Design Impacts

A podcast hosted by the South Central Chapter of ASID.

A podcast hosted by the South Central Chapter of ASID that educates, highlights and celebrates our community! designimpacts.substack.com

Episodes

  1. Episode 02 | A conversation with Rachel McNeil & Emily Hill

    6d ago

    Episode 02 | A conversation with Rachel McNeil & Emily Hill

    Design Impacts: Episode 02 Hosted by the South Central Chapter of ASID A conversation with Rachel McNeil & Emily Hill on being twins and working in the interior design industry together. In this episode, Ana sits down with twin sisters Rachel McNeil (Director of Design, L&M Office Furniture) and Emily Hill (Interior Designer, Taggart Architects) to talk about their parallel journeys in the interior design industry — from growing up creatively inclined to building successful commercial design careers on opposite sides of the industry. In this episode we discuss: Growing up creative – How Rachel and Emily knew from a young age they wanted to pursue design, and the childhood moments that hinted at where they’d each end up. Finding their path in college – Attending Harding University, discovering their strengths in commercial design, and the professors who shaped them. Entering the workforce in 2013 – Navigating a tough job market post-recession, landing first jobs, and the side hustle (Coaches’ Daughters calligraphy & signs) that kept them connected when they were nine hours apart. Different sides of the same industry – Rachel’s path through furniture dealerships and Emily’s journey from a Haworth dealership to an A&D firm, and how those experiences built skills neither expected. Advice for students and emerging professionals: Keep an open mind — your first job won’t always be your last or your best fit Don’t wait to reach out to professionals; shadow days and internships are invaluable Get involved in ASID early — it sets you apart in interviews Sales reps are a major networking resource, even if you don’t plan to stay in your current market Collaborating as sisters – Working on award-winning projects together including ASU Newport Campus and the SAU Tech Fire Training Academy dormitory; how their complementary tools (CET + Revit) streamline the A&D and furniture dealership relationship. Being moms in the industry – Setting boundaries, managing two full-time jobs, and finding employers who support family-first flexibility. Projects they’re most proud of: Emily: The Dr. Marian G. Lacey K–8 Academy — a six-year project that won the ASID Ovation Award for Best Commercial Design Rachel: Recurring work with Practice Plus clinics and Simmons Bank, plus a gold award-winning family clinic in North Little Rock; the Searcy library project with Tony Wyre Design Impacts is a podcast by the South Central Chapter of ASID — elevating, celebrating, and educating our design community. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved with the chapter — locally, regionally, or nationally — please reach out. Your voice shapes the chapter! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit designimpacts.substack.com

    54 min
  2. Episode 01 | A Conversation with Mikayla Rea, President-Elect

    May 13

    Episode 01 | A Conversation with Mikayla Rea, President-Elect

    Design Impacts – Episode 1 Hosted by the South Central Chapter of ASID "A Conversation with Mikayla Rea, President-Elect" In this inaugural episode, host Ana Clark sits down with Mikayla Rea, South Central Chapter President-Elect, for a candid conversation about their shared passion for interior design, professional development, and the ASID community. In this episode, we discuss: Mikayla and Ana's design backgrounds and how they got involved with ASID. What it's like to serve on the South Central Chapter board — from Student Rep to President-Elect. How the chapter is structured and what each board role does. What sets the South Central Chapter (Arkansas, Louisiana & Mississippi) apart from other ASID chapters. How the chapter has evolved post-COVID and what it means to meet members where they are. Mikayla's vision for her upcoming presidency. Why the podcast is called Design Impacts — inspired by ASID's mission that Design Impacts Lives. How to get involved with ASID at the local, regional, and national level. About the Guests: Ana Clark – Current South Central Chapter President, Harding University graduate, adjunct instructor at UCA, and host of Design Impacts. Mikayla Rea – South Central Chapter President-Elect, UCA graduate, currently working at an architectural firm and teaching as an adjunct at UCA. Connect with Us:We want to hear from you! Share your feedback, ideas, and thoughts on the chapter's direction. Reach out to Ana and Mikayla at the emails listed below. Ana Clark: president@sc.asid.org Mikayla Rea: president-elect@sc.asid.org Design Impacts is a podcast by the South Central Chapter of ASID — elevating, celebrating, and educating our design community. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved with the chapter — locally, regionally, or nationally — please reach out. Your voice shapes the chapter! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit designimpacts.substack.com

    37 min

About

A podcast hosted by the South Central Chapter of ASID that educates, highlights and celebrates our community! designimpacts.substack.com