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Interior Design Session Coming for Students

Find out what's needed to pursue a career in interior design, including kitchen and bath work, at the St. Louis Community College-Wildwood on Feb. 2. Registration is requested; instructions follow.

While growing up in Brazil, Daniela Cottingham dreamed of becoming an architect to use her creative talents to bring happiness to others’ lives. En route to a bachelor’s degree, Cottingham’s life took a few unexpected turns, including marriage and a move to the United States.

Though she never completed the bachelor’s degree, Cottingham’s career ambitions took a new direction, thanks to St. Louis Community College. Cottingham said she chose the community college because it was affordable, and she could finish a program in two years. She took English as a second language and architectural technology courses at the Meramec campus, and got a job with an architecture firm after completing her associate degree in architectural technology.

Now other students whose interests are similar to Cottingham's can learn about how to pursue their dreams.

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“The company I worked for did a lot of kitchen expansions and master bath additions, and I became interested in those areas and decided to go back to school to get a certificate in kitchen and bath design,” Cottingham said. “After working as an assistant to an architect, I was not designing on my own and craved that—my instincts were screaming—and the kitchen and bath design program satisfied those cravings.”

After she earned her certificate in kitchen and bath design, Cottingham joined RSI Kitchen and Bath and has been employed there since March 2007.

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“I wanted to be working in the area of my passion, and now all the designs are mine,” she said. “I really appreciate that the college pushed me to be up-to-date with technology and prepared us for the real world. To this day I apply what I learned in my job.”

Having instructors who were professionals in the field made a significant difference, Cottingham noted. “They pushed me to the next level when I needed to go further, and they all had real-life experiences to share and teach us.”

Individuals who have artistic, as well as technical, talents are invited to learn more about careers in interior design/kitchen and bath design at a special information session hosted by St. Louis Community College. The session about these programs is slated from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, in Room 102 A&B at the , 2645 Generations Dr.

Prospective students will:

  • Learn about academic requirements and career options.
  • Participate in interactive sessions.
  • Find out how to get started at St. Louis Community College.

Registration is requested; call 314-539-5002 or click here to reserve a spot. 

Editor's Note:  Debbie Ward is the acting coordinator, Campus & Community Relations, at the St. Louis Community College-Wildwood.

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