotlights are a new feature highlighting our talented graduates. These interviews allow you to learn about where our alumni work, the types of projects they do, and how their experiences during their time at UCO helped shape them into the designers they are today.

Questions:

UCO DES: What year did you graduate from UCO?

Cassidy Brunsteter: 2007

UCO DES: What was your name in school?

CB: Cassidy Murphey

UCO DES: Where are you from?

CB: Oklahoma City

UCO DES: What got you interested in interior design?

CB: I became interested in interior design at a very young age. I can remember drawing floorplans of my house, and I loved to watch shows like Martha Stewart Living before there was HGTV.

UCO DES: Did you study anything else while you were in school?

CB: For the first two years, I studied dance.

UCO DES: What was your first job after graduation?

CB: Mister Robert Fine Furniture & Interior Design in Norman, Oklahoma.

UCO DES: What are you doing today? 

CB: I moved to Seattle, Washington a couple of years after graduating and worked in both design and residential property management while there. After many years in Seattle, my husband and I moved back to Oklahoma and I made my way back to Mister Robert. I have now been back with Mister Robert for a little over 3 ½ years as a designer specializing in residential interiors. I am involved as a buyer and in advertising as well.

UCO DES: What has been one of your favorite projects you’ve worked on as a professional?

CB: There have been so many! Working in residential design, you really get to know your clients and their families. I have been so lucky to help and work with some of the neatest and nicest people. It is a wonderful reminder that furniture selection and placement is so much more than just that. As designers we help to make their house a home. It can be a very rewarding experience.

UCO DES: When you were a student, did you work? If so, where?

CB: My first job in the industry was at Theo’s Marketplace at their Edmond location. I worked a few hours a week, between classes. I learned so much about furniture and the access I had to fabrics and materials was useful with school design projects.

UCO DES: Where did you do your internship? How did that experience shape your future?

CB: I did a residential internship with Winterhouse Interiors, and a commercial internship with ADG architects. They were both wonderful internships, and doing both commercial and residential was very helpful in deciding my career path in residential design.

UCO DES: Were you involved in any other campus activities or organizations when you were in school? Were you in a leadership position?

CB: I served as President-Elect and President of UCO’s student chapter of ASID (now SIDA).

UCO DES: Are you a member of a professional organization now as a practicing designer?

CB: I am an Allied Member of ASID.

UCO DES: What is one of your fondest memories of your time at UCO?

CB: I have so many fond memories of my time at UCO, but my design trip to Paris must be my favorite!

UCO DES: What advice can you give our current students?

CB: Take internship opportunities and take them seriously! The design world is a small world no matter what path you take, and it is never too soon to start your professional resume with professional references.

The photos provided represent a variety of Cassidy’s projects.

Cassidy Brunsteter, example of bedroom interior design Cassidy Brunsteter, example 1 of living room interior design Cassidy Brunsteter, example 2 of living room interior design

Mr. Robert Fine Furniture and Design has been a landmark along Norman’s Main Street since 1958 providing furniture and design services for both home and office needs. You can learn more about Mr. Robert at:  https://www.misterrobert.com/#home

Compiled by Amy Jacobson-Peters, MFA, ASID, IDEC
Assistant Professor
Division Head, BFA Interior Design, UCO School of Design

Posted on April 6, 2022 by Scott Hale

#CFADWorks: Lydia Myers

Interior Design Alumni Spotlight with Lydia Myers of HOK in Kansas City

Interior Design graduates are doing extraordinary things! Interior Design Alumni Spotlights are a new feature highlighting our talented graduates. These interviews allow you to learn about where our alumni work, the types of projects they do, and how their experiences during their time at UCO helped shape them into the designers they are today.

UCO DES: Where are you from?

Lydia Myers: Tulsa, Oklahoma

DES: What year did you graduate from UCO?

LM: May 2016

DES: What got you interested in interior design?

LM: I remember wanting to be an interior designer at the young age of eleven or twelve. I loved watching HGTV, and I thought I wanted to be a residential designer.

DES: Why did you decide to major in interior design?

LM: After taking an interior design course at Tulsa Tech, which exposed me to the world of commercial design, I knew I wanted to become a commercial designer.

DES: Did you double major or get a minor when you were in school?  If so, what other areas did you study?

LM:  I got a minor in Graphic Design. I also took a textile class and a sewing class.

DES: Where are you working? What areas do you specialize in with your design work? 

LM: I am an interior design professional at HOK in Kansas City, where I mainly work on sports projects. Designing locker rooms, clubs, suites, and recreation facilities.

DES: When you were a student, did you work? If so, where?

LM: I worked at a resort as an event staff member over the weekends. One of the biggest tasks of the weekend was working on housekeeping. We cleaned every building after the guests left. It really taught me to pay attention to small details, from folding towels down to cleaning windows, leaving no smudge behind.

DES: Where did you do your internship? How did that experience shape your future?

LM: I worked at Sherwin Williams paint store. I didn’t do an architecture/interior design internship; fortunately, that did not prevent me from getting my current job. I learned quite a bit about paints and stains while at Sherwin Williams, which was valuable in my career. 

DES: What was your first job out of college?

LM: I did an internship with Panolam Surfaces for the summer after graduation. It was a great experience. I was able to travel all over the United States and also to Vancouver. Before doing the internship, I planned on working in Oklahoma. However, after traveling to cities I had never been to before, I realized I was willing to leave Oklahoma. Without that internship, I might not have ever considered leaving.

DES: Were you involved in any campus activities or organizations when you were in school?  Were you in a leadership position?

LM: I volunteered in SIDA. I helped create posters and social media posts.

DES: Are you a member of a professional organization now as a practicing designer?

LM: I am a member of IIDA.

DES: Have you taken the NCIDQ exam? Any advice?

LM: I am currently studying for the NCIDQ. My advice is to take the first exam in school. I wish I had. Also, get a study group. It really helps to have a small support system all studying together to review questions and help each other.

DES: What is one of your fondest memories of your time at UCO?

LM: I am so blessed to have met my best friend while at UCO. We spent so much time together over those four years, eating, kayaking, hiking, shopping, and of course sitting on our sofas with laptops in our lap, designing magic! 

DES: What advice can you give our current students?

LM: Get a minor in graphic design; it will serve you well! 

DES: Do you have a favorite project you’ve worked on to date?

LM: One of my favorite projects was Lynn Family Stadium for the Louisville City Football Club. I worked on this project from design development through to completion. My favorite part of the design process was punching at the end of the project. I helped punch every seat in the 15,000 seat stadium. In addition, it had several outdoor bars, including one under the giant video board. There are 18 suites, a club serving those suites, along with the men’s and women’s locker rooms.

Lydia Myers and colleagues sitting in the locker room of the Louisville City Football Club Stadium.   Lydia Myers wearing a hard hat at work

LM:  The picture of my colleagues and me sitting in the cubbies was from when we punched the Louisville City Football Club Stadium.  This is the men’s soccer locker room. 

The links below are to projects Lydia has worked on with HOK:

Louisville City Football Club

North Carolina State Carmichael Gym

University of Wisconsin Natatorium  (This is the biggest project I have been a part of. We were drawing construction documents while working from home during the 2020 COVID pandemic. It will be complete in Spring of 2023, but you can follow the link above to the construction cam.)

University of Alabama Mal More Sports Science Center

HOK is a global design, architecture, engineering, and planning firm with 1,600 employees who collaborate across a network of 23 offices on three continents.  Fast Company ranked them as one of the most innovative companies of 2021. To learn more, visit:  https://www.hok.com/

Click here to learn more about the Interior Design program at UCO

Posted on February 14, 2022 by Scott Hale

UCO Musical Theatre Receives National Recognition

“Those of us who have witnessed the polished professionalism of our productions will not be surprised by this recognition.”

– Steve Hansen, Dean

College of Fine Arts and Design

The University of Central Oklahoma has again been recognized on the national stage for the outstanding quality of the Musical Theatre Program. The online theatre community “Performer Stuff” recently featured UCO in their article series “The Top College Theatre Programs You Might Not Know, but Should.” UCO Musical Theatre has previously been recognized as one of the top 10 programs in the nation by “OnStage Blog” in both 2017 and again in 2018.

“Those of us who have witnessed the polished professionalism of our productions will not be surprised by this recognition,” said Steven Hansen, M.F.A., dean of the UCO College of Fine Arts and Design. “As accolades continue to pour in, we will soon lose our moniker as a “hidden” gem, and take our place in the forefront of nationally recognized Musical Theatre programs.”

“Performer Stuff” is a national online community created as a resource for performers, educators and industry professionals. Their feature article lists several reasons for awarding UCO Musical Theatre a top nod this year. Among them are specialized and rigorous training by leading arts professionals; regular collaborations with local professional companies that offer students professional credits with the Actor’s Equity Association Union as well as successful alumni who can be found throughout the professional performing arts world.

“We live in an area where Musical Theatre is prevalent,” said Greg White, Ph.D., head of the UCO Musical Theatre Division. “There are three competitive programs in the metro area alone while Texas only has three in the entire state.

“One thing that sets us apart from other programs is the incredible collaboration between different departments within the UCO College of Fine Arts and Design. Our students have the opportunity to work with our Dance Department to refine dance techniques or they can take advanced acting courses in the Theatre Arts Department while also working directly with our talented voice faculty in the School of Music.”

Faculty within the College of Fine Arts and Design also stay at the top of their craft as professionals working within their collective industries.

“I want to congratulate our amazing students, staff and faculty mentors across schools, divisions and departments who’s collaborative efforts alchemically combine to create gold,” Hansen added.

Posted on April 9, 2020 by Steven

#CFADWorks: Julianne Annesley

We’re proud of our Oklahoma teachers! Local music educator Julianne Annesley shares how the UCO College of Fine Arts and Design prepared her to train the next generation of musicians.

During her time at the University of Central Oklahoma, Annesley was a part of the Wind Symphony, Marching Band, Orchestra and Cantilena Women’s Choir. She was also selected by audition for the National Flute Association Collegiate Honor Flute Choir in 2009 and 2010. Since graduating with a Bachelor of Music Education (Instrumental) with a minor in Vocal Performance in 2011, Annesley has dedicated the last eight years to directing band and orchestra, as well as teaching music appreciation.

Annesley was recently recognized for researching and reviving Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School’s alma mater song. Because of her efforts to promote school spirit through music, the school has begun several new traditions, including musical performances at the freshmen welcome event and Veterans Day Assembly. Read more about Annesley’s work at newsok.com.

Today, Annesley teaches at three Catholic schools in the Oklahoma City metro while also working to complete her Masters of Music Education. She is currently a member of the Oklahoma Flute Society Adult Flute Choir, serving as a Delegate on the Executive Board and as the Honor Flute Choirs Assistant.

As students are dissuaded from pursuing their passions in arts-related fields, we’re flipping the script on “starving artists” and highlighting the breadth of success our alumni have achieved as musicians, artistic directors, talent managers, dancers, actors and so much more. As our alumni can attest, #CFADWorks!

Are you a CFAD alum? We’d love to hear from you! To get involved, just post a selfie or video of you at work to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Use #CFADWorks, and we’ll share your story! Thank you for inspiring our students and the future generation of creators!

 

Posted on March 1, 2019 by Buddy Broncho

#CFADWorks: Eric Chambray

In the dressing room for “Le Rêve,” dance alumnus Eric Chambray shares his journey from the UCO College of Fine Arts and Design to the Las Vegas stage.

After studying dance at the University of Central Oklahoma, Chambray began his career with Royal Caribbean Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Tokyo Disney. For the past 10 years, Chambray has stunned audiences with feats of strength, acrobatics, aerial dance, diving, martial arts and more as a part of “Le Rêve,” performing in an aqua theatre-in-the-round at the Wynn Las Vegas.

Those outside of Las Vegas may have also seen Chambray and the “Le Rêve” dancers on America’s Got Talent and in the film Paul Blart Mall Cop: 2.

Watch a few of these captivating performances below:

As students today are dissuaded from pursuing their passions in arts-related fields, we’re flipping the script on “starving artists” and highlighting the breadth of success our alumni have achieved as musicians, artistic directors, talent managers, dancers, actors and so much more. As our alumni can attest, #CFADWorks!

Are you a CFAD alum? We’d love to hear from you! To get involved, just post a selfie or video of you at work to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Use #CFADWorks, and we’ll share your story! Thank you for inspiring our students and the future generation of creators!

Posted on February 13, 2019 by Buddy Broncho

#CFADWorks: Mariah Saffa

Hard at work in a 7,000-seat arena in northern Colorado, ACM@UCO alumna Mariah Saffa reflects on her path to a marketing career in the entertainment industry.

After receiving a B.A.T. in Music Business and a minor in Marketing from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2017, Saffa used the skills she gained through real-world industry experience at ACM@UCO in her job as a Digital Marketing Specialist and Radio Accounts Manager at Tyler Media. This role led Saffa to her current position with Spectra, an international venue management and hospitality company that serves the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, CO. As a Marketing Manager, Saffa directs marketing strategies not only for the venue itself, but also for touring musicians and entertainers, continuing to apply her education in Music Business.

As students today are dissuaded from pursuing their passions in arts-related fields, we’re flipping the script on “starving artists” and highlighting the breadth of success our alumni have achieved as musicians, artistic directors, talent managers, dancers, actors and so much more. As our alumni can attest, #CFADWorks!

Are you a CFAD alum? We’d love to hear from you! To get involved, just post a selfie or video of you at work to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Use #CFADWorks, and we’ll share your story! Thank you for inspiring our students and the future generation of creators!

Posted on February 6, 2019 by Buddy Broncho

#CFADWorks: Jessica Craddock

From her picturesque Colorado ranch, College of Fine Arts and Design alumna Jessica Craddock shares her journey to becoming the founder and owner of The Artist Market Co.

After graduating from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2010 with a B.F.A. in Painting, Craddock first learned the skills of gallery management while working for notable Oklahoma City artist Suzanne Wallace Mears. She soon opened her own pop-up gallery, an experience which fostered her interest in learning to more effectively market her art. After several years of experience at local marketing firm Public Strategies, Craddock launched her business The Artist Market Co. to teach fine artists the necessary business skills to successfully market and sell their work. As a painter, entrepreneur and business owner, Craddock helps her fellow artists to make a living while doing what they love.

To learn more about Craddock and The Artist Market Co., please visit theartistmarket.co.

Posted on December 3, 2018 by Buddy Broncho

#CFADWorks: Kevin Bergquist

As a Graphic Designer at Fulton Brewing Company in Minneapolis, MN, alumnus Kevin Bergquist demonstrates the skills he gained from the UCO College of Fine Arts and Design in his daily work.

Bergquist graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2014 with a B.F.A. in Graphic Design and a minor in Illustration. Since then, he has used his educational experiences throughout his career, working independently as a screenprinter and freelance designer before beginning his current position at Fulton Brewing Company as a full-time Graphic Designer. His daily work involves designing anything from packaging to web graphics to posters for the company, providing ample opportunities to flex his creative muscles.

Last year, Bergquist’s unique illustration process was recognized by the British art and design publication “It’s Nice That.” Utilizing a scanner to distort his designs, the illustrator created a wobbling effect that offered movement and spontaneity to his compositions. To see examples of his work in this style and read the full feature by “It’s Nice That,” visit https://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/kevin-bergquist-illustration-060917.

View Bergquist’s most recent series of designs below:


Posted on November 13, 2018 by Buddy Broncho
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