St. Clair College – St. Clair Interior Design students collaborate with ENWIN for facility refresh

The students started the project in January with a site visit to the space to understand spacing and physical requirements before delving into the design work. ENWIN provided a full list of ‘wants and needs’ and gave the students full creative freedom to reimagine the spaces.

“While working on an actual corporate design project for ENWIN, I gained valuable hands-on experience and navigated a number of challenges,” said Eden Vessel, another student in the class. “Collaborating closely with their team allowed me to understand their vision and goals for the space.”

The students took full advantage of the site visit, which provided deeper insight into ENWIN’s workplace culture and the values it represents.

“Throughout this process, I improved my skills in professional communication, developed a better understanding of corporate environments, and approached problem-solving with strategic thinking,” said Vessel. “This project has opened my eyes to a world of opportunities within my field, allowing me to gain valuable experience and build connections that will benefit me as I enter the industry.”

“Textbook learning is essential to building a strong foundation and understanding the concept of interior design. However, hands-on experience and working with clients is what truly prepares you for the realities of this field,” added Vessel.

Shannon Dinham, a professor in the Interior Design program, notes community involvement provides St. Clair students with rich opportunities to experience practical and engaging design solutions for their real-world clients.

“Working with individuals in a professional setting allows our students to connect theory with tangible materials and spatial awareness in real time,” said Prof. Dinham. “Client feedback allows for immediate reflection and analysis of their proposed designs, therefore pushing them further into executing results that satisfy their client’s requests.”

ENWIN officials will now review the designs and plan to incorporate elements from each of them into their campus refresh.

“The students at St. Clair College have truly impressed us with their extraordinary talent and creativity,” said Garry Rossi, the CEO of ENWIN Utilities. “They delivered designs that were not only functional and budget-friendly but also innovative, incorporating organic elements, sustainable materials, and locally sourced furniture.”

“Their thoughtful consideration of our corporate culture and the need for versatile spaces for our employees both indoors and outdoors was remarkable.”