The Connector reaches out to Carolina Ferreira, a third year interior design student
What inspires your design concepts?
Whenever I get a new project, I always try to learn about what drives the clients forward since that is what I try to revolve my concept around. Interior Design is a powerful tool and affects people in direct and indirect ways. Every small detail in an interior design composition makes a difference on how people feel and perform so tying it to something that inspires them is the key to a successful project.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in interior design?
Since I was little, I have always enjoyed a well-designed space. However, it wasn’t until I had the opportunity to do an architectural internship in Germany back when I was in high school that I fell In love with the field. I was amazed at how much thought and work goes into every project and that urged me to keep learning more. After I finished the internship, I started self-teaching interior design programs and the basics foundations which has put ahead in the pursuit of a career in interior design.
Who inspires your design concepts?
Inspiration varies from each project, however, I do add a personal touch to all my designs. My culture and background have definitely influenced my design choices. A lot of the architectural features and finishes I incorporate into my projects are derived from Brazil. I am known for using a lot of curves and detailed textures/ colors in my designs and that is something that I draw inspiration from the landscaping in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Do your designs carry any cultural context? If so what?
It is important to define a client’s “culture” within every project. Personalizing a project to fit the client’s needs and background is what makes a project successful.
What makes you different from other interior designers?
I have been fortunate enough to have traveled around the world and consequently, have been immersed in different cultures. This definitely helped me understand and be more open-minded when it comes to defining concepts and making them personal.
What project are you currently working on?
I am currently taking studio III, which focuses on workplace design. For my client choice, I picked Power On The Heels Fund, a non-profit organization which aims to impact the lives of Latinas in the workplace. Their corporate philosophy revolves around Latina women’s empowerment through deconstructing social biases and cultural beliefs that are harmful to the development of the Latinas. The overall concept revolves around reinforcing the qualities of the Latina woman, which often times is looked down upon, and using in the design as an empowering tool. This design will be done by a balanced combination of what is feminine and the characteristics of a tropical environment. The office will consist of soft, yet ornate textures paired up with soothing warm colors drawn from natural elements. Curvy furniture and architectural elements will be incorporated to reference Latina’s delicacy.
What are you hoping to achieve with this project?
This project hits home to me. As a Latina woman in the United States, I have experienced first-hand how negatively my culture is perceived and how that affects our confidence and development in the professional and social life. My main goal is to bring awareness to this issue and restore the confidence. I want people to know that my identity is not obstacle , but my superpower. I am proud to be Latina and of my culture and I want every Latina woman out there to feel the same way.
View Ferreira’s portfolio here.
