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About Me
I was born in Bogota, Colombia. My father is Canadian, my mother is Colombian and I have a large extended family in both countries. I am fluent in Spanish, English, and functional in French after studying two semesters in Quebec and New Brunswick on exchanges.
I spent my entire primary and secondary school career in the Catholic school system and my closest friends I've had since grade four in these schools. During my school years, I tried many different sports: soccer, dance, skating, swimming, and volleyball. My favourite school subjects were art, music and theatre production. These were catalysts for my post-secondary education.
How I got into design
Following my high school education, I worked for three years in a custom art framing shop. I enjoyed the hands-on detailed work with art, framing materials, colour, and design. I also enjoyed working on a one-to-one basis with individual clients, finding how I could apply my skills to meet their framing needs. I have a good sense of how to balance art with the design aesthetic that the clients were seeking. This position also got me comfortable handling budgets, different design styles, and materials on a small scale.
During my period of employment at the frame shop, I entered the Foundations of Carpentry program at Camosun College. Over the period of six months at Camosun, I got a concrete understanding of site layout, footings, and foundations, and wood frame construction. This also has led to me being better able to appropriately communicate and facilitate conversations with contractors and other industry members. I enjoyed the hands-on work but thought that my skills and creativity might be better applied to an interior design program.
My personal design style
My personal design style is highly influenced by my love of travel, culture, and experiences. These experiences have led my design path in various directions, from my love for grungy industrial elements to the delicate and minimalistic features of Scandinavian design. Both of these can easily be seen in some of my projects.
Traveling has given me an appreciation for local materials, local architecture, and rich culture. There are always breathtaking design elements wherever you go that can be infused into projects. Living here on Vancouver Island for many years has also provided me with an interest in sustainable and environmentally driven design.
AWARDS
Deans' List
2017-2021
Award of Excellence: Technical Skills
2021 - Fourth Year
Award of Excellence: Design Skills
2020 - Third Year
VIU Scholarship for Academic Excellence
2020 - Third Year
Camosun Empowering Women in Trades Initiative
2016
Sarah Munson-Rodriguez
Interior Design Portfolio
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