Designing Dreams

Emily Anderson has carved out a unique path in the world of design and architecture.

Hailing from Portland, Ore., the 2021 graduate of the Cornish College of the Arts initially sought out industrial design programs before finding her creative home in Cornish’s Interior Architecture (IA) department. Drawn to its fusion of interior design and architectural principles, as well as the allure of living in Seattle, Anderson began her journey with a clear vision and an open heart.

Finding Her Focus

Unlike many freshmen, Anderson knew right away that Interior Architecture was her calling. “I was one of the few freshmen who knew they were going to head into the IA department,” she says. Her passion for small-scale design gradually expanded into an excitement for larger architectural projects. “Learning big with the option to later design small is easier than learning to design small and translating it to larger scopes.”

And Cornish’s curriculum allowed her to evolve her interests, setting her sights on a future in architecture.

From Cornish to Career

After several years as a designer at Mancini Duffy, Anderson recently moved to Morris Adjmi Architects as an interior designer and spends her spare time exploring her passion for lighting design. Her time at Cornish honed her ability to create research-led concepts, critically evaluate her work and consider the long-term impact of her designs.

These skills are essential in her current projects, which range from designing a large rehearsal space for the Paul Taylor Dance Company to crafting bespoke lighting fixtures in collaboration with fellow Cornish alum Hann Elias.

Multidisciplinary Creativity

Cornish’s interdisciplinary approach deeply resonated with Anderson. IA’s cross-disciplinary nature exposed her to a variety of mediums.

“IA is a very cross-disciplinary major because so much work goes into interior and architectural design. We did everything from CAD work to videography to sculpture,” she says. “As you learn different mediums, you learn how they inform your other work, making you a more well-rounded artist and designer.” For Anderson, the interplay between analytical drawing, 3D modeling and understanding lighting physics has been transformative in her practice.

A Memorable Journey

Reflecting on her time at Cornish, Anderson encourages future students to fully immerse themselves in the opportunities the college provides. “Studio time was where we made friends that, years later, I still talk to almost daily,” she says, emphasizing the lasting impact of building connections with peers. These relationships, she notes, are not only personally fulfilling but also invaluable for collaboration and support in creative fields.

“Don’t be afraid to take risks or try something new,” she says.

For Anderson, some of her most rewarding experiences came from stepping outside her comfort zone and exploring bold ideas. “It’s through experimentation and feedback that you really learn and grow.”

And Anderson’s journey illustrates that embracing the creative process at Cornish lays a strong foundation for pursuing innovative and meaningful work after graduation.

Signature Work

One of her most cherished projects is her BFA thesis, titled “Ponderosa.”

“My BFA was a culmination of a ton of research and passion about nature through the exploration of earthen housing,” she explains. This earth ship-inspired residence in Terrebonne, Oregon, encompassed many experimental green building systems. By exploring these systems, Anderson showcased her ability to merge innovative concepts with practical applications.

Advice for Future Cornish Creatives

To newly admitted students and those currently navigating their artistic paths, Anderson emphasizes the importance of exploring, creating and dreaming big.

“This is one of the best times to fail and experiment with new things,” she says. “My freshman and sophomore years were ones I look back on as growing an immense amount of skill and trying the most creative pathways.”

Equally important, she says, is the value of building strong connections within the Cornish community. “The relationships you build at Cornish are invaluable,” she says. Cornish’s small size and dedicated faculty played a pivotal role in her post-graduation success. She credits former faculty member Tobi Wray for introducing her to a contact in New York City, which led to her current position. This combination of creative exploration and meaningful connections continues to shape her career and inspire her work.

Dream Big, Dream Out Loud

Anderson’s story is a shining example of how the college equips students to explore, innovate and succeed in an ever-evolving creative landscape. “Dream big and dream out loud, corn-kids!” she says.

For a closer look at Anderson’s work, follow her on Instagram at @Ammon.light, where she shares updates on her latest projects.

Learn more about the IA program.