July 7, 2026
If you’re going to excel at interior design, you’ll need good spatial reasoning, an ability to create a cohesive vision and some technical skills. Oh, and you might want to brush up on your communication skills. That’s because professor Becky Miedema incorporates presentations and realistic feedback into the assignments.
Miedema has worked for a local interior design and architecture firm since 2003, applying her talents in both commercial and residential design. She’s been teaching at GRCC since the fall of 2023, and is leading Interior Design Studio II as a summer class for the first time.
“My goal is to make the entire class, including the final presentation, interactive and realistic,” professor Miedema said. “Students typically take this class as part of an interior design degree, so I want them to get a taste of the real world. One of the most important skills a designer can learn is how to focus on the client. I really stress that students need to step into the client’s shoes. It’s not about ‘I chose this’ or ‘This is my idea.’ It’s about ‘Here are options we could consider based on what you requested.’”
A Real-World Learning Environment
That message came through loud and clear to Alexis (“Lexy”) LaClear as she worked through the summer course.
“Becky has really taught me how to focus on the client and ask good questions before I start designing,” LaClear said. “Being in this smaller summer class gives us a lot of time with the professor and one-on-one coaching. I’m learning to bring in options, not a singular choice, and not to take it personally if we need to make changes.”
LaClear started her college career at Cornerstone but then the pandemic got in the way. She has recently come back to school at GRCC thanks to Michigan Reconnect.
“I had been working with kids who have autism, but I’ve always had this passion for decorating and creating spaces,” LaClear said. “My family encouraged me to come back to school and earn a degree in this field.”
The final project of the class revolved around designing a 10-room boutique hotel. LaClear has found that she really likes commercial design and larger projects.
“I chose a minimalist style for my design,” LaClear said. “I envisioned a couples retreat in Traverse City inspired by natural wood tones, Japanese design and cherry blossoms. We have complete creative license for this project, with no budget constraints. That means I can explore interesting ideas, like feature walls and built-in displays. I’m learning to use SketchUp and AutoCAD, along with physical samples, to help me present my ideas."
LaClear says she’s become far more aware of how to ask good programming questions, but also how to make sure everything is functional.
“Some of my layouts were a little tight and not as functional as they should have been,” LaClear said. “Becky helped me understand how to improve them. She’s given me a degree of experience that I haven’t had before, and it’s great.”
Finding the Right Career Fit
Miedema noted that LaClear’s work shows great promise.
“She understands how to develop a good concept statement that will connect all aspects of her design,” professor Miedema said. “She also has a good eye for a cohesive palette, and excellent understanding of materials. She presents thoughtful designs.”
The students made their final presentations on June 25 and Miedema was looking for several specific things.
“The final is more like a client meeting than a stand-up presentation, because that’s real life,” professor Miedema said. “Yes, they need to demonstrate the ability to write specifications and show that they understand materials selection. But I want to see that the students have learned to be client-centric. I want them to engage in conversation and explain their design ideas, while being open to client feedback. Those are skills that will serve them well in their careers.”
LaClear saw firsthand how the hotel project gave students the opportunity to learn from each other.
“Everyone is doing a different style of design,” LaClear said. “We could each choose one of three floor plans that had the same square footage but different layouts. It’s fun to see all the ideas and get feedback from each other.”
LaClear hopes to find an entry-level job in interior design after she completes her degree in the fall.
“If everything works out, I’m hoping to combine my love of kids with a design degree and ultimately work on designing sensory rooms.”
Visit the Interior Design, A.F.A. web page to learn more about the program and explore career options.