Karen Scarton
For Karen Scarton, interior design isn’t just about making a space look nice. It’s about the feelings and emotions that result from good design. Learn more about her in this week’s Meet Our Faculty feature.
What is it about the interior design field that initially drew you in—and ultimately keeps you interested?
I was the kid rearranging and painting her bedroom, constantly experimenting with a new look. Still, it never occurred to me to turn my enthusiasm for design into a profession until my freshman year of college. For me, interior design turned out to be the perfect blend of creativity and problem-solving.
I would say the constantly evolving industry is what keeps me interested. There is always something new to learn, see, or explore. Even better, I love the fact that designers have the ability to improve the quality of people’s lives. A properly designed interior environment can truly make an incredible difference in a person’s health and well-being.
Why do you enjoy teaching in this discipline?
For me, it is all about my students. They challenge and inspire me to refine my approach to teaching. I especially love our hands-on studio courses. It is in this environment that I feel like I make the greatest impact, draw from my own professional experience, and thoroughly prepare my students for whatever their futures may hold.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my position is hearing about, as well as connecting with, our program’s alumni. They have become our greatest supporters and advocates. They seek our students and graduates for internships and full-time positions and continue to exceed our expectations. Many have become industry leaders, and some now serve as advisors to our program. I love that!
Teaching enables me to live out my passion for design while also helping shape the next generation of designers. I find this extremely rewarding!
What advice would you give students about how to succeed in college?
Go to class! Skipping class is one of the quickest ways to fall behind, and you miss out on so much more than just the lecture.
I also highly encourage students to get involved. Whether it is with program clubs, campus organizations, events, etc., you will be connecting with other students and professors, enriching your college experience in general, experiencing new things, building your résumé, networking . . . I could go on.
Lastly, enjoy this time. Yes, it can be very stressful, but it is also a very unique and exciting time in your life, like no other you will ever experience. Enjoy every moment. One day, you may end up missing those all-nighters with your classmates!
Tell us something most of your students may not know about you.
I love to cook and bake. I also enjoy the outdoors and am currently training for a rim2rim Grand Canyon hike this summer. It’s a challenge that I am really looking forward to.