Maitland-Smith is pleased to host a short-term internship of a third year design student from High Point University. Meet Colleen Lettich from Kennett Square, PA.
Besides gaining practical experience, Colleen provided another pair of hands to help us ready the showroom for the April Furniture Market, which ran April 17-22. Colleen is sitting beside her favorite new Maitland-Smith piece -- this chest of drawers with a laser cut pattern of birds on tree limbs.
"Detail is so important," Colleen says," and so often forgotten." These turtle feet peeking out from under a leather, gold tooled base are one example of attention to detail, adding a bit of whimsy to a classic center table.
Recognizing the thought that goes into each piece that is functional as well as beautiful, she delights in discovering hidden spaces or movement that isn't apparent.
The decision to be a designer was made in high school, but Colleen's earliest memories consist of her constantly moving things around in her room. When she was old enough to babysit, the money she made was spent on home furnishings, rather than movies or clothes.
Colleen's parents get credit for inspiring her and instilling her love of design. Recognizing her bend toward the artistic, they gave her the opportunity to take art lessons beginning at age 6. Her childhood was spent in a turn-of-the century neoclassical home in West Virginia that was "uninhabitable" when purchased. Her parents completely redesigned it with input from young Colleen and her sisters. The result was a showplace.
Discovery of High Point University came quite by accident. Receiving a brochure in the mail from the design school, she applied, was accepted and immediately fell in love with the campus.
We High Pointers are extremely proud of High Point U. Besides the amazing things that are happening on campus, "DesignIntelligence" journal recently ranked it as one of the top ten undergraduate design programs in the country. Way to go High Point U!
Here are just a few of the amazing accomplishments at High Point University:
HPU has completed the construction of eight new buildings and two stadiums, the renovation of 16 buildings and the acquisition of 50 acres of land, with the campus now at 140 acres total. The board has approved the construction of a parking deck, new restaurants, a tennis complex and four new residence halls to accommodate the growth of traditional day students from 1500 to 3000 by 2010. The univesity enrolls an additional 1200 students in its graduate school and evening degree programs.
Wow. Now you see why we are so proud.
"It is such a beautiful campus, and it has changed tremendously, even in the three years since I have been here," says Colleen.
After graduation Colleen may continue her education by pursuing a Master's degree in architecture. And then... who knows? I think we can expect great things from this talented and dedicated student.
Colleen represents just one of the many up-and-coming interior designers who will soon be placing their marks in design... which will positively affect all of us in the home furnishings industry. www.maitland-smith.com
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