Building the Next Generation of Interior Designers

At Holland Design, supporting post secondary education is an important part of how we contribute to the future of our profession. Staying connected to academic institutions allows us to share practical experience while remaining grounded in the environments that influenced our own design journeys.

Both founding partners, Jocelyne and Jaime, are graduates of the Interior Design program at Mount Royal University, a CIDA accredited program we hold in high regard for its longstanding contribution to the profession in Canada. We value opportunities to return as guest critics, mentors, and participants in mock interviews, particularly as students prepare to transition from academic learning into professional practice.

We have also had the opportunity to engage with students at University of Calgary, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), and Yorkville University. Each of these institutions continues to produce strong architects, interior designers, and technologists who contribute meaningfully to our industry.

Our involvement with post secondary institutions reflects Holland’s belief that learning is a two way exchange. While we share experience from practice, students bring fresh perspective, curiosity, and momentum that challenges us to continue evolving. Both sides have something valuable to learn.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this engagement has been participating in mock interviews at Mount Royal University. In a post Covid and digital first world, opportunities to practice in person communication have become increasingly important. Strong communication skills remain one of the most critical and often under recognized abilities an emerging designer can develop. Designers are constantly presenting ideas that do not yet exist, and the ability to clearly communicate thinking, listen carefully, and collaborate effectively is essential to moving ideas forward.

Learning Through Practice

Whenever possible, Holland prioritizes hiring students for internship roles. These opportunities allow emerging designers to gain hands on experience within active projects, while also giving our team insight into what is most meaningful to the next generation in terms of mentorship, growth, and workplace culture.

We pride ourselves on fostering an open learning environment supported by strong leadership. Mentorship at Holland is not one directional. Junior staff often bring new perspectives, tools, and ways of thinking that strengthen our collective process. Many emerging designers do not yet realize how much value they already contribute, and creating space for that exchange benefits both the individual and the broader team.

In many cases, internship relationships have continued beyond graduation, evolving into full time roles within the firm. This has proven to be one of our most successful and rewarding hiring strategies, allowing us to build teams with shared values, established trust, and a strong understanding of how we work collaboratively.

Through conversations with students across institutions, we continue to observe a thoughtful approach to technology. While AI and digital tools are evolving rapidly, many students continue to rely on hand sketching, diagramming, and hybrid workflows that combine analog and digital methods. Rather than relying on a single platform, they are leveraging multiple forms of communication, from pencil sketches to iPad drawing to 3D modelling, to explore and convey ideas more effectively. This flexibility reinforces the importance of communication as a core design skill.

We are also grateful to have been interviewed by students at the University of Calgary, who explored the evolving role of interior design as a profession that bridges spatial strategy, human experience, and technical rigor. Conversations like these help broaden understanding of the scope of interior design and reinforce the value of collaboration across disciplines.

University of Calgary Student Paper:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/farhad-mortezaee-392b5b24_university-of-calgarysaplarch-618pro-prac-activity-7415852695913246720-mFlU?utm_medium=ios_app&rcm=ACoAAAju15kBNnT2xhlY_sciq2M5mq2PT0UunK8&utm_source=social_share_send&utm_campaign=copy_link

For emerging designers, one of the most valuable lessons is recognizing that communication is never one size fits all. Every client, every project, and every space brings different challenges. Growth comes through experience, through wins, lessons learned, and continued curiosity.

Our continued involvement with post secondary institutions reflects our commitment to supporting the next generation as they develop both technical capability and confidence in their voice. These relationships allow us to share insight, encourage curiosity, and contribute to a profession that continues to evolve in meaningful ways.

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‍Get in touch with us

Collaboration means clients are part of the process from the start. With clear communication and transparent decisions, everyone understands what’s happening and why. Sometimes that means allowing more time for the right choice, other times it’s guiding a key design decision. In every case, trust leads to spaces that fit the organization and the people who use them.

At Holland, collaboration shapes every project. We keep the conversation open, share our expertise, and work with you to create spaces that inspire, perform, and adapt.

Ready to bring your vision to life with a team that values efficiency and collaboration? Get in touch with us today.