Rozlyn Mead, Intern ARIDO | Emerging Professional

Meet Rozlyn, she is a passionate interior design graduate dedicated to creating inclusive, sustainable, and transformative spaces. Inspired by her family’s craftsmanship and iconic designs like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, she prioritizes accessibility, eco-friendly solutions, and functionality in her work. With hands-on experiences like leading site visits and collaborating on creative projects, Rozlyn combines innovation with a deep commitment to designing spaces that inspire and improve lives.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself?
A recent interior design graduate with a deeply-rooted passion for transforming spaces that inspire and improve lives. From a young age, I have been captivated by the power of design to shape environments and foster well-being. Through my academic journey, I have developed a strong commitment to creating designs that not only reflect my creative vision but also contribute to the betterment of society. With a keen awareness of environmental impact, I’m dedicated to integrating sustainable practices into all aspects of my work, aiming to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly solutions.
2. Why did you choose to study and practice interior design?
I chose to study interior design because of the influence of my grandfather, a skilled carpenter, who instilled in me an appreciation for craftsmanship and spatial design. Growing up, my mother’s constant redecorating of our home sparked my creativity and desire to create beautiful, functional spaces. With my father’s crafty nature, always building things, I was inspired to pursue a career where designing spaces for everyone to enjoy is at the heart of what I do.
3. Can you describe your style in one word?
Inclusive

4. How do you approach work-life balance?
Managing work-life balance in interior design can be challenging due to the demanding nature of the industry, but I’ve learned to prioritize my time and set clear boundaries. By staying organized and scheduling personal time alongside professional commitments, I ensure that I can recharge and remain focused on both my career and well-being.
5. What have you learned about work/life balance?
As an interior design intern, I’ve gained valuable hands-on experience while contributing to creative projects, learning from seasoned designers. Balancing work and life is essential, allowing me to recharge and maintain focus, ensuring both personal growth and professional success.
6. How do you spark your creativity?
As a designer, I spark creativity by constantly seeking inspiration from art, nature, and diverse cultures to bring fresh perspectives to each project. I also embrace experimentation with materials, colors, and layouts, allowing for innovative and unexpected design solutions. Collaboration with clients and colleagues further fuels my creativity, as I value different viewpoints and ideas that enhance the final result.
7. What are the biggest challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
One of my biggest challenges has been managing anxiety, which often feels overwhelming in high-pressure situations. However, I’ve learned to overcome it by using grounding techniques, which help me stay centered and focused in the moment.

As a designer, I spark creativity by constantly seeking inspiration from art, nature, and diverse cultures to bring fresh perspectives to each project. I also embrace experimentation with materials, colors, and layouts, allowing for innovative and unexpected design solutions.
Rozlyn Mead, Intern ARIDO
8. What did you discover that you didn’t know before? How did interior design or your projects shape you personally?
As a designer, the process of working on various projects deeply shapes both professional skills and personal growth.
Designing spaces allows me to better understand the profound impact of the environment on mood, functionality, and well-being. I’ve learned to value not only aesthetic choices but also the importance of sustainability, accessibility, and how thoughtful design can create spaces that promote comfort and inclusivity for all. Each project challenges me to balance creativity with practicality, and this balance has refined my problem-solving skills and reinforced my belief in design’s power to transform lives.
9. Do you remember the first design that struck you or lingered in your mind?
Frank Lloyd Wright – Falling Water
10. What is one thing you did for the first time recently?
Taking my classmates on a site visit to the Aga Khan Museum for a design project was an incredible experience, offering firsthand insight into its stunning architectural details. The visit was truly inspiring, as the museum’s unique design and cultural significance sparked new ideas and creative perspectives for our own projects.
11. How would you describe your last year?
My 2024 has been incredibly fruitful, with numerous opportunities from ARIDO and within the interior design community, propelling my career to new heights. However, the abundance of projects and collaborations has left me with little time to catch my breath, keeping me constantly on the go.
12. How did you develop your distinctive style?
As I’ve developed my distinctive style, sustainability and accessibility have played a key role which drive the adoption of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient solutions, and inclusive design practices. By experimenting with design aesthetics, cultural influences, and client needs, I’ve been able to refine my approach to prioritize adaptive, sustainable, and accessible solutions that balance functionality, environmental impact, and ease of use for all individuals. This focus on sustainability and accessibility shapes my distinctive design style, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces that are both timeless and responsible in the use of resources while welcoming and usable for everyone.

13. What is a quality you most cherish in your designs?
The accessibility quality of my designs is something I cherish deeply, as it ensures that all users, regardless of their abilities, can interact with and benefit from my work. I prioritize accessibility because creating inclusive, user-friendly experiences is essential for fostering equal access to information and services for everyone.
By experimenting with design aesthetics, cultural influences, and client needs, I’ve been able to refine my approach to prioritize adaptive, sustainable, and accessible solutions that balance functionality, environmental impact, and ease of use for all individuals.
Rozlyn Mead, Intern ARIDO
14. Did social media affect your work? If so, how?
Social media has provided me with a wealth of inspiration, allowing me to explore diverse design styles and creative concepts from around the world. It has opened up opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and stay motivated by the innovative work of others.
15. What advice would you give someone who is interested in interior design?
I would advise anyone interested in interior design to embrace creativity and continually seek inspiration from various sources, as this will help refine their unique design perspective. Additionally, gaining hands-on experience through internships or personal projects is invaluable in developing practical skills and understanding the industry’s dynamics.

16. Describe the impact a mentor (formal or informal) has had on you.
My mentor truly challenged me to elevate my approach to designing for accessibility, encouraging me to consider the diverse needs of individuals in a deeper and more thoughtful way. They supported me by helping identify key areas where people face barriers to accessing spaces and services, and emphasized the importance of inclusivity in design. They also taught me to always keep an open mind, reminding me that design doesn’t need to be rigid but instead should adapt to the needs of all users.
This mentor has ultimately changed the way in which I approach a design problem moving forward.
17. What professional values guide your work?
Integrity, Collaboration, Quality, Adaptability, Communication
18. How can people connect with you? What is your preferred method of communication?

ARIDO Spotlight
The purpose of the ARIDO Spotlight is to spark meaningful conversations.
We think honest and real conversations are at the heart of community building. Every voice matters and that there is a place for everyone in these conversations.
We feel it’s far more touching and honest to hear from the members who make up our design community – from members at large firms to small business owners, students, newcomers and independent creatives.
Would you like to be featured? Complete this form at the link below:
-The ARIDO Communications Committee
Don’t hesitate to contact Maia Stamatov at mstamatov@arido.ca if you have questions.