Meet Emily Kasun ’24, a senior majoring in interior architecture and design.
Clubs/Activities:
Member, La Roche women’s volleyball
Member, American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
Member and President, La Roche Chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA)
Internships:
Lauren Levant Interior
Design Intern (May 2022-January 2023)
Design and Marketing Assistant (February 2023-Present)
Hometown:
Altoona, PA
Why did you choose LRU for interior architecture and design?
My great uncle was an architect in Altoona for many years. He is a well-respected architect, and his daughter came to LRU for Interior Design. My uncle stated to me that La Roche has one of the best interior design programs in the country. I knew that La Roche was going to be the best choice for my career.
What is your dream job, and how is LRU preparing you for it?
My dream job is to be an Imagineer at Disney World. I would love to be a part of designing new attractions and hotels.
The interior architecture and design program at La Roche is preparing me for my dream job by offering focused studio classes each semester that specialize in a certain field of design. I have learned residential, commercial, hospitality, health care, and corporate design.
Because of the curriculum at La Roche, I am confident that I will be prepared for any job in my field.
Tell us about your internship experiences.
I had a great experience interning at Lauren Levant Interior. LLI is a high-end kitchen and bath firm located in Shadyside. I started out in the materials library, where I organized the samples and helped pull options for the other designers.
I quickly moved into a role where I got to work directly on projects with other designers by drawing floor plans and elevations, selecting furniture and then preparing that information to present to our client.
As Design and Marketing Assistant, I now get to work directly with clients, contractors and vendors to move projects along. The main task recently is quoting cabinetry orders to sell to clients.
On the marketing side of my job, I run the social media for our Instagram and Facebook. I also seek out local contests where we can submit our past designs. I have learned a lot working at Lauren Levant Interior, and I plan on continuing to work there.
Describe LRU faculty.
I have been very lucky to have such great professors at La Roche. Lisa Kamphaus has impacted me the most in my career so far.
Lisa has helped me see my potential ever since I came to La Roche. She helped me get my internship and has taught me so much about the foundations of this career, which are extremely important.
Not only is Lisa a great professor, but she is an outstanding person. She has been there for me in every aspect of my life, not just design. I’m very thankful and lucky that Lisa has had such a great impact on me.
What do you like most about your major?
I love the connections that I have been able to make because of my major, from classmates to alumni and other people connected to the industry. I have had the pleasure of meeting a lot of vendors, and I have been able to go to them for advice and even work with them professionally at my job.
Proudest moment at LRU:
In 2022 I submitted a piece of art to LRU’s annual Positive Space show, and it won first place. I have always loved making art, but growing up, I was always told that I wouldn’t make a lot of money in the field. So, I spent my whole life acting like art was just a hobby, but it is not. I chose interior design because I love art and being creative.
Winning that award, specifically for a piece of my art, told me that I made the right decision, and I am proving everyone wrong. If you have a passion, follow it, and don’t let anyone get in your way.
Advice for incoming students:
Come in with an open mind and be ready to learn. Design at LRU requires a lot of hard work, but it pays off.
Favorite spot on campus:
My favorite spot on campus is Zappala Campus Center Square. I love walking in there and always getting to talk to someone I know. There are many events and activities that happen in CC. And most importantly, my friends and I love playing pool there!