E X P E R I E N C E

Interior Designer | Graphics Specialist

Conceptualize, plan, and execute design solutions that are innovative, functional, aesthetic, and aligned with client needs and firm design standards for learning and healing environments. Collaborate with clients, architects, and consultants to bring interior spaces to life by facilitating user engagement and developing presentations to showcase program validation and space planning as well as material selection, renderings, detailed construction documents, and construction administration. Foster continued learning and team development by teaching junior staff visual communication skills in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

2022 - Present | Luminaut

Master of Science in Interior Design

Completed a master’s degree from the CIDA accredited program in the College of Architecture + Planning which emphasized research, environmental psychology, evidence-based design, human behavior analysis, and architectural programming. Prepared for a career in healthcare facility design by earning a graduate certificate in planning and design of healthcare environments.

Graduate Assistant - Construction Management and Interior Design

Contributed to the development and execution of academic research projects. Conducted literature reviews, prepared materials for submission to granting agencies, wrote journal articles, and created conference presentations.

2020 - 2022 | Ball State University

Graphic Designer / Multimedia Specialist

Collaborated with the in-house creative and marketing teams to design print and digital marketing materials to improve the value-perception of the brand and produce effective advertising. Facilitated project management of the 400-page printed research annual and website. Coordinated workflow between multiple teams for data entry, content development, asset management, proofing, approvals, and print production. Responsible for developing large format graphics and facility decor.

Communications Associate

Facilitated team communication: Identified, developed, scheduled, and implemented project milestones to ensure necessary deadlines were met by the multi-state team. Worked with the marketing team to organize, proof, and schedule content marketing, native advertising, and social media. Designed presentations, email graphics, and print materials. Organized the asset management, design, and build of the research annual.

Sign Shop Manager

Managed the creation, logistics, distribution, and production design of signs throughout the seven-state marketing area. Hired and supervised staff to complete orders for more than 50,000 signs between May and August each year. Page layout and design of the research annual.

2012 - 2019 | Beck’s Hybrids

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication and Marketing

Learned to clarify information, interpret abstract concepts, and communicate ideas to the public through the use of fine art, typography, photography, digital, web, and print media. Explored the principles of marketing and economics to better understand consumer lifestyles, identify niche markets, and analyze consumer insights.

Ball State University

S K I L L S

Interior Design

Revit

Enscape

Bluebeam

Graphic Design

InDesign

Illustrator

Photoshop

P U B L I C A T I O N S

Refereed Article

Angne Alfaro, S., Symmes, M. (2021). Actively Learned Qualitative Research Methods. Academic Exchange Quarterly (ISSN 1096-1453). Volume 25, Issue 3.

Editor Reviewed Article      

Angne Alfaro, S., Symmes, M. (Issue 2 2021). Reflections on Learning Through a Pandemic. IDEC Exchange, 2, pp. 12-14.

Refereed Presentations

Symmes, M., Kanakri, S. (June 2023). "Ovarian Cancer Patient Preferences in the Gynecologic Oncology Clinic Waiting Room During the Covid-19 Pandemic", 17th Annual Environmental Design Research Association-EDRA54 Annual Conference, peer-reviewed/refereed, international.

Angne Alfaro, S., Symmes, M. (May 2021). "A Remote Active Learning Experience in Qualitative Research Methods [for Designers] Focusing on Visual Exercises", 17th Annual International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry-ICQI, Virtual, peer-reviewed/refereed, international.

Symmes, M., Angne Alfaro, S. (May 2021). "Above the Minimum and Beyond: From ADA Compliance to Inclusion for All", Environmental Design Research Association-EDRA52 Annual Conference, Virtual, peer-reviewed/refereed. International.

Angne Alfaro, S., Patel, T., Symmes, M. (May 2021). "Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Interior Design Theories and Methodologies", Environmental Design Research Association-EDRA52 Annual Conference, Virtual, peer-reviewed/refereed. International.

Acknowledged in Credits

Patel, T., Angne Alfaro, S., Pallavi, S. (2020). The Bodily and the Divine: A Study of a Hindu Temple. Journal of Interior Design. 46(1), pp. 61-71. doi.org/10.1111/joid.12185.

I N V O L V E M E N T

BSU Advisory Board

Graduate Student Representative

American Society of Interior Designers

Student Member

Interior Design Alliance

Member

The Center for Health Design

Student Affiliate Member

D E V E L O P M E N T

NeoCon 2025, 2024

Healthcare Design Conference + Expo 2024

CIDQ IDFX Exam 2023

Mentoring Dialogues, 2021

Global Leadership Summit, 2019, 2018

HOW Design Live, 2017

5 Behaviors of a Cohesive Team, 2017

DiSC Training Course, 2016

Presenting Your Ideas for Better Acceptance, 2015

Leadership Foundation Course, 2014