We’re proud to announce the recipient of our most recent Chairish scholarship, Syvanna Roberson. She’s currently enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, pursuing a degree in interior architecture. She first realized her passion for the field in high school, where she took courses in interior design and learned to draft her work by hand and even to AutoCAD—skills that take time and dedication to learn, as any designer can tell you. With her degree, Syvanna hopes to one day enter the world of showroom design.
Read on to learn more about Syvanna as well as the Chairish Scholarship Program. To apply for the scholarship in the future, click here.
Can you tell us a bit about how interior design factored into your life growing up and what made you want to enter this field?
Growing up I was always interested in small furniture toys and decorating my dollhouses. In my early preeteen and teenage years, I got into shows such as Love It or List It, Fixer Upper, and Extreme Home Makeover. Seeing those shows allowed me to see a future for myself in design where I could be creative and successful. I began to take design classes in high school and eventually decided to go to UNC Greensboro for interior architecture.
What excites you about a career in interior architecture?
There is always something new to learn in the field; you never know what kind of project you’ll be taking on and where it might lead you. I am able to make someone’s design dreams become a reality and that is fulfilling within itself.
How did you hear about the Chairish scholarship program?
I found the Chairish scholarship program through Scholarships360, a scholarships website dedicated to finding great scholarship opportunities for students. And much like everyone else who applied, I prayed that I would get it. I couldn’t be more grateful that Chairish chose me as the award recipient!
What does this scholarship mean to you?
As a student designer in my last year of undergrad, it feels nice to be recognized for my hard work and future career plans. This award allows me to become one step closer to achieving those plans and goals I’ve set for myself and there is no greater feeling than knowing there are people who support me in that.
You mentioned in your application essay that you would like to work within showroom design. Can you tell us a little bit more about your plans after graduation?
Showroom design is interesting because it’s what a client first sees when they are looking for a new addition to their home or space. I would like to do this for residential brands as well as commercial brands all across the world, providing me the opportunity to travel and meet other designers in the field.
When not in class or studying, what hobbies or activities can we find you taking part in?
When I’m not in class or studying, you can find me hanging out with family or friends for the day. I’m a big foodie, so I love trying new foods and restaurants. I also love a relaxing, self-care day to focus on me, which might mean getting my nails done, going to a favorite store, treating myself to dinner, and curling up for the night to watch a movie. My favorite movie is the Twilight series!
If you could select some items on the site to furnish your current living quarters, what would those be?
I would love to add these cute throw pillows to my living room or bedroom decor. This floor mirror has a great shape and would be ideal for taking selfies. And I love these pivoting lights for either side of the bed—perfect for late-night reading.
Lead image: courtesy of Syvanna Roberson
