Michaela Darbie

I am from the small town of Balsam Lake WI, with a population of 800 nestled in the corner of a state full of unique landscapes and opportunities that led me to where I am today. I grew up heavily immerssed in my family's Landscape, Floral and Lawn maintenance business. From which I was able to meet and develop relationships with their clients as well as explore my love for design through the landscape of our earth. I have always had a love for art, photography, fashion design, architecture and the outdoors which is why I wanted to further my education in Interior Design. My design style has never followed a linear path as I have a love for eclectic design, unique textures, geometric patterns, . Kelly Wearstler, Dorothy Draper, and Ray Eames are a few of the Interior Designers I draw most inspiration from as they are strong females who paved the way for future generations. My style is ever changing but has been further developed thanks to my continuous education, experimental design, and leaders I have met along the way. 

 

When it came time to fly the coop I had one school in mind due to its rigorous Interior Design program and that would be North Dakota State University. The traveling distance from home to school is a bit of a drive but it was time for me to venture out on my own and discover what I truly enjoyed doing. In the past few years of developing my design techniques at NDSU I have developed as a student, daughter, employee, and Interior Designer. I am grateful for the many opportunities I have been provided with at NDSU as well as the many different students and peers I have met along the way. 

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As my time here at NDSU is coming to an end there is so much information and relationships I have gained along the way. Interviews, site visits, meetings, and presentations have been a part of my new little life here in Fargo and something I have grown to love. I completed a Summer Internship in Fargo at Scan Design and developed a new feeling for the area while here over the summer. As my time here comes to an end there are many decisions to be made as far as a new job, housing options, and of course further developing my design career.