Testimonials Page 2

Ever since I was young, I have dreamed of following in the footsteps of a well-known Interior Designer who lived on our street in Quebec City. He used to bring me the Roche Bobois catalogs, and our conversations together always gravitated around interior design. After studying arts (aesthetics of presentation) in college and completing a baccalaureate in history of art, I took a different path, working for a number of years in the tourism industry before becoming a French teacher. When I retired from teaching, I had still not fulfilled my dream of Interior Design, but I just did because of NYIAD! (This shows that it is never too late to follow your dreams!)

Even though I had basic knowledge and intuition because of my background and primarily because of my passion in this field, the Interior Design course at NYIAD helped me to understand the “why” of every decision an Interior Designer makes.

I learned to look at a room with a new approach, following the basic principles taught throughout the course. This course also opened my horizons and made me curious about styles that I would have never considered before.

Another aspect of the course that I truly enjoyed was the way history was introduced behind various elements such as furniture or even windows. It gave me a better understanding of how various period styles can be harmonized. In addition, the course provided me with interesting facts to share with my clients.

The course was extremely detailed, covering all possible aspects of Interior Design. My mentor, Janet Ramin, was always accessible and friendly and my teacher, Marilyn Jacobs, always provided me with interesting feedback as well as some fabulous tips that are already in my toolbox!

Finally, the Interior Design course at NYIAD allowed me to look at a room with a fresh eye… maybe what they referred to as “ The eye of the designer”?!

I feel that receiving such a prestigious certification as RIDQC will validate my qualifications as a professional Interior Designer and give me more recognition and confidence. Mostly, I know that I will enjoy interacting with my peers as well as learning from their own experiences.

Now, I look forward to transforming people’s dreams into reality!

Sincerely,

Becoming an Interior Designer means a lot to me as it signifies a career change after spending 20 years in commercial real estate. I am proud of my Certification and committed to providing high-quality design services to my clients. In addition to applying for a graduate degree to design hospitality interiors, I am also launching N. Rodriguez Interiors, a design studio to assist residential clients in creating their dream homes.

Nino Rodriguez, DSA
N. Rodriguez Interiors

I believe interior designs should reflect creativity and innovation! Becoming a certified residential interior designer has given me a unique opportunity not only to explore my creativity further but also it is an opportunity to help others do the same. Many thanks to my instructor, Natasha Younts, for her encouragement throughout the course!

Having a residential interior design certification reassures my clients of my competence in the design industry, and I couldn't imagine doing business without it!

Passing the RIDE course means I went after this goal to better my career and myself, and I accomplished just that!

I learned so much I didn’t know 6 months ago. This picture of me was inspired from school! When studying Architecture, my husband and I took a trip to Chicago to see it all in person. Interior design is an art, and I can’t wait to help my clients personalize their homes with new ideas, designs, and functionality.

Decorating is to be in tune with colors, art, and soul ..." My name is Flavia Gueiros, and I am genuinely passionate about arts, decoration, and bold designs.

Award-winning interior designer living on the French Riviera but working internationally.

I'm Renata Slaton and becoming a "RIDQC Certified Interior Designer" has given me the opportunity to chase a dream I've had since I was a little girl. I believe thoughtful design can beautifully impact the lives of others. Being able to bring beauty and joy into someone's home is a wonderful privilege. I feel a new sense of confidence with this certification and am excited for what's to come.

To start my career as a certified interior designer gives me the confidence to proceed, knowing I can reassure my clients I have extensive knowledge in the field to support future projects with ease. Being a designer is a unique layered process of details and a big responsibility, the most rewarding job I can imagine.

Ryan Deanon, DSA

To start my career as a certified interior designer gives me the confidence to proceed, knowing I can reassure my clients I have extensive knowledge in the field to support future projects with ease. Being a designer is a unique layered process of details and a big responsibility, the most rewarding job I can imagine.

All the best,

Charlotte Heminway, DSA
Monaco

I am a residential interior designer from the Bronx, New York. My passion for interior design is motivated by my ability to turn any space into something spectacular. It allows me to create, recreate, and bring out the artist in myself aesthetically pleasing manner.

I just wanted to thank you for all your help and your feedback. I really enjoyed the course and studying with you. I will keep working on learning and growing from that.

Thank you again; it was a pleasure!

Space planning kitchen design expert. I love how redoing someone's kitchen has transformed their family's life - they start living a healthier life. My clients tell me that they cook and entertain more and are overall happier in their spaces.

I recently graduated from the NYIAD Interior Design Course and have successfully passed the RIDQC Exam. I am a proud Designer Society of America (DSA) member. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Specialization in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing from Lynn University. Since 2014, I have worked as a Real Estate Salesperson in her hometown of Buffalo, NY, and participated in my first full gut renovation project in 2015. Through this project, I discovered my passion for designing homes and went on to found Custom Space Transformations. This renovation company has been running concurrently with my real estate business. My aspiration to become a top designer has been a lifelong dream, which I am now committed to and pursuing with zeal and enthusiasm. My work ethic is characterized by strategic thinking, goal-oriented, and strong personal ethics. I am particularly passionate and skilled in working with challenging clients. My recent accomplishment of passing the RIDQC Certification Exam for Residential Interior Design demonstrates my commitment to this profession.

I look forward to working with new clients and hearing more about the design challenges and visions I can accomplish with you.

Molly DeRose, DSA

Hello! My name is Caitlyn Conner and becoming RIDQC certified has been a huge personal goal towards where I want to go in the Residential Interior Design world. My personal residence has changed many times over the past few years which is truly how my passion for interiors came to be. It became so important for me to design my own homes- to add functional, beautiful and meaningful touches that could adapt to the different seasons of my life, no matter how long I was there. My goal is to bring that to the lives of others; to uniquely blend beauty, meaning and function to homes and those that dwell within them and ultimately to help people realize the great potential of the spaces they call home.

Caitlyn Conner, DSA
NYIAD graduate

Passing the RIDE course holds immense personal significance, representing a journey of growth, dedication, and a deepening passion for the art of residential interior design. This achievement is not merely a certificate but a testament to my commitment to excellence in transforming spaces. The RIDE course has honed my skills, expanded my creative vision, and instilled confidence in my abilities as an interior designer. It marks a milestone in my professional development, reflecting the countless hours invested and the invaluable knowledge gained. I am not just certified. I am empowered to bring inspired design to life in the homes of others.

Since I was young, I have always been drawn to spaces that made me feel something. As a child constantly rearranging my bedroom furniture and seeing what I could do with my space, I knew that a career in Interior Design was my future. Completing the RIDE course means new opportunities for a lifelong career that I have dreamt about. Being a student has not always been my strong suit. I put my all into this course. This achievement means proving to myself and others what I am capable of and continuing to push and challenge myself to experience and learn new things.

My goal for this career is to make a house a home. There is no better reward than seeing others' happiness and relief when walking into their newly designed home. Completing the RIDE course shows my dedication and passion for Interior Design. It only goes up from here.

The R.I.D.E course was an amazing opportunity for me to expand my knowledge of the history of interior design. I have a great passion for design!! I remember rearranging and decorating our home as early as 8. I specialize in space planning, window treatments, lighting design, color consultation, and home remodels. Taking the R.I.D.E course has taken me to a whole new level!!! From the Victorian Era to the Art Deco Era, the lessons and the plan cover it all as you dive deep into the history of the first professional interior designer. I'm glad I took this course!!!

Just as we enjoy nature's beauty, why not enjoy the wonders humans have created to live in spaces with style, comfort, and harmony.

I have always been a faithful admirer of what I consider beautiful, the best of each culture's contributions to art, technology, traditions, designs, styles, and all that nourishes our souls and senses.

I have always dreamed of designing spaces that provide a healthy, pleasant, comfortable quality of life by designing interiors tailored to the client's environment, budget, and possibilities. The best way to make reality all this that we enjoy and to put it within our reach is to design each space we occupy daily with everything that makes us feel happy and comfortable, with things that we like, and surround ourselves with what contributes to creating that cozy dream space with style, comfort, and warmth. That is precisely the essence of the work of the residential interior designer!

The wonderful thing about all this work is the diversity of options available to us as Residential Interior Designers. We can please each unique client regardless of age, gender, tastes, preferences, or nationality. Each client is unique, and the possibilities are endless.

Obtaining the RIDE accreditation has been a gratifying and enriching challenge; I have greatly enjoyed this process.

Hi, I am Kenneth Leung, and I am passionate about Interior Design and research. I have 17 years of experience in Interior and Furnishing Design, and I am constantly seeking new opportunities to grow and learn, as a Certified Residential Interior Designer, I’ll keep seeking growing and innovation in my works/projects. Outside of work, I enjoy classical music and traveling around the world. I am excited to join the DSA community and look forward to connecting with like-minded individuals.

Kenneth Leung, DSA

The RIDE certification and education have provided me the knowledge and self-confidence I needed to pursue my goals; to help others achieve their design goals.

Thank you so much, Ms.Lima-Younts, for the opportunity and feedback that helps me understand and grow.

I love interior design. It wasn't always a conscious passion but a steady process of understanding the difference interior design can make in people's lives and homes.

I grew up moving around a lot with my family. With each move, we learned how to make our new house function and, even more importantly, feel suitable for us. That is what interior design means to me; it's about creating a space that gives those who walk into it the welcoming embrace of home.

Having this certification is another step for me on this exciting path to learn, grow and experience more in the field of interior design. I can't wait to continue this journey and someday be a part of making "home"  perfect for a client. That would bring me true joy.

Anna Davidson, DSA

Interior Design is my absolute passion. Participating at Designer Trade Fairs or the excitement when I receive new samples from vendors, feeling the textures and colors, with hundreds of ideas running through my mind, are just priceless. When designing a kitchen layout, the satisfaction when it comes to life in a 3D rendering and seeing the client's reaction is overwhelming. Each project is unique, and each client is different in their specific requirements and priorities. I believe one of the key ingredients to success in this industry is to listen to and understand your client for the design process to start on the right track.  The passion and motivation for our work push us toward the pursuit of excellence.

The learning provided a deeper understanding of the art, science, logic, fundamentals, and history of Interior Design and the mindset and professionalism required to serve the client best. I realized that I was up until then practicing as an amateur indulging in a hobby.

The certification provided the stamp of validation and professionalism.

Swapna Abraham, DSA
Dubai, India, USA

Earning the RIDQC certification is a significant milestone in my career, validating my expertise and commitment to excellence in residential interior design. This certification is a step above my NYIAD training, helping me deepen my knowledge and skills. It represents the culmination of rigorous training and a dedication to professional growth, providing me with the credentials to excel and innovate in the field. This certification empowers me to offer my clients the highest level of service and creative solutions.

Jenya Parvanova, DSA

Passing the RIDE course means so much to me because I have wanted to be a designer ever since I was a little girl watching HGTV with my mom. This certification will help me pursue my passion and start my future career in interior design as well as be able to learn more within my current company. Passing the RIDE course ultimately means that I get to help other people by making their dreams a reality and helping to turn their houses into homes that they love and can enjoy with friends and family. I aspire to make a difference in people's lives with the work that I love to do.

Our living spaces need to reflect who we are with style and personality, comfort, and serenity. I enjoy finding that balance for people and have been doing so for over a decade. As an artist, sculptor, and art professor, I am drawn to vibrant but selectively curated environments that inspire without overwhelming the inhabitants. Improving spaces has been a passion of mine since I was a child, and now it's a job that's not really a job because I enjoy it so much.

Meeting clients, getting to know them, and genuinely offering assistance so they can have the best experience with me and ongoing with their spaces is truly inspiring and satisfying.

Obtaining the RIDQC certification means a lot to me because of the credibility it offers and the opportunities it opens. This was hard-earned, and I'm proud of it.

Daneda Westfall, DSA

Thank you so much for an amazing experience! I've gained a tremendous understanding of residential interior design. The program was very challenging yet so satisfying!

It was a lifelong dream to finally have the opportunity to complete the residential interior design education certificate! I have always had a good eye for design, and an excellent education provides me with a solid foundation to forge a promising new career journey as a designer

I'm very passionate about helping people decorate their homes on any budget and in a variety of styles.

Becoming a RIDQC Certified Residential Interior Designer greatly expanded my knowledge and improved my skills, and now I can provide even more outstanding service and expertise to my clients.

For me, interior design is all about transforming a living space into a person's dream room or home.

Izabela Debowczyk, DSA

Thank you, Natasha!

I just read my feedback from you on my final project. Thank you very much for what has been quite a journey into the craft of interior design. I truly loved the course; it was informative and detailed.

Your informative and concise feedback made me reflect on my submissions and want to learn more.

At the end of this course, I have so much information to work with and of course, to improve and learn more!

As we say in Scotland, this course was “brilliant.” so my heartfelt; thank you for your time, detailed, informative feedback, and for providing a foundation I can work with. Many thanks for sharing you’re knowledge and talent.

Passing the RIDE course is another step closer to doing what I love. I've had a fascination with design for a long time, all kinds of design. Interior Design is special because you're able to customize it to fit yourself. Every design tells a story.

I'm looking forward to helping others find a style that fits them, along with capturing a moment in time and making their dream a reality.

To me, passing the RIDE course is an eye-opening experience--there is a plethora of opportunities waiting for us--however, it is up to us to chase our dreams and find our hidden talents each and every day.

When we moved from our lovely home in Franklin, TN, my husband and I decided to turn that sadness into a new project and build our next home. We found a great builder. He was open to all our ideas, and I found great joy in the creative process. As our home neared completion, our builder, Brian Hayes, asked if I would be his decorator. I was elated! 3 great years of working with him passed, and things didn’t feel complete. I longingly dreamt of doing more in this area and wished I could hold onto the homes we were building until they were complete with the final touches of furnishings and accessories. I leaped all in and started the RIDE, Residential Interior Design Education-certification process. My teacher, Natasha Lima- Younts, was excellent! I learned so much from her and am grateful for all I have studied and applied through this certification process.

Passing the RIDE course has meant the world to me!

The subjects covered are inspiring and challenging and have given me enough tools to realize what a Residential Interior Designer can do, and how to start my own business. Natasha was an inspiration to my designer path.

Thank you!

This is a dream come true. Since I was 14 years old, I have wanted to become an interior designer. Life choices made that dream obsolete. When we looked into this program, I was ecstatic. With my whole heart, I dove into the program and enjoyed every minute of it. Yes, even the tests! The material is thorough, and the assignments are fun. Thank you for this opportunity. Thank you for making this “little girl's heart’s” dream come true!

It is so fitting at this lovely time of year in celebration of Thanksgiving that I am feeling so much better and am most thankful for you and your wonderful course. You have given me so much positive energy and inspiration from miles away, and yet I feel it as though you are standing right next to me, cheering me on.

Your Interior Design, ed2go course contains all of the good qualities that I believe an onine course should: engaging and challenging without overwhelming; clear, concise instruction; valuable and quick instructor feedback; and in this case very creative. There is not another school out there that I feel is as interesting and motivating as Interior Design by you, Natasha Lima-Younts.

I am looking forward to a long and delightful career making use of all of the tools and knowledge you have instilled in me.

You are quite simply the Best! Thank you!

From a very young age, I have loved design. Through the years, I have worked in various different jobs, but my love for design impelled me to follow that dream.

Becoming a certified Residential Designer through RIDQC offers such a great opportunity to be able to work in something I am passionate about.

My travel experiences throughout the Caribbean, Africa and Europe are a great springboard for my designs. I love incorporating color when designing a room. I look forward to curating spaces and creating designs that are unique as well as beautiful!

Camile Howard, DSA

Becoming a RIDQC Certified Residential Interior Designer means I can finally turn my design passion into a career. Having the necessary qualifications to support my portfolio gives me the confidence to take my work to the next level.

Molly Simard, DSA

I am absolutely thrilled that I have become R.I.D.E. Certified!! I have ALWAYS wanted to be an Interior Designer since I was a kid. Now that I'm R.I.D.E Certified, I'm one step closer to making my dream a reality. I'm hoping to take the RIDQC so I can officially be a Residential Certified Interior Designer.

My goal as a designer is to help people create their Dream Home!

I cannot wait to start my career as a residential interior designer! THANK YOU SO MUCH for this opportunity!!!

I am proud to be a recently certified residential interior designer through the RIDQC program. Design has long been a passion of mine, and I'm proud to have taken this step toward building a career in design and helping others to achieve their vision to make their home a place of respite and beauty.

Bathsheba Philpott, DSA

Being an interior designer is FANTASTIC because I wake up each day and be like the most extraordinary and exceptional designer ever. GOD created SO much inspiration throughout my surroundings and the world that I can use daily to help guide me with design projects. To have a creative mentality not only to transform people's surroundings, but their life is beyond transcending and a powerful gift.

Being a certified designer fills me with a sense of validation, reassurance, and motivation. The experience and knowledge gained from this course have led me on the right path as I pave my way toward success within my dream career. This course has fully equipped me with all the tools I needed to convert any home into a soulful extension of its owners.

As an Interior Designer, I have the ability to create a space that someone will love, surrounded by the things they love! I thoroughly enjoy bringing a client's vision into a reality that they can appreciate and live within every day!

Becoming a certified designer has opened up a new world; I can finally use my creativity to bring happiness and beauty to someone's home. My eyes are now open everywhere I go, whether through travel or just walking into someone's home.  I take in the architecture, I try to visualize the exquisite design by other designers, and it feels like a career choice that will let me utilize my talents.

Lyndsay Romeo, DSA
R.I.D.E. Graduate, Residential Interior Design Education

I chose the field of interior design to be self-sufficient and to be able to work a flexible schedule to support my kids. As a single mom of college, high, middle, and elementary kids, Interior design has inspired me to show them the can-do attitude that will set them apart from others, no matter where they go.

First off, this certification is exciting because this is a career path that I am super excited about. I currently work for Restoration Hardware, and I know there are numerous opportunities for me. After graduation from WCU, I decided I wanted to further my education and learn new skills.

To me, design creates a story and a feeling when you walk into or see a picture of space. It needs to spark inspiration, bend the rules be over the top with details.

Laura West
Iowa

I'm a minimalist with a passion for the Bauhaus design style. I completed my course with the New York Institute of Arts & Design.

I love having the opportunity and privilege to help people improve their homes within their budget. Getting the RIDQC certificate has helped me not only feel better qualified to help others but provides credentials for others to trust in my capabilities.

Sarah Flores, DSA

Passing the RIDE course was an incredible experience for me. It was super fun, and I learned so much along the way. I can't wait to start designing interiors and transforming houses into homes for people. This achievement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in my journey!

Earning my NYAD interior design degree and successfully completing the RIDQC assessment signifies a profound commitment to my craft, showcasing a mastery of design principles and a dedication to professional excellence. This accomplishment resonates deeply with my lifelong dreams and passion for Interior Design, serving as a tangible certification that crowns a significant milestone in my academic journey. From a young age, my passion for interior design was fueled through my consumption of the latest magazines and pictures. For me, Nature has always provoked a sense of peace and warmth. From day one, organic materials, neutral color palettes, imperfect surfaces, and unique objects are the source of my inspiration.

Silvia Azzolina Chiara, DSA
Rhode Island

I am a proud graduate of the NYIAD Interior Design course. I am thankful for the instruction and feedback given throughout the course, which I enjoyed. Passing my RIDQC certification examination is a great accomplishment for me, and I look forward to the doors this will open in following my passion. I look forward to working with Clients and creating aesthetically pleasing interior designs for their dream spaces.

Andrene Sargeant, DSA
NYIAD Graduate

I am proud to announce that I am officially a DSA Residential Interior Designer - RIDE Certified. I'm grateful for the opportunities I received throughout the process and excited for this new journey.

Becoming certified as a Residential Designer gives me a chance to take my passion for decorating, and share it with others. Being able to bring a physical change, that would cause an emotional change to a family home, or business is the most rewarding experience.

Sandra Halliday, DSA

Being an Interior Designer means bringing together different colors, textures, and elements to create a harmonious environment where clients can find function, joy, and comfort. Nothing brings me more joy than getting "invited" when a project is completed!

Nika Starkweather, DSA