Betsy Helmuth welcomes Thom Filicia to discuss his journey from architecture to interior design, the power of internships, and the industry's challenges and evolution. They also touch on the increasing inclusivity in interior design. Part 2 preview concludes the episode.

0:00 Podcast introduction 0:33 Betsy Helmuth welcomes Thom Filicia 2:44 Thom Filicia discusses the power of internships 6:17 Thom Filicia's origin story 10:50 Thom Filicia's early interest in architecture 17:47 Challenges in finding schools with interior design programs 19:30 Transition from architecture to interior design 23:53 Difficulties and discouragements in the design industry 30:02 The evolution of interior design and inclusivity 32:30 Preview of part 2 with Thom Filicia

- Internships are crucial for gaining hands-on experience and confidence in the interior design field.  - The design industry has evolved from being exclusive to the elite to becoming more accessible and inclusive for everyone.  - Balancing a strong social foundation with professional growth can help navigate different environments and build a successful career in interior design.

Additional show notes:

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