Susan DeForrest
Susan DeForrest joins Element for a Fall internship with the Design Team. She will support the Interior Design/Architectural Team throughout all project design phases, and will report to Laura.
Where do/did you go to school and what subject do/did you major in?
SCHOOLS: Brooks College, Boston Architectural Center, North Shore Community Center, San Bernardino Community College, Endicott College.
SUBJECT: Interior Design, Interior Architecture & Construction Technology
How did you first become interested in your field of study?
My father had an upholstery shop in our garage while I was growing up. I was a helper at a young age. I decided I wanted to help make people feel happy and comfortable in their interior environments.
What’s your favorite food and why?
FAVORITE FOOD: Portuguese soup. My grandparents came from the island of San Miguel in the Azores of Portugal.
Tell me about your favorite hobby.
HOBBY: I love to mountain bike. There is a nice feeling of freedom when the wind blows in your face as you bike. Rough terrain is challenging.
How did you hear about Element and what was one thing that stood out to you about the company?
I heard about The Element Group through the Endicott College Handshake job search site. I wanted to learn as much as I could about working in the commercial interior architecture industry.
If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go, why, and who would you take with you?
If I could travel to anywhere in the world, I would travel to Portugal with my husband to see where my ancestors are from. I would also stop in Italy to see the cathedrals.
Who are you interning under, what do they have you do, and out of all your responsibilities which is your favorite/most interesting?
I am interning under Laura Mynahan. I have worked on the following: DD packages, Finish & Furniture packages, Closeout Manuals, Sample selections/orders/update library & vendor meetings, initiate Material Bank Library, Attend Meetings, Office furniture factory tour, Clean CAD plans.
To date, I have found the finish & furniture work to be my favorite. I enjoy all of the work as it I have been interested in this field my entire life. Learning as much as I can about the commercial side of it is most interesting.
What is your favorite app and why?
My favorite phone app is Pinterest. With this app I can be taken all over the world or learn about planting in my back yard by creating mood boards.
