EL Questionnaire 2015

Name: Melanie Manly
Company: SMMA
Concentration: Corporate Commercial
College/University: Wentworth Institute of Technology
Year(s) of Graduation: 2007, Cum Laude 

As a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?: Either a professional dancer or an architect.
If you could keep only five possessions what would they be?: Lip gloss, cell phone, car, refillable water bottle, running sneakers.
What is a skill you'd like to learn and why?: I’d like to take a course in Real Estate. I always find it interesting understanding the markets whether it’s residential or commercial. It’s interesting how areas of a city can go under new development and be transformed into a community that is revitalized again.
If you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would it be?: My grandfather. He passed away when I was in middle school. He was always giving my mom a hand with renovation work around the house which I would always ask questions. I remember a time I was showing off the latest Lego house that I built and he said ‘...someday, you will be an architect!’. Although, I chose to go into the Interior Design field, I think he saw that I had an eye for designing spaces. 
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?: France or Hawaii.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?: I’m proud for being nominated for this IIDA Emerging Leaders program and joining the IIDA BLB Committee.
Lesson learned that has benefited you most in your career: Think about all details small and large. Consider how building systems are integrated into the interior design of the space.
Why did you choose to become an Interior Designer?: Growing up I always had a passion for building things with Legos, hand drawing, and watching renovation shows on TV. It wasn’t until  I was in high school when a family friend who was a contractor knew I was thinking of going to college for Architecture and suggested I look into Interior Design. I never looked back!
Most significant inspiration: People. It’s always interesting seeing how people use a space and how the design affects their experience.