LEAD Class of 2020

Matthew Newman
Jacobs

Concentration: Interiors/Lab Planning
College/University: Boston Architectural College

Q: Why did you choose to become an Interior Designer?
A: Although my degree is in Architecture, I have always had an interest in Interior Design.  I value the ability to combine my love for both Interiors and Architecture in all projects and have spent the past 13 years blurring the line between the two.

Q: What is one piece of advice you wish you could have given yourself when you were just beginning your career?
A: Calm down and don’t worry so much.  As a young designer I always worried that I was taking too long or was messing something up.  Being young and ambitious, you have the tendency to be your worst critic, so take a deep breath and chill!

Q: What is the most important skill you have honed over the years?
A: The ability to mentor.  This was something I always craved and had to hunt out the right people.  I can’t impress enough to anyone that you must be your own advocate.  You need to put in the effort to find the right people to learn from and cling to them or you’ll become frustrated.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish as part of the IIDA LEAD program?
A: To learn how to become a better manager.  When you are thrown in to the deep end with others who you can commiserate with and learn from, you not only broaden your perspective but are forced to look within and examine how you can do better.