How One Student Transitioned Into Interior Design
When Virginie Garnier first imagined her future, it didn’t include interior design.
With a professional background in geology and years of experience in mineral exploration, her career path seemed firmly rooted in science. But life—and inspiration—had other plans.
After moving to the United States and navigating both a global pandemic and a deeply personal family challenge, Virginie found herself at a crossroads. What followed was not just a career pivot, but a transformation: one grounded in creativity, purpose and a desire to make meaningful impact through design.
“I decided to do something different,” she tells me on a recent Zoom call. “And I’ve always liked to draw. Even as geologists, we draw a lot to interpret the landscape.”
That lifelong instinct—to observe, interpret and create—would ultimately guide her into a new field: interior design.
Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places
Virginie’s journey into design wasn’t sparked by a single moment but rather a series of experiences that reshaped how she saw the world and her place in it. A major turning point came during a stay at Stanford Children’s Hospital.
“I was really interested in the power of design and positive distraction for the patients,” she recalls. “I was thinking, ‘Oh yes, this is great. This is something I would like to do.’”
At the same time, she was evaluating her professional future. Mining geology opportunities in California were limited, and after stepping away from work during COVID to care for her family, she began exploring new possibilities.
“I searched online and I found this certificate,” Virginie recalls. “I took a few courses and really liked it. So I decided to go for the full certificate.”
What started as curiosity quickly became commitment.
Not only was Virginie enthused about the course material, but she also appreciated the certificate’s flexibility. “Taking the courses online was great because I didn’t have to commute,” she says. “Especially because I have children to look after. It was quite easy to do the coursework from home.”
While she notes that virtual learning can make networking more challenging, the program still fostered collaboration.
“We had group projects where we were divided into small teams to review projects,” she explains. “So I think it worked quite well.”
That balance—flexibility paired with rigor—allowed her to fully engage in the learning process without putting her life on hold.
The studios were probably the most interesting because they’re where you take everything you have learned and you begin to build something.
Learning From Passionate Instructors
From her very first course, Virginie knew she had made the right choice.
“The first one I took was Design Principles and Elements, and the instructor was really enthusiastic,” she says. “Really knowledgeable and trying to push us to do more.”
That momentum carried her throughout the certificate.
Courses like Interior Finishes and Materials and the design studio classes stood out in particular.
“The studios were probably the most interesting because they’re where you take everything you have learned and you begin to build something,” she explains.
More importantly, the certificate emphasized real-world application, which Virginie found invaluable. “I think the certificate really prepares you well,” she notes. “It’s really what people are doing in the studio.”
Virginie’s learning extended beyond the classroom and into a six-month internship, where she worked on both residential and large-scale commercial projects.
“I was working on several projects at the same time, from small residential spaces to a big resort,” she says.
Her responsibilities ranged from detailed material selections to client presentations and project documentation.
“It could be very detailed, like the pattern of the ceramic tiles, or preparing presentations for clients,” she explains.
She also gained insight into the realities of design work. “You discover that sometimes what you specify is not exactly what will be used, so you have to find a good equivalence,” she says.
Critically, she was able to apply what she learned in the certificate directly to this work.
“In the classes, you learn how to use software like SketchUp, Revit or InDesign, so this is very practical in the workplace,” she says.
And beyond technical skills, Virginie saw how foundational concepts translated into professional practice. “The concepts, the design principles—they’re really how people are doing the work,” she adds.
I think the certificate really prepares you well. It’s really what people are doing in the studio.
Defining a Design Approach Rooted in Purpose
Through her education and experience, Virginie developed not only a skillset but a philosophy.
Her aesthetic leans toward simplicity, but she emphasizes that great design is ultimately about the client.
“What’s really important is that you listen to your clients,” she explains. “What you like and what your clients like may not be the same.”
At the same time, her background in geology continues to influence her perspective, especially when it comes to sustainability. She is particularly passionate about environmentally responsible design and its impact on human health.
“It is often more durable and usually better for the health of the people using the space,” she adds.
Earning the certificate proves that I’ve taken the necessary classes. I’m able to say, "I can do this kind of work now!”
Marking a New Beginning
For Virginie, earning her certificate represents far more than completing a program—it marks the beginning of a new professional identity.
“It’s a milestone, because it’s the beginning of a new career,” she says. “Earning the certificate proves that I’ve taken the necessary classes. I’m able to say, ‘I can do this kind of work now!’”
Today, Virginie is actively seeking opportunities as an interior designer, bringing with her a unique blend of scientific rigor, creative thinking and project management expertise. She continues to draw every day, with a focus on whimsical stories for children’s wallpaper and fabric.
She is especially drawn to projects that serve the public good. “I would like to work on community projects: education, libraries, pediatric hospitals, civic centers,” she says.
Her goal is clear: to design spaces that support, uplift and connect people. “Everything that gathers people or takes care of the community is something I’m interested in,” she describes.
Armed with a strong foundation, a clear purpose and a passion for sustainable, human-centered design, she’s well on her way.
Virginie’s Path to Creative Freedom
Phase 1
Fundamentals of Interior Design
Design Principles and Elements
Color Theory and Application for Interiors
History of Architecture, Interiors and Decorative Arts I
Digital Presentation Techniques
Phase 2
Building Components and Systems
History of Architecture, Interiors and Decorative Arts II
Interior Finishes and Materials
Fundamentals of Lighting Design
Phase 3
Business Practices for Interior Designers
Portfolio and Professional Presentation
Electives
Check out examples of Virginie's work!
