Meet the Designers!
Name: Joyce Zakharia
Major: MFA in Interior Architecture and Design
Year: 3rd year
University: University of Balamand
Interviewed by: Widad Samman
Globe: At what age did you know you want to join the School of Arts?
Joyce: I was 16 when I decided to do Interior Architecture and Design. It was a bit of a challenge for me back then because my parents weren’t ok with the idea at first, so I had to convince them. The main reason they didn’t like it is that they thought it was a waste of time. And since I was one of the top students at my school, they were expecting me to pursue a career in either medicine or engineering. But when they saw how persistent I was, they soon realized how much I really wanted to get into Design. This made them more tolerant of the idea. And here I am today! Thanks to them.
Globe: Why did you insist so much on Interior Architecture and Design in particular?
Joyce: It’s simply my ambition. I’m not the type of person who would stay in a closed office and wait for clients all day long. I prefer to go out whenever it’s possible, meet new people, be always on the look for the simplest hints of creativity, admire the beauty around me, and get inspired! Besides, design gives me the opportunity to make a change in this world, make it look more beautiful and add a personalized touch to it.
Globe: A lot of students like design too, but how do they know it’s the right choice for them?
Joyce: Well, you can’t get into design just because you like it, or because everyone keeps telling you that you have a good taste and you should be a designer. This is a totally false assumption because design is a lot more than just a good taste. It’s a science by itself. It has its rules and principles. You can never base your project on “good taste”. You need to know the rules and concepts of the Art World first. That’s what university is there for.
Globe: What is it that you love most about your major?
Joyce: What I especially love about it is that it’s a part of my daily life, not an extension of it. I mean wherever I go I see design, and whoever I meet we speak design, even with friends and family. Just everything around seems like a part of me, a part of what I am and what I do. Besides, there’s always something new to discover, so I never get bored; whether it’s a new way to do something, a new design concept, or an innovated technological invention.
Globe: Some say it’s fun, others think it’s not easy. Which side do you support?
Joyce: Actually it’s kind of both … Based on my experience, it starts out difficult at first, but then it becomes more fun the more you learn about it and understand its concepts. But the challenges do not disappear. They even become harder. But again, that’s the beauty of it. That’s exactly what makes it worthwhile.
Globe: Surely all these challenges put a lot of pressure on students. How do you manage in stressful times?
Joyce: That’s one of the first challenges I faced. To be honest, I didn’t know how to deal with it at the beginning that I ended up extremely sleep-deprived. But after some time, I realized that I’m the kind of person who only operates under pressure. That’s when I give my best. They say “deadline is the ultimate inspiration”. So understanding myself a bit more helped me manage better. But this doesn’t necessarily apply to everyone else. My friend used to break down every time the deadline drew nearer. But then when she learnt to organize her time and work regularly, things got much better.
Globe: Now that you’re in Design, would you advise students who love this domain to pursue their passion?
Joyce: Sure, if you love it go for it! Designers today have their merit in the society; unlike they once used to be. There’s also a whole lot of opportunities out there waiting for us designers to grab. I started to work when I was still in my second year. And now, even though it hasn’t been long since I graduated, I have a full time job which I totally love! We designers have a bigger chance to find a job than many other people. They need us almost everywhere, in offices, houses, galleries, TV stations, lighting stores … we can also work freelance or in companies, or even both at the same time. Once you have your MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) you can work almost anywhere. And I assure you that the job is a rewarding one. I say YES! Go for it!
Connect Us
