Satoko Takahashi

What do you do in your current job?

I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to take on every phase of the interior design project - from conceptual design to construction, down to the CA phase and the last site visit before opening to the public. All the while coordinating with various consultants and clients.

What are you doing right now that you are most excited about?

I am currently working on a healthcare project that has just gone into a construction stage. I’m excited to see what the next phase of this project will bring and seeing how our vision from the concept stage is becoming a reality. As with every project I get to take part in, I’m excited to see how our design may serve the public, give chance to enhance the quality of the lives of the users, and contribute to the society.

What is your proudest achievement since graduation?

Having had the opportunity to take part in designing a fully custom hotel from the ground up. It allowed me to exercise through every aspect of design I have learned to date and was able to explore the intricacy of the weave that happen between numerous professions, which also included those that are outside of architecture.

What advice would you give to those who are considering a career in interior design?

Always be curious and take notes of everything. Whether it be in a form of a photograph, a recording of a film or a sound, or even in a form of a poetry. Inspirations for a design is all around us and could be found even within a text. As well, keep an open mind. Design is a universal language that can be interpreted in multitude of ways. Being flexible with your design ideas will allow you to communicate with a broader audience.

What drew you to interior design? What do you love most about it?

When I first moved to Canada, I did not speak a single word in English. However, I found out that through art I was able to connect with others and even communicate despite the different languages we spoke. During my university years I have explored ways that could help bring people together through the use of art and design and I found interior design to be the epitome of it. I love that interior design can not only help bring people and the community together, but can also take part in enhancing the society. Interior design interacts with people on personal levels and can even evolve alongside the users. As an Interior Designer, I love that we have the ability to create these opportunities.

How did your MID degree at the UM help to prepare you for your career?

I feel that the MID program at UM has helped me create a solid foundation for my career. The program covers vast curriculums from history, theory, to standards, and helped me exercise in both conceptual and critical thinking, and in practical skills.

What was the best part about your experience in the graduate program at the UM?

My professors and my classmates were both the best parts of my MID experience. How my professors inspired me and challenged me to see and think things in unconventional ways helped me take steps into areas I had never explored. My classmates were so supportive and inspiring as well. Having shared both our academic successes and struggles have brought some of us very close, and to this day we remain close friends as we continue to share.