# Episode 08 | A conversation with Emmalyn Burns and Caitlin Dickerson

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/design-impacts-7868540/episode-08-a-conversation-with-emmalyn-burns-and-caitlin-dickerson
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/design-impacts-7868540/episode-08-a-conversation-with-emmalyn-burns-and-caitlin-dickerson.md
Podcast: [Design Impacts](https://stenobird.com/podcast/design-impacts-7868540)
Published: 2026-08-23T17:58:00+00:00
Episode link: https://designimpacts.substack.com/p/episode-08-a-conversation-with-emmalyn
Audio file: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/206133606/e18f4272e80c6480acc7065118dfc817.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/design-impacts-7868540/episodes/episode-08-a-conversation-with-emmalyn-burns-and-caitlin-dickerson
Duration seconds: 2606

## Resource

In this episode, host Ana Clark sits down with two graduating interior design students — Emmalyn Burns (University of Arkansas) and Caitlin Dickerson (University of Central Arkansas) — for a candid conversation about their journeys through school and into the profession. In this episode we cover: * Introductions and how each student found their way into interior design * Preconceived notions about the industry (and the “HGTV” stereotype) * Balancing studio culture, Greek life, and ASID involvement * What four years of coursework looked like — from color theory to AutoCAD and Revit * Favorite student projects, including a teen wellness facility and a hand-built chair * Lessons learned about design being more than aesthetics — the human experience at its core * What excites them about entering the profession (seeing designs come to life!) * What feels intimidating about the transition from school to firm life * What students value most in a workplace: mentorship and culture * Their journeys with ASID, from first meetings to leadership roles * Advice to incoming freshmen: stay curious, build your LinkedIn early, and don’t be afraid to ask questions * Practical tips: revisiting the design process non-linearly, adding intent diagrams to portfolios, and Revit shortcuts (editing families instead of double-clicking!) Design Impacts is a podcast by the South Central Chapter of ASID — elevating, celebrating, and educating our design community. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved with the chapter — locally, regionally, or nationally — please reach out. Your voice shapes the chapter! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit designimpacts.substack.com

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## Transcript

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