Rachel Simmons

Rachel Simmons
Resident Faculty
Building
Applied Sciences
Room
AP-216-A
Rachel Simmons

Biography

Bio

“You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true.” – Richard Bach

Teaching is my blood - design is my soul. I come from a long line of educators and creative types, and while I was not the first of my family to mold minds, I was the first to combine the art of educating with, well…art. As an interior designer and design instructor, I am able to unite my passion for the profession with my ability to communicate information and motivate others. I love my work!

I am a creativist… I design, educate, write, inspire, reflect, and motivate. I innovate on the spin bike, sing while driving, and have an insatiable wanderlust. Bicep curls are my favorite exercise, Richard Bach is my reluctant messiah, and my son is my creative catalyst. hate painting my nails but do it anyway, If I could only own one thing it would be a comfortable bed, and I secretly love to two-step.

You will currently find me consorting with future interior designers, preserving historic spaces, planning the next workshop, hosting a happy hour, or jotting down a few words. I also make a mean cassoulet.

Education:

  • Fall 2010: Arizona State University, MSD - Master of Science in Design - Interior Design: Theory, Methodology, and Criticism – Summa Cum Laude
  • Spring 2005: Northern Arizona University, BAS - Bachelor of Applied Science - Interior Design - Summa Cum Laude
  • Spring 2003: Scottsdale Community College, AAS - Associates of Applied Science, Interior Design, Dean’s List

Interests:

  • The renovation of historic and mid-century architecture with a focus on historic preservation and sustainability.
  • The integration of technology and design education, specifically Internet and on-ground alliance, lecture video production, and Adobe CS.
  • Professional Interior Design continuing education (CEU’s)

Expertise:

  • Designing for historic interiors
  • Midcentury design and Phoenix area architecture
  • Historic architecture and interior design styles from Antiquity to the present
  • Historic color palettes and material selections
  • Sustainable construction and renovation
  • Space planning and finish selection
  • Digital communication, design, and education
  • Beginning and senior level studio courses
  • Kitchen and bath renovation
  • Lighting and electrical systems
  • Web design and marketing
  • Portfolio production and presentation techniques
  • Travel in Greece / Greek culture

Courses

Spring 2024

INT105
15384
Intro to Interior Design
-
INT115
15372
Historical Archit & Furn
-
INT115
15710
Historical Archit & Furn
-
INT120
15733
Modern Arch & Furniture
-
INT120
15373
Modern Arch & Furniture
-
INT222
16217
Residential Design
-