29 Dec Internship Spotlight: Marigny DeBlanc

A student of LSU’s College of Art and Design, Marigny DeBlanc is pursuing a bachelor of interior design and joined AOS as an intern on our Contract Furniture team for Summer and Fall 2021. During her internship, she worked on over 20 projects with our design-assist project managers, including Son of a Saint, Priority Floors, NOPD 4^th District, Tulane University and Brennan’s. She also participated in some exciting events, such as our Design at HeART chair auction with Son of a Saint and Knoll and our Summer Showcase. We’re excited to welcome Marigny back for the Spring 2022 semester before she graduates in May!

How has your internship at AOS helped you grow as a designer?

“Interning at AOS has helped me grow so much as a designer. Personally, I’ve been able to learn so much about myself and what I am capable of. I wrote down goals I set for myself in the summer when I started this internship. I can for sure say that I’ve accomplished most of those goals. I’m grateful I started in the summer and was able to have so much experience. I can see how I’ve grown from just a few months ago by absorbing and learning so much about AOS and getting to know all the people here. Professionally, I’m proud of the relationships I’ve made with my colleagues.”

“The projects and work I’ve completed is very meaningful to me. Knowing that I am playing a part in creating a design and space for the end-users but also that can positively impact and serve the community. I was grateful to be able to work as a team with a group of such dedicated and talented professionals. I have a new appreciation for design and especially furniture. I always knew furniture was an important aspect of design but now I see how integral it truly is. The projects and work I’ve completed is very meaningful to me. Knowing that I am playing a part in creating a design and space for the end users but also that can positively impact and serve the community. I was grateful to be able to work as a team with a group of such dedicated and talented professionals.

I have a new appreciation for design and especially furniture. I always knew furniture was an important aspect of design but now I see how integral it truly is . . . Although it is not fixed to the space, it defines and dictates the space dramatically. Similarly to how Frank Lloyd Wright designed houses and furniture in tandem to create a cohesive space, furniture should not just be an afterthought separate from the space but carefully considered from the start of the design process.”

How has your internship at AOS impacted your design process?

“At AOS, I’ve learned the importance of collaboration and communication throughout the entire design process. It really is incredible to see how many people are involved in a single project. There are so many people involved; some are more behind the scenes and others more on the frontline, but each person plays a vital role.”

What was one of the most valuable lessons that you learned during your internship?

“An important lesson that I have learned is to be able to problem solve and improvise when needed. I’ve been in many situations when I had to make quick decisions and think of alternatives. There are many times when your first choice or plan doesn’t go accordingly but is so important adapt and find another solution.

Through CET and the other programs that I’ve used, I have gained more technical skills, such as using keyboard shortcuts, making a title block, dimensioning, drawing out plans, and furniture space planning. At AOS, I’ve been able to work on my interpersonal skills like communication, time management, socialization, and collaboration along with technical skills like knowledge from my classes, proficiency in programs, understanding and drawing out plans, and project management tasks.”

What was your favorite experience of the internship?

“One of my favorite experiences during my internship was the Summer Showcase. I loved being able to meet many manufacturer reps, clients and other designers from many different firms. I enjoyed learning about new trends in the workplace and exploring new products and textiles. I was able to do sit-tests in a variety of chairs, such as tasking seating, outdoor seating and guest chairs. It was important to be able to experience that in person and learn how much the workplace is evolving.”