GET TO KNOW JIMMY NHIEU...

Tell me how you got started in this field?

I first took classes at Orange Coast College and discovered I had a talent for Interior Design. I then went on and graduated with a Bachelor Degree from Woodbury University.

Where have you worked?

Ware Malcomb, Pjar Architects, and Pugh + Scarpa Architects

Recently, I left the design industry and entered into the solar industry and currently work for a solar panel manufacturer.

Does the market look promising for (young or older) people starting out in this career?

Right now the market looks bad but also looks like it is getting better.

What do you find most rewarding about this job?

The joy and happiness of clients seeing the drawings come to life.

If you had to do it over, would you be in the same career?

Yes, but I would not have had as much educational, I found the experience of working in a firm more beneficial.

What are the toughest challenges you have had to deal with?

Client attitudes and personalities, budgets, and city regulations are some of the tough challenges I had to deal with.

What problems does the industry/field have as a whole?

There are a lot of big egos in this industry and over confident designers.

How much flexibility do you have in terms of hours, dress,etc.?

Not a lot of flexibility, I was working 14-16 hours a day while working as a designer.

What kind of salary range could a person entering the field expect?

About $30,000-$35,000 is what a person entering into this field can expect.

Do you have a favorite project that you worked on? What was it?

Culver City Burgamount Station

Houston’s Nike Corporation

What are you currently involved with in the industry? Associations? Boards?

I am currently a member of ASID and IIDA.

What else can a student do to prepare for a career in this field?

Get as much experience as possible.