A Seat at the Design Table: Why This Interior Designer Started a Camp for High School Students

Today, I wrapped up something that has been on my heart for a long time: the very first Design Edit Studio Camp. On the surface, it was a three-day interior design camp for high school students in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Students learned the fundamentals of interior design, created mood boards and concept boards, explored color theory, and even developed 3D renderings of their ideas. But if I'm being honest, this camp was about so much more than design. It was about creating a space I wish I had when I was their age. As I watched students confidently present their ideas, explain their concepts, and bring their visions to life, I found myself thinking about my own journey. I thought about where I started, the opportunities I didn't have, and how those experiences shaped the designer and educator I am today.

This camp wasn't just a professional milestone.

It was a full-circle moment.

More Than Just Making Spaces Beautiful

One of the first lessons I shared with my students was that design is really about people. A well-designed space tells a story. It reflects the identity of the people who use it. It considers their needs, their habits, their culture, and their experiences. Throughout the camp, we talked about how design can create comfort, inspire creativity, encourage connection, and even support healing. We explored color theory and discussed how colors influence emotions. We learned about concept development and how every project should begin with a clear vision. We discussed the importance of designing with the occupant in mind and why empathy is one of the most important skills a designer can have. By the end of the week, students weren't simply creating pretty boards. They were creating meaningful concepts rooted in stories and purpose. Watching them begin to understand that distinction was one of the most rewarding parts of the entire experience.

Looking Back at My Own Journey

As exciting as it was to teach these students, I couldn't help but see pieces of my younger self in them. Growing up in Lancaster, South Carolina, I had a passion for design and creativity, but there weren't many opportunities to explore interior design as a career. While there were camps and programs for other interests, there wasn't a space where I could learn about the industry, connect with professionals, or see a clear path forward. Like many creative students, I had to figure much of it out on my own. Looking back, those experiences taught me resilience, but they also showed me the importance of access, representation, and mentorship. Sometimes all it takes for a dream to become a reality is having someone show you what's possible.

Watching Confidence Grow

One of my favorite parts of the camp wasn't the mood boards, renderings, or final presentations; it was watching confidence grow. What began as nervous introductions quickly turned into students confidently sharing ideas, trusting their instincts, and taking creative risks. By the end of the week, I wasn't just seeing future designers; I was seeing young people realize that their ideas matter and that their voices deserve to be heard. As both a designer and educator, those moments meant more than any finished project.

The camp may have lasted only a few days, but I hope its impact lasts much longer.

Whether these students become interior designers, architects, artists, engineers, entrepreneurs, or pursue entirely different paths, I hope they leave with a deeper understanding of their own potential. I hope they remember that creativity is a strength. I hope they remember that their perspective matters. And I hope they remember that the stories they carry are worth sharing. Years ago, I was a student in Lancaster looking for a space like this. This week, I had the privilege of creating that space for someone else. And that is a feeling I will never forget. This was the first Design Edit Studio Camp. But it certainly won't be the last.