photo credit: Dianna Sell
A 2021 graduate of Heritage School of Interior Design Portland campus (HSID), Anya Nunley, has generously shared insights into her student experience and the noteworthy career she has developed in the industry in the years after getting her certificate in Interior Design!
Originally from California, Anya found herself at a crossroads after the yoga studio where she taught, closed during the pandemic. After reading about the Heritage School of Interior Design in a magazine she decided to make a bold career shift and enroll in the Winter 2021 Interior Design Masters Certification program.
Anya shared that her experience as a student at Heritage School of Interior Design paved the way for her successful career within the broader Interior Design industry. The design class projects and assignments not only honed her organizational skills but also equipped her with the language to articulate project intricacies.
As an Interior Design Masters Certificate Program student, she gained valuable experience with cutting-edge design software SketchUp and advanced AutoCAD. The weekly Field Visits to local showrooms and manufacturers gave Anya the sourcing skills to complete any interior design project, and the opportunity to build valuable industry connections.
Post-graduation, Anya found a career with the team at Parker Furniture & Design in Beaverton. Working on Interior Design projects of varying scales across Portland, she’s discovered the joy of applying her skills to shape diverse spaces. However, her journey wasn’t without challenges.
Anya balanced the demands of school as a single mother of two kids. Engaging in distance learning was intense! And yet Anya found the experience deeply rewarding. The support of her teachers and the inspiring atmosphere at HSID helped turn challenges into stepping stones for growth.
Anya shares, “I’m profoundly grateful to my teachers at HSID who helped guide me to my perfect job even after I graduated and left their classes. They continue to check in on me and genuinely care about my personal success.”
Anya envisions a lasting career as an Interior Designer with the Parker Furniture team where her long-term goal is to build a clientele and continue honing her craft. The best piece of advice she received—“Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right.”—echoes in her journey, a guiding principle instilled by her mentor and biggest cheerleader, Lori Gilbert.
Join us in celebrating Anya’s remarkable journey, where passion, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams converge in the vibrant world of Interior Design!
Read More HSID Inspiring Stories Here!