Inside the interior architecture and design student experience at University of Idaho

For as long as she can remember, Analiese Narum has been interested in how people experience the world around them, and her curiosity about human health has shaped the way she thinks. At the same time, she’s always been creatively inclined. Growing up, she gravitated toward interior design shows, and traveling with her family sparked an early fascination with architecture. But how could she combine both of those interests?

At University of Idaho, Narum found her place in the Bachelor of Interior Architecture and Design program. The curriculum offered what she was looking for: a degree that brings together creative intuition and analytical problem-solving. The program’s studio-based structure, technical coursework and Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) affirmed that this was a well-rounded, impactful education grounded in professional standards.

Now a senior in the interior architecture and design program, Narum reflects on her research in design for health and well-being, her involvement in professional organizations and an internship that immersed her in the realities of the field, all of which have shaped her approach to design and where she hopes it will take her next.

Your interior architecture and design research focuses on design for well-being. Why is evidence-based design important in interior architecture, and what projects have you worked on?

I think the basic question of why people do what they do has always been really interesting to me. Part of my fascination with interior design is that, through evidence-based design, there are tangible answers to that question. Evidence-based design looks at people’s psychological responses to their environments and uses that information to improve their experience and health. To me, interior design is really about leveraging environmental factors to improve human health.

My intention with my research projects has always been to explore different design solutions for different health conditions. One of the first projects where I really focused on research-based design was in my furniture design and construction class.

We were developing and fully fabricating a piece of furniture, and I was interested in what kinds of furniture people with ADHD find most comfortable. From personal experience, I know I’m a fidgeter. I like to change positions, cross my legs and put my feet up. I did a lot of research on positioning and comfort and designed what I called the ‘cradle sling chair’. It encourages comfort as a dynamic experience by allowing for different positions.

Since then, I’ve explored a lot of different avenues of evidence-based design. One project was for a design competition, where we designed a spa and residence for a doctor and physical therapist couple. The spa was meant to treat people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

There’s a lot of research on MS, and translating that research into interior design solutions was really meaningful. The goal was to make the experience more rehabilitative while also creating a dignified environment that didn’t require users to rely on an external caregiver just to navigate the space.

You’ve taken on a leadership role with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). What motivated you to get involved?

I was motivated to get involved with ASID after receiving the David Barrett Memorial Scholarship, which allowed me to attend the ASID Gather conference in Atlanta. Receiving that scholarship was a big confidence builder for me. It made me realize that if I could do it, anyone from U of I could.

At Gather, I was asked if I’d be interested in serving as a student representative to the board for our chapter, and I accepted. One of my biggest goals was to make ASID memberships more accessible at U of I. The cost can be a barrier, especially if students don’t fully understand what they’re getting out of it.

Through a higher education partnership, ASID student memberships are now included for all juniors and seniors in University of Idaho’s interior architecture and design program. That gives students more access to portfolio reviews, interview practice, mentoring opportunities, job postings and design competitions. It’s up to each student how much they take advantage of it, but the resources are there.

How did it feel to be nominated for the Metropolis Future100? Can you share more about what the recognition represents?

The Metropolis Future100 is essentially a recognition of 100 graduating interior architecture or interior design students from accredited programs who are seen as promising in the field. The nomination process includes submitting a personal statement and a portfolio, and students are evaluated on how they present their identity as a designer.

The nomination was really meaningful to me. It represents the result of an unwavering commitment to my personal and educational growth. If my junior-year self could see where I am now, I think she would be very proud.

Earlier in the program, I admired what my peers and upperclassmen were accomplishing, but I assumed I wasn’t capable of achieving the same. The mindset shift came when I realized the difference wasn’t talent — it was initiative.

Now, when I apply for scholarships, jobs or other opportunities, I ask myself the same question that’s guided my undergraduate journey: why wouldn’t I try? The only real limits are the ones we place on ourselves, and growth happens when we choose to remove them.

You recently completed an interior architecture and design internship experience in Sun Valley. What was that opportunity like, and how did your coursework at U of I prepare you?

I initially applied for the interior architecture internship as a summer position, but it turned into a six-month experience. I was able to complete coursework remotely during the fall, which allowed me to stay fully immersed in the professional environment.

The lead designer at the firm is a University of Idaho alumni, and I think that her familiarity with the program gave me an advantage. The internship experience taught me how to engage with clients and collaborate with architects and contractors.

My coursework prepared me in very tangible ways. Studio projects require a lot of attention to detail, which translates directly to professional work. Technical skills like Revit and construction documentation were essential, and classes like Interior Materials and Specifications gave me a strong foundation.

U of I also does a great job with networking opportunities. Attending a College of Art and Architecture Networking Night helped connect me with professionals who ultimately helped me get the internship.

What role have U of I’s faculty members played in your academic and professional growth?

U of I’s interior architecture and design faculty are really the reason I’ve been able to accomplish the things I have. They consistently challenge us and hold us to very high standards, which helps us develop the technical, verbal and interpersonal skills needed to enter the professional world confidently.

Miranda Anderson (Program head for interior architecture and design) has been a huge advocate for students. She always pushes our projects to be the best they can be and really elevates our work. For research-focused projects, she’s acted as an advisor, helping me write abstracts and guiding me through presenting research, including at the University of Idaho Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Tharique De Silva (Assistant professor of interior architecture and design) and Miranda Anderson are also really good at looking at a project and understanding what part of the puzzle isn’t working. When you’ve spent hours on something and know something feels off, that kind of feedback is incredibly helpful.

All of the faculty come from different design backgrounds, and that diversity brings really valuable perspectives to our projects.

As you approach graduation, what excites you most about what’s next?

I don’t have a specific dream role or firm, but I’m excited to be part of what I see as a new frontier of interior architecture and design that’s based on evidence and improving human health.

Design trends are moving back to the fundamentals, and those fundamentals are about well-being. I want to work in an environment where research-based design is held in high regard and not treated as an afterthought.

What advice would you give to students considering interior architecture and design as their major?

It’s not an easy degree path, but it’s deeply rewarding. My path hasn’t been linear at all. I’ve had semesters where I struggled a lot, and I even took a semester off. What’s most important isn’t the struggle itself, but how you respond to it when you’re given the opportunity.  

The degree path is also very well-rounded. You take art and design classes, but also history, communications and technical courses. That’s what makes it so interesting and fulfilling.

And at U of I, the interior architecture and design program is CIDA-accredited, which is held to a really high standard in the professional world.

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