Paying It Forward

Next to my family and the passion and pride I bring to my interior design career, there is probably nothing as important to me as contributing to my industry and to my community.  Reaching down to give a hand to those just beginning their climb on the design career ladder has brought me much joy and personal satisfaction.  I’ve been a mentor to students and young designers for years, and probably have learned as much from them as I hope they have learned from me.

That’s why I was thrilled to be one of several people in the design industry honored by Design New England at their annual MIDDIES Award Ceremony. The MIDDIES were created by the magazine to honor individuals in the design field who take the time to mentor students, young designers, and architects, sharing their knowledge and experience in order to help them succeed.

I was named a “Distinguished Mentor,” recognizing me for my work with students at the Boston Architectural College, Wentworth Institute of Technology and Mount Ida College; my pro bono commitments, most recently for designing the lobby of a group home for the disabled; and my role as president of the Massachusetts Interior Design Coalition (MiDC), working to raise the professional status of interior designers.

I am included in the illustrious company of Jan Wampler, professor at the School of Architecture and Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), David Webster, CEO of Webster & Company, a design showroom in the Boston Design Center, and Tom Moser, founder of Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers.

I began my career as a social worker, and I have never forgotten that we need to give back to our communities, and to each other. No matter where we are in life, we can extend a helping hand to someone who needs one.  I hope that you do.

My deepest thanks to Pauline Curtiss of Patina for taking the time to nominate me. You can find the article about the award and the other recipients who have made mentoring a part of their life’s work in the January/February issue of Design New England, on page 22.

May 2013 bring you all peace and happiness!

 Photo of Christina courtesy of Eric Roth

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