An award-winning interior design technology graduate is putting her new skills into action at an award-winning interior design firm.

While working at Hodgson Design Associates in Vancouver, B.C., Regan Skomar found out that she earned the Governor General's Academic Medal for having the highest academic standing of all diploma-level programs at Lakeland College. The accolade is the most prestigious award given to a Lakeland graduate.

“I knew I had good marks because I worked so hard for them, but I wasn't expecting to be the best at Lakeland. It was surprising, and it felt good that all my hard work paid off. I spent countless hours after class working on my assignments. I couldn't have done it without the support of the teachers and my classmates,” Skomar says.

Skomar credits her classmates and teachers with cultivating a collaborative learning environment, saying it was a “great environment to grow as an interior designer and as an individual.” It was this supportive and cooperative atmosphere that prepared her for a two-month practicum placement with Hodgson.

“A highlight for me would be how people would walk around the classroom, and we'd observe each other's work and help one another. It was a freeing environment. Now that my office is collaborative, I can see how my classroom prepared me for the industry.”

Skomar secured a permanent position with Hodgson following her practicum. She says she's been a team member since day one and that her role with the company hasn't changed. The design firm had her working on projects, even leading a project as the sole designer on week two, interacting with suppliers and clients, selecting materials and furnishings, and attending showrooms.

“This company has an excellent style - their designs are amazing. When I was researching for my practicum, I remember thinking that I'd love to work for them, but I feared they wouldn't take someone fresh out of school. I talked with Julie Hodgson, the owner, and what she said was encouraging. She shared they needed new designers to come in.”

From her Lakeland experience, Skomar adds that she was surprised but appreciated learning the technical features of interior design and construction.

“The company I work for takes on new builds, so learning about construction, like the framework of wall structures, in school has benefited me. I also feel I was prepared for the technology that I'm using now. It's right at the same level. I can say that I was able to jump right in and hit the ground running."

Photos: Top-Design renderings  by Regan Skomar. Bottom-Regan Skomar (top right) was presented the Governor's General Academic Medal virtually by Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, Lakeland's president & CE0 (top left), Dave King, dean of Trades & Technology (not shown), Fiona McLeod, interior design technology instructor (bottom right) Brad Romanchuk, dean of Student & Academic Services (bottom left), Lindsay Gorkoff, financial aid & awards advisor (not shown).