Student Org Spotlight: FSU IDSO Creates Community, Opportunity for Interior Architecture & Design Students

By: Rory Donohue

The Interior Design Student Organization recently took a tour of the Old Willis Dairy Farm in Tallahassee.

For more than 30 years, the Interior Design Student Organization (IDSO) at Florida State University has been helping Interior Architecture and Design students develop their skills, build their portfolios and connect with other professionals in the industry through organizations such as the American Society of Interior Designers and the International Interior Design Association.  

Under the leadership of co-presidents Jaymie Kennedy and Ciara Iglesias, both undergraduate seniors majoring in Interior Architecture and Design, the organization promotes students’ work and fosters growth within the Department of Interior Architecture & Design at FSU.  

 In the Fall 2023 semester alone, the group hosted various social, networking, and workshopping events, took a tour of the Old Willis Dairy Farm in Tallahassee and took a group trip to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Spring House.  

The Interior Design Student Organization organizes outings for students in the department, like this recent one to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Spring House.

“They do all this while envisioning fun and creative activities that support their peers,” said faculty advisor Kelley Robinson. “I am so proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing how their leadership experience in this role will unfold in their futures as interior design professionals.”  

“Making connections with local landowners and being able to learn their personal history is really special and something we hope to continue,” said Kennedy. 

IDSO Hosts community-building events for Interior Architecture & Design students at FSU.

The site visits and events planned by IDSO have a real impact for the students. By visiting one of the iconic architects works in person and through conversations with President of Spring House Institute Byrd Lewis Mashburn, students were able to better understand Wright’s design process. 

IDSO’s leadership prides itself on helping students build their professional portfolios and offering mentorship and creating a strong community among the department’s students. To Kennedy and Iglesias, building that community is the most important part of IDSO’s mission. They offer “student spotlights” on the organization’s Instagram account (@fsu_idso) to highlight their work to a larger platform and expose them to potential clients and employers. They also host headshot photography events, portfolio workshops, and more. 

“IDSO has provided an environment where I am surrounded by hard-working peers and knowledgeable faculty who are genuinely invested in my success,” said Iglesias, who recently acquired an internship with Atlanta-based Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry. “It has been an indispensable resource in facilitating my professional growth.”  

“IDSO expands my confidence and leadership skills not only in the classroom, but in the workforce,” said Kennedy, who credits the organization with helping her succeed in her recent internship. 

This semester, IDSO plans to get a first-hand look at the development of a local design firm’s project. They are also hosting their annual prep events with FSU’s Career Center to help get students prepared for the career fair this March.  

Updates about membership and events can be found on the organization’s Instagram at  @fsu_idso.  

IDSO Executive Board

FSU IDSO Board: 

ASID VP: Hanna Watson (Junior) 

IIDA VP: Sarah Tavares (Junior) 

Secretary: Grayson Avriett (Senior) 

Treasurer: Caroline Serrahn (Senior) 

Social Media Chair: Morgan Kolb (Senior) 

Historian: Gabriela De Vasconcellos (Junior)