How is a good novel like interior design” Just ask Lisa Garza Armstrong, LEED AP. This go-getter earned her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from the University of Texas at San Antonio [UTSA] in May 2009, but she actually began her college career as a Journalism major. Passionate about writing and literature, Lisa finds joy in a story building and gelling, ultimately culminating with the carefully wrought pieces fitting together perfectly. She astutely sees the parallel in the interior design process, recognizing that research, concept development, and creative composition are all steps necessary to complete the book on any successful project. Though several chapters of her autobiography are now behind her, Lisa continues to work just as hard to compose a bestseller of a career in the interior design industry.

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

My mother is an artist and the most creative person I know. I never thought I had her artistic abilities, but it turns out that I do. My medium is a sheet of trace paper and a Sharpie (and a computer program or two). Architecture and design are art forms that include technical ability and science. I’m glad to have found a field that engages both sides of the brain, which is exactly what I need.

While you were in design school did you have any internships”

I did not have an internship; however, I did create and manage my own photography business while in school. My “focus” was on event photography – primarily brides and weddings. I developed a business plan, created a logo, designed my own marketing material and website and partnered with an event planner. Soon I had more work than I could handle.

During my senior year at UTSA I stopped taking new clients in order to concentrate on existing clients, study for my LEED exam and complete my academic requirements. I thoroughly enjoy photography still and continue to take on small jobs when I can. I’ve taken small steps into the world of architectural photography and have recently had the pleasure of having work exhibited in a local gallery.

What positions have you held before the one that you currently have and what lessons did you learn from them”

On the day before graduation, I was contacted by HEB [grocery chain] and offered a summer intern position on their Design + Construction Team. After sending work for review and a subsequent interview by the director of the department, I received a formal offer and accepted. Working at HEB, I was exposed to design from a retail standpoint. I was able to work on many different aspects of creating and developing the customer experience from the parking lot to the checkstand.

One of the biggest lessons I learned there was that I will always have a lot to learn. I remember working on a project with one of the architects. He asked me to draw up two different versions of the same millwork with very minor differences in the placement of the doors and hinges. I sort of jokingly asked, “Does this really make a difference”” I will always remember his answer: “It does if you want it to look good.”

You are currently working as a Designer/Sales Associate with OfficeSource, Ltd. How did this come about and what are you learning from this position”

As the IIDA Campus Center Programs Chair for UTSA, I met a lot of people in the industry while still in school. I also volunteered for different industry events, which provided me the opportunity to meet and work with members of the design community. Within a few weeks of completing my summer internship at HEB, I was contacted by one of the people who I’d worked with at the San Antonio IIDA Imagine That Gala. She asked if I was interested in meeting to discuss a design opportunity within her company.

After meeting with the company’s owner I was offered a position and accepted. At OfficeSource, Ltd., I am gaining new knowledge and skills daily and learning a lot about design as a business. I am so grateful to be part of a very talented group of designers and industry professionals. I look forward to learning from and growing with this team.

You are a LEED AP. Which exam did you sit for, what led you to pursue that accreditation, and how have you used the knowledge that you attained during the process”

During my senior studio at UTSA, Susan Lanford, Instructor and Coordinator of the Interior Design Program, encouraged and enabled our studio to study for LEED certification as part of the curriculum in our last semester. As a group of soon-to-be college graduates, we were all well aware of the economic slump and dismal job market and knew that we’d need something extra to bring to any company or department head upon sitting at the interview table. This motivated me to dive into the challenge. I took the LEED for Commercial Interiors track and passed in March 2009.

While LEED is not the only way to design responsibly it certainly is a good place to start. The biggest challenge was to commit to the fundamental ideology of the material and really learn it. While studying for the exam and after passing, I realized this wasn’t just about adding a few letters after my name on a business card. This certification gave me a knowledge base that could be used to inform and help others to learn about responsible design and building practices. I approached my City Councilman and expressed interest in being appointed to a newly formed committee, the Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee [CEAC].

The committee is comprised of 11 members appointed by the Mayor and each City Councilmember. The mission of the CEAC is to advise City Council on its environmental efforts and to advance San Antonio’s “Mission Verde” sustainability plan. In August 2009, I was appointed to the committee and will serve a two-year term. I believe that being LEED accredited right out of college did give me an advantage in the job market and in obtaining my appointment to the CEAC. It certainly impressed both of my employers and was one of the first things they asked about when I sat at the tables in their offices.

Are you planning on taking the NCIDQ Exam”

I do plan on taking the NCIDQ. It is my next challenge. Having just started work under a registered interior designer, I have a while to go before I can start applying to take the exam.  

Are you a member of any professional organizations” If so, which ones, what have you gotten out of them so far, and what do you hope to get out of them in the future”

I am currently serving on the IIDA San Antonio City Center Council as the Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs. My involvement and active participation with IIDA from the Campus Center to now have led me to each employment opportunity since graduation. I plan to continue my involvement in IIDA and will focus on keeping our design community informed and current on matters that affect our industry. I am grateful to Michelle Clark (former instructor at UTSA, now of Rees San Antonio) who encouraged a group of students to participate in legislative days on behalf of the Texas Association for Interior Design [TAID]. While at the capital we had the opportunity to meet with several state senators and San Antonio city officials. It was a great experience, which ultimately led to the position that I currently hold on the IIDA San Antonio board.

How was design school experience similar / different than you thought it would be”

The UTSA Interior Design curriculum was far removed from what I expected and, in the end, I’m glad. Going in, I expected a lot more HGTV, and thankfully it was nothing like that! We were encouraged to deliver architectural and purposeful design solutions to programmatic challenges. Architectural theory and concept driven designs were part of the curriculum along with the many history courses, which directed our designs to be relevant. I was pleased with the balance of courses through the College of Architecture at UTSA, maybe not in the second semester when I had to design a beach inn, but along the way I developed an affinity for architectural design and its historical relevance from the cave drawings in Lascaux to the beautiful churches and museums of today.

Since you graduated and have accumulated some experience, what has been the biggest surprise about the industry”

In school we are given carte blanche in terms of design decisions and material choices. In reality most design decisions are based on the bottom line, and we don’t really get to use the most innovative materials or construction methods. It took me about five minutes on a design team to get this and to leave behind the “la-la Land of Design” I’d been living in for the last five years.

What do you hope to be doing by 2015″

By 2015, I will be a Registered Interior Designer and will definitely still be working in the industry. I hope that San Antonio’s “Mission Verde” will be in full effect and that our city has taken leaps to become an example of responsible building and living. I hope to still be part of a team that is working alongside city officials supporting this initiative. In 2015 I will be the mother of a teenager and an eight year old! The thought of that is making me really nervous…next question!

On a more personal note…

What’s the one movie you watch over and over and why”
I have two actually. The Usual Suspects and Love Actually. Two completely different genres, but they are perfect examples of a story coming together.

What style would your ideal home be”
My ideal home would be culturally and regionally significant with a nod toward mid-century modernism. Culturally and regionally significant because I am proud of my Hispanic heritage and can’t imagine living in a space that doesn’t reflect who I am and where I’m from. Modernism because it portrays an honest approach to design and an appreciation for space and materials. Perhaps something along the lines of George Nelson and Alvar Aalto meet Pablo Picasso, if that makes any sense.

What’s the last book you read”
I’m currently reading Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough.

What do you hope to accomplish in 2010″
With school behind me, for now, I look forward to spending more quality time with my family who has stood by me for the last five years on this incredible rollercoaster ride. My amazing husband, daughters, parents and sisters have been my audience, assistant model builders, second opinion pollsters, print fetchers, late-night company and so much more. In 2010 I plan to take steps toward the NCIDQ Exam as I continue to grow and learn with the great company that I’ve just joined. I’d also like to work toward creating that ideal home, now that I have some time on my hands. But most importantly, in 2010 I plan to be the best room mom my daughter’s 1st grade class has ever had!

Congratulate Lisa on a successful start to her interior design career by emailing her at lisa@o-ltd.net!