Laura Goodsman's work ethic is undeniable.

The Class of 2015 interior design technology alumna was awarded Yorkville University's President's Medal Award upon graduating from their bachelor of interior design (BID) program this year.

Earning the highest cumulative grade point average in her graduating class meant Goodsman's meticulous time management paid off. It had to, to balance a full-time job and to start a family in her hometown of Regina, Sask., as well as taking online studies from Toronto, Ont.

“I'm very proud of this accomplishment. At the time, I didn't realize the magnitude of the award until Yorkville wrote an article about me. It felt good to be recognized, especially working full time, getting married and having my daughter. I was very diligent when scheduling my assignments and work, so I wasn't working on them the night before. It meant I didn't have much of a life during this period,” Goodsman says.

In the same breath, she shares how Lakeland played a key role in her success. The hands-on learning opportunities through the college's design suite gave her an advantage above her classmates.

“I wasn't a designer going into the program, but I have a creative side because of my father's work (a framer by trade), which introduced me to architecture and design. My Lakeland education was a huge advantage going into Yorkville's program because of the studio experience. I could see a difference in the quality of work between students who did and didn't have this experience.”

Goodsman also appreciates her Lakeland instructors, who often shared their own work experience, as well as the industry field trips to Calgary and Toronto for design showcases.

She adds she's not surprised that the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recognized Lakeland as the 2019 College of the Year.

“I know the NKBA is a huge focus for Lakeland's program. It says a lot about its students and the education they are receiving. Learning and knowing industry standards early on is very helpful,” she says.

Goodsman returned to Lakeland for the first time since graduating in March 2018 to be a part of Lakeland's IDT advisory committee. Lakeland meets with advisory committees, made up of industry professionals and alumni, to keep its programming fresh and up-to-date with industry standards.

Goodsman worked as a facilities planner for SaskPower for three years after Lakeland, designing the company's office spaces all around the province. During this period, she says she craved a creative outlet, as well as additional certification in her field - something she could achieve with a degree.

“I worked closely with an admissions advisor at Yorkville to transfer my Lakeland credits to their degree program. This was also when Lakeland was finalizing its transfer agreement with Yorkville. When I found out, I compared my transfer credits to the Lakeland-Yorkville agreement and everything matched. The process was simple and accommodating.”  

She transitioned from SaskPower to a position with 1080 Architecture Planning + Interiors during her degree program, a move she's thoroughly happy with. When she finishes her maternity leave next year, Goodsman says she'll return to work as an intern designer supporting interior renovation projects and commercial builds. She has plans to challenge the National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) professional licensing exam. With the NCIDQ designation, interior designers are licensed across Canada and the United States with the knowledge, experience and proficiency to practice as professionals.