Looks can be deceiving. Though she looks early 20-something, Shannon Unger has already had a full life with her husband and two boys, years 16 and 11. (How is that possible” It must be the preservation effect of all that Canadian cold weather while living in North Bay, Ontario and Kamloops, British Columbia). Though she already has a career in real estate that keeps her hopping, this sassy Canadian is following her instincts by pursing a career in interior design. We applaud her moxie.
How is Shannon chasing her dream” She is currently enrolled in the Diploma program through Rhodec International. She feels that she is greatly benefiting from the correspondence program, and she intends to pursue her 3-year BA following the completion of her Diploma. Shannon is still in the early stages for now, working her way through Materials, Drafting and History of Design.
Shannon is driven towards the design field because she craves creativity and doesn’t feel that her real estate license is allowing her full creative license. Plus, she is just addicted to change: “We moved into our current house about six years ago, and I am redecorating the living room for the fifth time – not because it looks bad, but I just feel the need to redo it. My husband said he would be happy when my creativity was released onto someone else’s home!”
But seriously, folks… Shannon has always had a passion for design. She revels in interesting color choices and buildings with heavy, interesting ornamentation, and she would eventually like to further her education in the field of architecture. In the meantime she is just enjoying exploring the here-and-now while contemplating the future: “I enjoy seeing how far I can push the ideas I have. I feel a huge amount of satisfaction when I stand back from a room I’ve worked on, and it works. Private space is essential, and everyone should be allowed to apply their personality to it. We have so many pressures in our outside worlds. A home is a sanctuary that should reflect one’s passions, while serving as a place for comfort and relaxation. Some people cannot see beyond a white wall, and I hope to be able to understand clients well enough that I can put their stamp in a space.”
Shannon has just recently joined her school’s student ASID chapter because she recognizes the value: “I enjoy being a member. There are contests and events that are featured through the chapter, and it makes things fun and interesting. I would like to get more involved, but unfortunately time does not permit that right now. I feel that being a member of design associations is very important because of the information it provides. Plus it gives students the credibility they deserve when dealing with other professionals. I will continue to work with design organizations to promote design professionalism now and in the future.”
This design student knows how to make friends with the right people. One of them owns Atmosphere, a very successful commercial design firm. She has given Shannon the opportunity to utilize her knowledge and – bonus – her samples. Shannon is grateful for the connection: “Just having conversations with her gives me invaluable knowledge. I am hoping to learn much more about the business of design. I understand the decorating and the ‘fun’ part, but business is obviously important. I enjoy business, and I want to understand the contracts, working with contractors, getting the job and keeping clients happy! Design is very emotional, so I will need to learn balance between the business and emotional ends to be truly successful.”
Though she’s learning from the commercial end of design, Shannon is leaning towards residential: “In North Bay there is not a giant call for corporate or retail design. Although having run a clothing store for 15 years, I am very interested in retail design and would like to expand my knowledge in this area. There is so much that can be done… from in-store traffic and merchandise planning to design of new stores and retrofitting older ones. It would include a certain amount of travel, which is harder for me to do right now because I have children at home, but it would be a good area to expand in the future!”
We have no doubt that Shannon will explore and be successful in any field that peaks her interest, and we’re certain her husband hopes that interest doesn’t include their living room…
Less serious topics of conversation…
P&C: What TV show will you move heaven and earth not to miss”
SU: I would walk a mile over broken glass to watch Coronation Street, the world’s longest running soap! This one comes from the UK. I love it. The drama is great. I also wouldn’t miss a Formula One race for the world. I am a bit of a performance junkie – I like things that go fast! We have traveled to Montreal a couple of times for the race. Fast cars – I love it. And what fun seeing all of the spectacular old buildings there too. (Did I mention attractive men driving quick little cars”!)
P&C: Did you dress up for Halloween, and if so, what did you go as”
SU: I usually dress up for Halloween, but this year we spent so much time dressing up the house, I didn’t have time for me! We have a huge verandah, which the kids had to enter after they passed our graveyard. We made so much with Styrofoam SM insulation that we painted: tombstones, pitchforks, lanterns. All had to pass through a mass of gauze hanging from the ceiling, and a gargoyle met them at the entrance. We had carved pumpkins, candles burning and, of course, scary music. My house went as the scary house on the street! I simply love Halloween. The costumes are so incredible, and the kids have such a hoot! My 11-year-old son would prefer to stay home and give out the treats so he can better see all the costumes!
P&C: What’s your favorite comfort food”
SU: My most favorite food is homemade salsa and nacho chips with a bit of sour cream! My husband says that I usually have more than my fair share of potato chips and beer! (Is that comfort food”) Tee hee! I also enjoy this great recipe for Guinness Beef Stew… do you see a pattern” I should qualify this… I like a nice glass of wine too. No really, I do get my 8 glasses of water everyday. Although I don’t consider this comfort food, I need to stay healthy!
P&C: What do you hope to accomplish before the 2004 is over”
SU: I want to have a good portion of the Rhodec program under my belt. I also want to finish the work we have started on the redesign of our basement – we are under construction!
P&C: Are there any web links that you would like readers to know about”
SU: I would like to include links to the Canadian and American Breast Cancer information and help sites, www.bcsc.ca & www.nationalbreastcancer.org. My mother-in-law is battling this horrific disease, and until someone close to you battles this, it’s hard to understand how bad it can be. There needs to be more help to combat such a ravaging disease. Every 12 seconds in America, a woman dies of Breast Cancer. Startling, isn’t it”
You can contact Shannon about her passion for creativity and Halloween decorating tips by emailing her at shannonunger@cogeco.ca.
Are you a student or a new grad and want to live up to your STAR POWER” Email us at contact@plinthandchintz.com and put STAR POWER in the subject line. We will add you to our list and may contact you in the future. Now be patient and wait your turn!
