Internship Spotlight: Danielle Long

Danielle Long has been intrigued with the design process for years and found herself passionate to learn more. After studying Early Childhood Education she realized her personality and interests were changing, and leading her in a more creative, design-centered direction.  This path led her to the Interior Design program at Randolph Community College. In addition to a thorough education, her time at RCC has brought forth many fantastic opportunities.  She has been privileged to intern with the gents of Madcap Cottage, John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon at their High Point, North Carolina- and New York-based interior design firm.

Through her time and experience with Madcap Cottage, Danielle has been exposed to vital aspects of the design field.  She has worked on product marketing and online sales on One Kings Lane; assisted in choosing furnishings, fabrics, and room placement for various projects; and worked on many applied design tasks. Danielle has been given a broader perspective in relation to her sense of style and palette.

“Working with my supervisors and the incredible Madcap gang has provided me with a higher level of knowledge and confidence as a designer. Jason and John are constantly pushing me to think outside the box and “Expect the Unexpected!” I have been given a charming group of people to work alongside with who are all so friendly and encouraging; and also passionate about the Madcap brand.  I’ve become quite fond of the collaborative and welcoming environment.”

Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke have been phenomenal supervisors to Danielle by opening her up to a whimsical world of possibilities and a greater sense of what interior design is made of. Danielle has enjoyed and appreciated this opportunity to learn from a set of such prominent, “clued-in” designers that she can share her love of color and pattern with. She is thrilled and eager to see where her future is headed.

Intern Spotlight: Shannon Smith

Shannon Smith is currently an intern at Jollay Design Center under the direction of Carol Jollay. In the beginning, Shannon’s duties included organizing files, updating catalogs, and pricing products. Her responsibilities now include space planning, contacting vendors, choosing furniture and finishes, and assisting clients as needed. She is learning the intricacies involved with coordinating fabrics and designing window treatments. Understanding a client’s needs and budget is also a part of Shannon’s training as she makes furniture selections.

Shannon is also assisting the Jollay Design Center with the set-up of various showrooms for the upcoming High Point Furniture Market. While doing this, she is learning about visual merchandising and how to direct crowds through a showroom through the placement of products. She is enjoying the process and development of furniture market.

Currently living in Kernersville, North Carolina, Shannon is interested in staying in the High Point area upon graduation. She enjoys space planning and choosing furnishings, and would like to work for a residential design firm.

Cutline:  Photography Credit:  Kolby Ingram and Carol Jollay.  Article was written by Shannon Smith.  For more information on the Interior Design Program at Randolph Community College you can contact Holly Barker, Department Head of the Design Program at 336-633-0284 or by email at hdbarker@randolph.edu.