Columbus College of Art and Design: Rose White

Rose White studies interior design at Columbus College of Art and Design.

How did you discover your passion for interior design?

When I was in high school I took IB Art junior and senior years and would go to the main library downtown every week. I was always in the art section and knew I wanted to do something in the arts. I remember one day I happened to go to an area I hadn't been to in a while where I found lots of new stuff. I came across the interior design section and, specifically, a book called “Brooklyn Modern: Architecture, Interiors & Design” by Diana Lind and fell in love instantly. I think it featured exactly what I loved about art and design, something beautiful and intended for good. I knew whatever I did, I wanted it to benefit people and make an impact in someone's life, while also creating a work of art.

Growing up, my family moved a lot and we lived in tons of apartments, so the idea of making a place a home was something I was always fascinated by. While learning about interior design, I realized it was often taught as a luxury, but I see it as something to be taught as a necessity. Interior design has the power to change a person's life. I know because it changed mine.

What’s your favorite part about creating?

My favorite part of creating is definitely researching the project – the materials as well as the impact the design can have on the world. Within the process of getting to know the user, I love learning something new and pushing further into something that benefits the person even more. I love laying out all my ideas for a project and then seeing them come to life.

What’s the hardest part for you about creating?

I would say the hardest part about creating would be the end result. It is bittersweet. I don't want to say goodbye. I love the design process so much I tend to drag it on as long as I can. So, when it comes down to the final design, it can take more time to narrow down all my ideas and finalize them.

Why did you pick Columbus College of Art and Design?

For me, location and reputation definitely played a role in my decision. I am from Columbus – born and raised – so CCAD's reputation was well known in my high school. My sister also talked highly of CCAD's fashion show and loved the atmosphere here. When I decided to go to art school and selected a major, a quick internet search and campus tour helped me finalize CCAD as my choice. The scholarships and grants I was offered definitely helped, too.

What has been your favorite part CCAD?

I think my favorite part of the program is connecting with other people in our major, as we all have our studios next to each other and have studio class at the same time. We have definitely gotten close and built our own community. I also really love how our program is a mixture of so many different areas that you can focus on anything that interests you and connect it to interior design. We are able to make connections with graphic design, fashion design, and industrial design and be somewhat knowledgeable about things expanding past interior design. This has definitely helped me feel limitless and has continued to motivate me in ways I could have never imagined.

How do you think this program will help what you want to do next?

I think this program will help me to be well versed in whatever comes my way. I think it will help me know how to approach projects in the best way because I know how I work best, and the right and wrong way to get a design done. I think the interior design program does a good job of teaching you the important things and then helping you understand a little more outside of your major, which is something I am thankful for.

Where do you imagine yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years I hope to start my own creative business. I hope to establish more connections with people and future partnerships and I think, most importantly, I hope to be making a difference within my community and the world.