Q&A with Marjan Miri

MARJAN MIRI

​Visiting Assistant Professor, University of Arkansas
MID, 2020

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ACADEMIC POSITION AND WHAT DOES IT ENCOMPASS? 

I am a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Arkansas. I am teaching two studios, second year and third-year interior design for undergraduate students.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE WITHIN THE FIELD OF INTERIOR DESIGN?  

My professional work experience mostly incorporates commercial and residential. However, in school, I worked on a variety of projects, and my favorite was retail design, which I would like to focus on more in the future.

HOW DID YOUR STUDIES HERE PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER AS A DESIGN EDUCATOR? 

I have a Bachelor of Architecture and studying at UT taught me that interior design and architecture are inseparable. During the three years of my master's, I was exposed to various projects ranging from residential, education, retail, and art installations. This diversity of experience has helped me to introduce projects in many different areas to my students. In each studio at UT, I was facing a new problem, and my instructors helped me learn problem-solving skills and techniques. I also learned how to criticize my work and improve it, which is a primary skill for me as a teacher to help my students grow. Several presentations and reviews at UT made me prepare to teach and talk in front of a group of people with confidence.

IS THERE AN ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE AT UT THAT STANDS OUT AS PARTICULARLY INFORMATIVE OR MEANINGFUL? 

In my third Vertical studio, we were paired up with students from the Art and Art History department.  Working with them and seeing their work and process was one of the most exciting experiences I had. Our assignments were in collaboration with the artist in our group and related to their needs for their studio space, gallery, or piece of art that they designed.   

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER TO EMERGING INTERIOR DESIGNERS INTERESTED IN TEACHING? 

You’re surrounded by amazing teachers, so look at their teaching process. Try to ask yourself what made that person so inspiring and find your own way of teaching. Interior design is an excellent field for being creative. Never limit yourself and do not afraid of being the first one who is trying new methods.