What made you want to pursue a career related to the design industry”

I am quite interested in art and the prospect of a career in art consulting. My first few semesters at the Art Institute of Dallas taught me how to analyze a space, as well as the basic principles of design. But, art and art history are important components of design I would like to pursue. I have had an affinity for art history since college, but until now, it has been more of a passion than a career focus. However, being in London and taking two Sotheby’s courses, Styles in Art and Art and Business, has inspired me to pursue my passion for art as a career. Sometimes it takes a few steps to identify something you can make a career out of that you also enjoy doing, but finding that combination is the key to success (and job satisfaction).

How did you find out about Sotheby’s art program”

I found out about the Sotheby’s program while I lived in Washington. After working at the White House, I moved on to the State Department. However, I still wanted to find a way to pursue art and design. My boss and mentor at the State Department had acquaintances who had taken both the Sotheby’s and Christie’s programs. He encouraged me to explore both options. At that time, I decided to put moving to London and attending Sotheby’s or Christie’s on hold so I could first gain a sense of space planning and interior design at the Art Institute of Dallas.

Has your design school experience been what you thought it would be”

I think my courses at the Art Institute of Dallas were much more architectural than I imagined. Hand drafting took awhile to master, as did certain aspects of space planning. The level of difficulty of the courses gave me a newfound respect for the amount of time and effort a designer puts into each project and each pitch.

So far, what’s been your favorite course of study”

My favorite course at the Art Institute was our first design-based class called Design I. With the space planning, drafting, and basic design skills we had learned thus far, each member of my class worked towards designing his or her own residential interior and then commercial interior.

I have enjoyed both Sotheby’s courses equally. Sotheby’s brings in extremely talented lecturers, and also engages the class in off campus activities such as museum and gallery visits, as well as auction previews and auction day and evening sales. London is a mecca of talented artists and cutting edge galleries. The city has a creative soul, and is a wonderful place to live for anyone interested in art, design, architecture, photography, decorative arts, and myriad other cultural pursuits.

While you’ve been in school have you had any internships”

While in London I have been interning at Haunch of Venison. HOV is an art gallery with outposts in London, Zurich and Berlin. The gallery features both modern and contemporary art and was recently acquired by Christie’s. However, HOV is still run as a gallery, not an auction house. Interning at HOV has opened my eyes to the amount of work that goes into running a successful art gallery, including representing artists, building a client base, putting on events, and dealing with marketing and PR.

Are you planning on taking the NCIDQ exam”

I do plan on sitting for the NCIDQ exam. However, if I am able to secure an art consulting position, I will have to finish my interior design degree through night classes. In that case, it will probably take a bit longer for me to get to the NCIDQ exam. My instructors at the Art Institute of Dallas, particularly Ms. Kim Rich, tutor students for the NCIDQ. To prepare, I will go back there for tutorial sessions.

Are you a student member of any professional organizations”

I am a member of ASID. ASID was helpful in bringing students together, in making us aware of design opportunities in Dallas and beyond, and in organizing volunteer and other activities outside of the classroom.

What do you hope to be doing by 2013″

Let’s see… By 2013 I’ll be 31. I hope to be several years into a career in art consulting, and to have completed my interior design degree. My end goal is to combine my knowledge of art with interior design so I can help clients both build investment-quality art collections, and arrange those collections in their homes or offices (or parties or fundraisers, there are many directions this could take).

What do you think that you have specifically gotten out of your design program that you don’t think you would have gotten elsewhere”

AI Dallas brought a level of excellence to the table that I didn’t find elsewhere. Most of my instructors had advanced degrees, and many were working on even further qualifications. They all seemed dedicated to both students, and to the field of interior design.

On a more personal note…

What’s the one movie you watch over and over and why”
Honestly, I’m not very good at watching movies over and over. I actually have a hard time sitting still for movies period. But, I do love a good historical fiction – The English Patient and Elizabeth are two favorites. Also vintage Tom Cruise (i.e., Days of Thunder or A Few Good Men).

What style would your ideal home be”
Contemporary traditional. An oriental rug with a Ron Arad chair. A Louis XVI chair covered in contemporary fabric. Classic, clean lines softened by traditional pieces, but updated with contemporary focal points.

What’s the last book you read”
Alice Waters and Chez Panisse by Thomas McNamee. If I weren’t in the field of art and design, I would try to hack it as a chef (or at least a restaurateur).

What do you hope to accomplish by the end of 2008″
I hope to experience London to its fullest: to attend every art fair, every museum, and every opportunity to experience art and design in person. I also hope to find my niche, carved out somewhere between the worlds of art and interior design.

If you are inspired by Lacey’s artful travels or want first dibs at hiring her, shoot her a creative inquiry at laceyliedtke@yahoo.com.