Amanda Medina
Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design '19
Manager of Design, Chain Accounts at TriMark USA
What does “a day in the life of” you look like on the job?
“Fouf” that is a hard one. It is never the same. It can be calls all day, drawing all day, speaking to clients, or hopping on a plane if the client requests a visit. I work from home so that’s the best, I get up and the most traffic I have is in the hallway with the dogs getting to my office. 😊 I am the manager of our Chain Design department at TriMark. My department designs for many chains across the US. Our biggest brand that we manage is called Bloomin’ Brands. They operate more than 1,450 restaurants in 47 states, Guam, and 13 countries (info can be found on their website), some of which are franchise locations. You will recognize this brand from their stores which are Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s, Bonefish, Flemings Prime Steakhouse, and Aussie Grill. We currently design their kitchen and bars which include space planning, design development, mechanical drawings relating to our equipment, and construction documents. We develop drawings for these stores mostly in Revit and some in AutoCad and collaborate with the architects the brand uses. My days usually consist of passing projects out to my team and coordinating between my team and the customer. Meetings. LOTS of meetings. It is great though. I absolutely love my job and my team.
What do you enjoy most about your job or field?
I enjoy the fact that while I am eating in many of these restaurants, I know that my team or I had a hand in the development and creation of the space. It is great to see the site come to fruition. There is always a challenge to overcome, and you learn something new every day.
How did education at Wade College help prepare you for what you are doing today?
Wade helped me prepare for what to expect. When comparing my education to other friends in the industry who went to school for interior design, they learned more about interior decorating. By having licensed architects as professors or designers that have worked in firms and have life experience, I was able to communicate with others and know exactly what I was talking about. My education was more than picking out pillows, it was about the interior structure of a building and its mechanics. I was able to slide right in after graduation as a “green” or “newbie” designer and prove I knew what I was doing and could do it. Now, three years post-graduation, I am a design manager and have a team of my own and I am guiding others as they proceed in their career.
What advice do you have for students interested in your field?
It’s hard, keep up with it, you can do it. You can’t do it alone, don’t be afraid to seek guidance when needed. Design is 50% process and research and 50% creativity. It is OKAY to challenge the process, but when you do always, always have your facts straight. Do your research and have information to back up your case.
What has your career path been like so far? How did you end up where you are?
My path has been odd. After graduating high school, I tried my hand at real estate, then later I could not decide between interior design and culinary arts. I later let someone’s words sink into my head when they said, “What are you going to do for the rest of your life pick out pillows?” So, I chose culinary arts. After almost finishing, I decided it was not for me. I quit and just started working, I ended up at a Lighting and Home décor manufacturer. That sparked my love for interior design. I then decided to go back to school for interior design where I learned interior decorating and design are two completely different things. Toward the end of school, I had a friend call me and ask me to come to work for him at a company while I finished school then when I was ready, he would put a good word in for me with the design department. He kept his word. Turned out the company was a food service equipment manufacturer, provider, and designing company. So, when all was said and done, I had food service experience from going to school for culinary arts, and I knew how a kitchen worked. I had design experience from the lighting manufacturer and my experience at Wade. The two married which led to my career. It all seemed to be serendipitous I could not be happier.
What opportunities, decisions, or events shaped your professional life?
Connections, friends, and my decision to go to Wade College. I went to a meeting at Wade out of boredom and interest but by the time I left the meeting, I was paying my application fees and planning to start the following semester. Best decision I ever made.
What are some of your proudest accomplishments?
My promotion to manager, helping grow my team, and becoming a point person for my knowledge in Revit.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Just that when it gets tough and it will get tough and when you think you can’t do it anymore, just know that you can. Take breaks, and don’t forget to have fun. Make sure you make time for friends, family, and life.
Where can we find you online?
Instagram: @amandam0809 | LinkedIn