We recently connected with Shan He and have shared our conversation below.
Shan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was one of the most important lessons you learned in school? Why did that lesson stick with you?
I graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design MFA Interior Design Program. Apart from receiving the top interior design education at SCAD, I chose three business courses with Professor Jeremy Kobus. He was always patient in answering all my questions, carefully reviewed my business analyses, and provided me positive feedback. For the group tests during midterms and finals, I never thought I could memorize those challenging business terminology definitions. The assignments in the business class were all about business analysis, financial analysis, market assessment, etc., seemingly unrelated to my interior design major. However, these efforts enhanced my project analysis and presentation skills. When I was looking for internships and a full-time job, he always offered me the greatest help. He frequently invited friends from the industry to give us lectures and provided us with opportunities to connect with the guests. His guidance and encouragement filled me with confidence and courage on my career path. I am very grateful to him.
Professor Thomas Dang Vu is my Art Dad. I appreciate my courage in loudly greeting him at the first time I met Thomas. I was feeling like I had encountered a celebrity. Thomas responded with ten times the enthusiasm, introducing me to the Fine Art Club. He encouraged me to pick up the painting again. It was Thomas who allowed me to become a musician like him on the SCAD stage. I am honored to have played the traditional Chinese instrument – Gu Zheng, with Thomas at SCAD Atlanta. He shared my joy at graduation and cheered for me when I found my ideal job. He is not just my Art Dad, he is my friend, he is Thomas Dang Vu. I really appreciate all the help.
I want to say that all my experiences at SCAD helped me gather the courage to challenge this competitive market. Thanks for all the experiences SCAD brought to me!
Shan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
AT Design Studio Work is an interior architecture and branding design studio collaboratively formed by several SCAD alumni. We all had experience working with top 10 architecture firms in the United States. We focus on corporate project, restaurant, and residential . As dynamic and energetic young designers, we are imaginative, detail-oriented, and maintaining a commitment to sustainable design. Clients love our designs. Most of our projects are located in the Boston and Los Angeles areas, we also provide design consulting services to clients in other cities. We enjoy working on each project, consider them as our children. We strive and grow together. We are your family, we are your friends. We love challenges! We hope to help more clients who appreciate art, design, and creativity.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I would say personality. I’ve always held the belief that genuine interactions with others are the most crucial factor. People are emotional beings, and when my friends and clients know who I am, if they enjoy being around me and find me to be someone they can collaborate with, then they’ll come to work with me. They will also refer more friends to work with me. So being yourself is a crucial thing. Being energetic, positive, and focusing on what I am doing are things I strive to achieve every day.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I believe the most valuable aspect is that our designs make people to enjoy the spaces they are in. In the case of a restaurant project, if people visit the space more times because they love our design, it is a successful project. This is because we not only serve our clients (the owner) to help them achieve economic growth but also provide a positive spatial experience for a larger audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://atdesignstudiowork.com/
- Instagram: king_of_diamondssss
- Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-shanhe
- Other: Personal email: [email protected]