Episode
Episode 02 | A conversation with Rachel McNeil & Emily Hill
- Podcast
- Design Impacts
- Published
- May 31, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3228
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://designimpacts.substack.com/p/design-impacts-episode-02
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Summary
Design Impacts: Episode 02 Hosted by the South Central Chapter of ASID A conversation with Rachel McNeil & Emily Hill on being twins and working in the interior design industry together. In this episode, Ana sits down with twin sisters Rachel McNeil (Director of Design, L&M Office Furniture) and Emily Hill (Interior Designer, Taggart Architects) to talk about their parallel journeys in the interior design industry — from growing up creatively inclined to building successful commercial design careers on opposite sides of the industry. In this episode we discuss: Growing up creative – How Rachel and Emily knew from a young age they wanted to pursue design, and the childhood moments that hinted at where they’d each end up. Finding their path in college – Attending Harding University, discovering their strengths in commercial design, and the professors who shaped them. Entering the workforce in 2013 – Navigating a tough job market post-recession, landing first jobs, and the side hustle (Coaches’ Daughters calligraphy & signs) that kept them connected when they were nine hours apart. Different sides of the same industry – Rachel’s path through furniture dealerships and Emily’s journey from a Haworth dealership to an A&D firm, and how those experiences built skills neither expected. Advice for students and emerging professionals: Keep an open mind — your first job won’t always be your last or your best fit Don’t wait to reach out to professionals; shadow days and internships are invaluable Get involved in ASID early — it sets you apart in interviews Sales reps are a major networking resource, even if you don’t plan to stay in your current market Collaborating as sisters – Working on award-winning projects together including ASU Newport Campus and the SAU Tech Fire Tr…