We caught up with the brilliant and insightful MaDonna Collingwood a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
MaDonna, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
After completing six years as a traditional student at a university and receiving a Master’s degree in Interior Architecture I started to look at the amount of student loan debt that I was in, and the roles/jobs I was able to obtain after graduation.
While examining my own educational path and reflecting on where it got me and how I got there I started to understand how I could have gotten there in a more efficient way. A lot of my superiors at architecture firms did not have degrees, but learned from experience working in various interior industries such as flooring, windows, lighting, etc. I finished school at the top of my class and maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout all six years including graduate school. I understood and mastered all of the technical skills that I needed to become a well renowned architect. I was great at CAD, SketchUp, Photoshop, 3D modeling and rendering. I also had in depth knowledge and had completed research on WELL, LEED, Occupants well being, space planning and function, and much more.
The only thing that was holding me back was that I didn’t have experience. It became frustrating to me that I took the traditional path and did everything right (as I had been brought up to believe was the right way) but I didn’t have experience, so I was viewed as underqualified for “entry level” positions but overqualified for others because of my proficient skills.
In creating my company, Studio Institute Denver, I started by thinking “If I could go back, knowing what I know now, what path would I have taken” and I built a trade school based on obtaining skills, knowledge, and experience without going into hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt.
I created a curriculum and program that teaches students in construction management how to research building codes, how to read and create floor plans, and how to use industry standard software. I eliminated all of the classes that I was forced to take during 6 years of University that I never used in the real world such as drawing, art history, and psychology. I created a smaller 6 month program that includes an internship and real world projects and experience so that other people who want to be come Interior Designers and Construction Supervisors can get their foot in the door and start their career without going in to lifelong debt.
I discovered my purpose in creating an Interior Design trade school by examining the path that I took to become a career architect, and helping others get to that same position in much less time by spending less money.
I don’t believe that others need to struggle or go through the same hardships I went through to get to my position. I am passionate about helping others get to the top, I believe that there is more than enough room for all of us in an ever growing industry like construction in Denver.
Since discovering my passion for teaching and my purpose as an educator I have been able to expand our programs and certificates at Studio Institute Denver. We are now providing certificates in Construction Management, Interior Design, Real Estate, Human Health and Well Being, and Hospitality Management.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
The tuition difference, schedule, and skills taught at Studio Institute Denver really is what sets it apart from other trade schools and accelerated interior design programs in the area. At $4800 for a 6 month program Studio Institute is currently the least expensive accelerated program in Colorado for Interior Design or Construction Management.
I teach computer skills such as Adobe Photoshop, CAD, SketchUp, and Portfolio 3 days per week on campus in person. I meet with students as a group and one on one to walk them through tutorials on floor plan creation, 3D modeling, and personal branding. We also provide all the necessary training hours to register for the Colorado Real Estate License exam. Students at Studio Institute Denver learn everything they need to be confident starting a career in the industry through a hybrid flexible schedule that is not offered at any other local college or trade school.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Entrepreneurship in general is an uphill battle. My journey started at 19 years old when I started at community college studying Interior Design. I went through 7 years of college to get my Master’s Degree and learn how to teach. I also worked professionally as an Interior Architect for 9 years to fully understand all aspects of a design project and also gain experience in different companies to best understand the industry culture. I have always worked full time, while I was in college and also while building my business so it has been a long and exhausting journey. When I have students who graduate, finish the program, and start working as professional Interior Designers and Project Managers it makes everything worth it.
I love the feeling I get from knowing that I have helped someone accomplish their dreams without having to take the same long, and expensive route that I took.
My passion in this industry is helping other designers get to where I am, in the most efficient way. I built this program based off of the idea of “If I could go back, knowing what I know now, how would I do things differently.”
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am always looking for companies and firms that are hiring interns and junior associates in construction, interior design, real estate, and hospitality. All of my students finish with a professional portfolio and take an internship class in their last semester where they will begin working professionally.
I am also looking for new students! Our Fall semester starts on August 29th 2023 and enrollment is open. Students can attend in person, online, or virtually. We offer certificates as well as individual classes, so even professionals who already work in the industry but want to brush up on their skills or learn new estimation processes can take classes at their own pace.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.studioinstdenver.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/studioinstdenver
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/studioinstdenver
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-institute-denver
