This week’s RSCO (Recognized Student Club or Organization) feature is the Interior Design and Architecture Club. This club is an interesting and thriving organization here at Mercyhurst. The purpose of the club is to provide a space for interior design students to come together and develop their personal and professional relationships throughout their time here at Mercyhurst.

“The Interior Design and Architecture Club provides an amazing opportunity to learn more about the interior design industry and network with interior design professionals. Involvement in activities and clubs outside of regular classes is extremely valuable in helping students become more confident individuals and reflects well on a resume,” club advisor Kelly JK Spewock, professor of interior architecture design, said.

The Interior Design and Architecture club typically schedules its meetings around holidays to make them fun and festive. For the 21-22 school year, the club has met three times where members were involved in activities such as social media campaigns, informational professional development discussions, and pumpkin painting. The club also hosted its first “Zoom With Us’’ speaker series with guest speaker Kimberly Woods, Director of Engagement at the CIDQ. She spoke to the Interior Design and Architecture Club members about the National Council of Interior Design Qualification testing that interior design architecture students can take after graduation to become certified as an interior designer in all states. Members of this club have the opportunity to gather an abundant amount of valuable information that will aid in their career development such as learning about the American Society of Interior Design and the International Interior Design Association.

This club focuses on developing professionally and preparing for a future career in interior design architecture to ensure success.In addition to all of the club’s wonderful attributes, the club has been planning its most exciting event of the school year – a trip to Falling Water on April 22. The club has been working diligently on a fundraising campaign to help support the students who are attending the trip. In addition to this amazing event, there is another “Zoom With Us’’ planned for early April. Another major benefit that this club offers is a tight-knit community. “I think the club is unique just because it is so small, we all know each other quite well, and I think it makes for an interesting group dynamic,” President of the Interior Design and Architecture Club Gabrielle Rohauer, junior Interior Design and Architecture major and Psychology minor said.

Additionally, the club is successful because it is run by a great group of officers that dedicate a lot of energy to ensure the club’s success. The officers really take the time to make sure that activities are both fun and useful, and making sure that all students feel welcome in the club. Rohauer encourages students to join this club, or any RSCO, that interests them to make the most of their time at Hurst and get the most out of their college experience. “I know four years seems like a long time, but your college years fly by. It is important to be involved, meet people, and experience things while you can. I encourage all students to get involved in clubs. I promise you won’t regret it, and it will be more beneficial than you realize,” said Rohauer.

So, if you have not already joined this club, what are you waiting for? Make sure to check out the Interior Design/Architecture Club! Students interested in joining can contact Rohauer or Spewock for more information.