We whole-heartedly admit that we’re biography junkies. How people reinvent themselves and redirect their careers is fascinating and inspiring, and we absolutely love sharing these evolving journeys with you. 
The career of Allison Russell, a graduate from Louisiana State University and a Registered Interior Designer in the State of Texas, definitely qualifies for our list of tales worth telling. After 15 years and an array of successful commercial design gigs, she’s using her talent in a fresh, new way as Concept Design Manager for Yum! Brands, Inc., the punctuated name behind global fast food players such as KFC, Long John Silver’s, Taco Bell, WingStreet, and Pizza Hut. So what’s an experienced designer like Allison doing at a place like Yum!” She’ll tell you in her own words.
Work Experience”
My first job when I was 14 was working in a snow cone stand. I learned that work can be fun! And money gets carried in weird places!
My non-industry related jobs were all prior to my college campus job. I worked mostly in administrative jobs, answering phones, filing, typing etc. Overall it was helpful in learning to deal with the public and being organized.
My first design job was at the Office of Facility Services at LSU while I was in college. I got this job by going to Campus Services and asking for a campus job. Fortunately, a very nice lady focused on my major and found me an administrative job in the Office of Planning. The Planning office included a landscape architect, architect, interior designer, campus planner, and several construction personnel.
My toughest challenge was continuing to go to class every day. I loved the job. I wasn’t the best student with my support classes but loved my major class work. My co-workers were great with helping me with my project ideas and giving me pointers as to where I could locate things. I got to work on a variety of different project types on campus. I couldn’t have asked for a better job – I worked for five years at LSU Office of Facility Planning – yes, five years!
After graduation, I moved to Dallas. The job market was tough so I took a job at a furniture dealer. Having worked with furniture systems at LSU, this was something I had experience with. After eight months, I took a job with a small architecture firm (six people) as the lone space planner. This firm happened to be doing a large office project and needed someone who knew furniture well.
After five years, a few really great office projects, several country clubs, and a lot of tenant finish work, I went to a medium size architecture firm (30 people). Again, as the lone Interior Designer. This gave me some great experience with a huge variety of projects, which has always been a goal of mine – to get as much experience in as many different project types as possible.
After several years, I was hired by a large local architecture and interior design firm in as a project manager. This position involved more management of personnel and project budgets. This was an eye opener! Coordinating, hiring, client meetings and proposals became daily activities.
I have worked for Yum! Brands for seven months. After working in the commercial design field for 15 years, I had worked on many project types including offices, churches, theatres, retail and country clubs. My role had changed based on my experience to one that was almost exclusively managerial. I really wanted to get back to a design-related position.
At Yum!, I am the Concept Design Manager for Pizza Hut and WingStreet. Our goal is to upgrade our restaurants and bring a new image to Pizza Hut. We are doing this by evaluating the current markets, coordinating with our internal marketing specialists and working with our internal food development specialist to develop an updated, sharing family atmosphere that encourages customers to dine-in.
A typical day involves research of new materials, coordinating with outside vendors and consultants, detailed hand sketches, and intense thought about how to use standard products in new ways.
My daily activities involve corresponding with many of the same people since we are our own customer. This makes it easier to be more familiar with the clients’ expectations and timeframes. In other jobs, every job meant learning new client ways and personalities.
Most Satisfying Project”
The Magnolia Theatre in West Village in Dallas, Texas. This project was very satisfying because the owner was truly concerned about the overall design and feeling of the space. It was a fast project, but we were able to use really nice finishes and some great detailing. This project also won a national design award and was published in Interior Design magazine. It truly made it all my work up to this point worthwhile.
Biggest Mistake”
During a phone call, a furniture dealer asked me to select the “possible” wood stain for a large order of casegoods. I insisted on receiving the actual wood stain sample, but noted that a certain one “looked like” it might work. When the sample arrived 2 days later, it was not the right color to match the existing millwork throughout the project. By the time I called, the manufacturer had stained 8 offices of wood casegoods the wrong color! It was a costly mistake, but fortunately the dealer paid for the changes and my boss was very understanding. Lesson: Do not commit to anything without an actual sample and always document everything in writing!!
Organizational Ties”
I am not a member of any professional organization. I have always been focused on work and many of the activities occurred immediately after work or at lunch. My schedule didn’t permit me to always be present at the functions and I feel strongly that if you are a member of any organization, you should participate.
Skills Through School Vs. Wisdom Through Experience”
LSU focused on commercial design. This was a great education for my career choice. Working together with other disciplines within the university and having “real” clients helped teach us that no design is completed by one person. You must be able to work as a team.
One of the most difficult skills to learn was definitely effective communication with your team, your consultants, and your client. Being able to discuss a disagreement or conflict in design strategy or of any other kind is a critical. Designers must understand that a design is only successful if it meets the client’s needs. Forcing your ideas on them will not result in a successful project or likely any repeat work.
Sage Advice”
- Remember that there is something to learn at every job. Your first may not be the ultimate dream job, but you’ll be surprised how much you learn. Give it a chance. It takes a few years to really get a good background of experience. School is really just a starter, just to see if you really want to have this as a career.
- Value every experience for what it is and when you’re ready, move on and up! Make changes, take risks. It’s the only way to learn.
- People make a real difference. Remember when you are interviewing at any firm that you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. If something doesn’t seem right, don’t do it.
- There are tons of options. Sizes of firms, types of firms, job descriptions, specializations, etc. don’t worry if the nationally recognized firm doesn’t “fit” you. Don’t be discouraged. Keep looking until you find what’s right for you.
- Talk to other designers. Most are happy to help you.
The Lighter Side
What was the best vacation you ever took”
Two come to mind. One was a trip to the island of Crete and the other was this year, a trip to Rome.
What home improvements have you been putting off”
Remodeling our 1955 kitchen. We are currently doing demolition, finally!
What’s the last magazine you read”
Elle Décor. My living room is full of design magazines!
What’s your favorite comfort food”
Mint chocolate chip ice cream can fix anything!
What’s the one thing that you wish you knew more about”
Math. I was a terrible student and it has bitten me pretty often.
Your recommended links”
LiveSTRONG – The Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research
Habitat For Humanity
Think Allison is as fascinating as we do” Then let her know by emailing her at Allison.Russell@yum.com.
