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Lenora St. Blog

Alumni Stories: Designing Dreams with Emily Anderson

Emily Anderson, a 2021 graduate of Cornish College of the Arts, has carved out a unique path in the world of design and architecture. Hailing from Portland, Emily initially sought out industrial design programs before finding her creative home in Cornish’s Interior Architecture (IA) department. Drawn to the program’s fusion of interior design and architectural principles, as well as the allure of living in Seattle, Emily began her journey with a clear vision and an open heart.

Finding Her Focus

Unlike many freshmen, Emily knew right away that Interior Architecture was her calling. “I was one of the few freshmen who knew they were going to head into the IA department,” she says. Her passion for small-scale design gradually expanded into an excitement for larger architectural projects. “Learning big with the option to later design small is easier than learning to design small and translating it to larger scopes,” she explains. Cornish’s curriculum allowed her to evolve her interests, setting her sights on a future in architecture.

From Cornish to Career

Today, Emily is a designer at Mancini Duffy and spends her spare time exploring her passion for lighting design. Her time at Cornish honed her ability to create research-led concepts, critically evaluate her work, and consider the long-term impact of her designs. “Cornish taught me how to create research-led concepts, look critically at my work, and think about our designs’ impact over their lifespan,” she says. These skills are essential in her current projects, which range from designing a large rehearsal space for the Paul Taylor Dance Company to crafting bespoke lighting fixtures in collaboration with fellow Cornish alum Hann Elias.

Multidisciplinary Creativity

Cornish’s interdisciplinary approach deeply resonated with Emily. IA’s cross-disciplinary nature exposed her to a variety of mediums, including CAD, videography, and sculpture. “IA is a very cross-disciplinary major because so much work goes into interior and architectural design. We did everything from CAD work to videography to sculpture,” she shares. “As you learn different mediums, you learn how they inform your other work, making you a more well-rounded artist and designer.” For Emily, the interplay between analytical drawing, 3D modeling, and understanding lighting physics has been transformative in her practice.

A Memorable Journey

Reflecting on her time at Cornish, Emily encourages future students to fully immerse themselves in the opportunities the college provides. “Studio time was where we made friends that, years later, I still talk to almost daily,” she shares, emphasizing the lasting impact of building connections with peers. These relationships, she notes, are not only personally fulfilling but also invaluable for collaboration and support in creative fields.

“Don’t be afraid to take risks or try something new,” she advises. For Emily, some of her most rewarding experiences came from stepping outside her comfort zone and exploring bold ideas. “It’s through experimentation and feedback that you really learn and grow,” she adds. Emily’s journey illustrates that embracing the creative process at Cornish lays a strong foundation for pursuing innovative and meaningful work after graduation.

Signature Work

One of Emily’s most cherished projects is her BFA thesis, “Ponderosa.” “My BFA was a culmination of a ton of research and passion about nature through the exploration of earthen housing,” she explains. This earthship-inspired residence in Terrebonne, Oregon, encompassed many experimental green building systems. By exploring these systems, Emily showcased her ability to merge innovative concepts with practical applications.

Advice for Future Cornish Creatives

To newly admitted students and those currently navigating their artistic paths, Emily emphasizes the importance of exploring, creating, and dreaming big. “This is one of the best times to fail and experiment with new things,” she advises. “My freshman and sophomore years were ones I look back on as growing an immense amount of skill and trying the most creative pathways.” For Emily, the freedom to experiment was a cornerstone of her growth, helping her build the skills and confidence needed to succeed.

Equally important, she highlights the value of building strong connections within the Cornish community. “The relationships you build at Cornish are invaluable,” she says. Cornish’s small size and dedicated faculty played a pivotal role in her post-graduation success. She credits former faculty member Tobi Wray for introducing her to a contact in NYC, which led to her current position. “I am very thankful to prior Cornish faculty member Tobi Wray for putting me in touch with a member of her network in NYC who was hiring at the company I am currently at and have been since graduating,” Emily shares. This combination of creative exploration and meaningful connections continues to shape her career and inspire her work.

Dream Big, Dream Out Loud

Emily’s journey is a testament to the power of dreaming big and embracing a multidisciplinary approach. “Dream big and dream out loud, corn-kids!” she encourages. For a closer look at her work, follow her on Instagram at @Ammon.light, where she shares updates on her latest projects.

Cornish’s mission to nurture multi/interdisciplinary artists has profoundly shaped Emily’s career. Her story is a shining example of how the college equips students to explore, innovate, and succeed in the ever-evolving creative landscape. Learn more about the IA program.

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