Meet Lauren Tomasko ’24, a senior majoring in interior architecture and design.
Clubs/activities:
Volleyball, ASID, NKBA
Internships:
Interior Design Intern with AE7 (May 2022 - August 2022)
Gensler (November 2022 - January 2024)
Hometown:
Connellsville, PA
Why did you choose LRU for interior architecture & design?
I loved the welcoming program and the connections within the Pittsburgh community. I felt confident with the program and loved the environment.
What is your dream job, and how is LRU preparing you for it?
I would love to join a firm as an interior designer in the commercial world, working on hospitality, office, aviation educational and health care projects. I hope that by working on more commercial projects, my designs will be able to reach and inspire more people.
Describe the design studios at LRU.
La Roche’s design studios provide students with an inspiring place to work and collaborate with others. Design students have a place to work at all times with access to the CAD labs and studios.
Tell us about your internship experiences.
I learned so much working alongside professionals in the interior design industry, and I gained confidence in my skills throughout my internships. I enjoyed working with professionals and observing. I loved seeing all the different projects and the process that different firms utilize for each one.
LRU prepared me in many ways for my internships. I have learned several online architectural programs from talented professors, which were essential for an internship.
LRU also prepared me how to be professional, and how to make connections and relationships with others. Networking is an important first step as an interior designer, and it starts as a student.
Favorite class and why?
Although stressful, the studio classes are my favorites. Working on a project for weeks at a time can be tiring, but when I look at my finished project, it's such a great feeling.
How would you describe LRU and its faculty?
Even though LRU is a smaller school, it comes with so many benefits. One of the biggest benefits is class size. With smaller classes you can make a connection with your professors. Being able to reach out to a professor at any point in time is such a key part of LRU.
Your professors believe in you and will do anything to help you succeed. LRU offers a great environment with amazing opportunities to each student.
What do you like most about your major?
Having creative freedom for almost every project.
Proudest moment at LRU:
Completing my first internship.
Favorite spot on campus:
Zappala Campus Center or near the pond in front of the Motherhouse when the weather is nice.