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Designing her future

A local student is off to a good start in her career in the world of interior design. Mandy Davediuk is a graduate of the Lakeland College interior design two-year program, and already she is leaving her mark in the industry.
34.news.Mandy
Many Davediuk was the 2018 recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Medal.

A local student is off to a good start in her career in the world of interior design.


Mandy Davediuk is a graduate of the Lakeland College interior design two-year program, and already she is leaving her mark in the industry.


The Bonnyville-area native has always had a passion for designing interior spaces.


Growing up, she would constantly be rearranging the furniture in her room.


“Ever since I was little, I was into interior design and the way rooms function. When it came to finally deciding what I want to do, I went to the open house at Lakeland College. I felt right at home there. I instantly knew that’s what I was supposed to do,” expressed Davediuk.


If she hadn’t known it already, receiving the Governor General’s Academic Medal was proof this is what she was meant to do.


The medal is awarded to the student with the highest academic standing in a diploma-level program. Davediuk and her nearly perfect record were a shoo-in.


Throughout her two-year program, Davediuk maintained a near-perfect GPA, keeping a 4.0 every semester but one.


“It feels amazing. I’m honoured to receive an award. I never thought I would receive something like this, where it’s such a great honour,” Davediuk said.


She was recognized for her hard work at a luncheon, where she met with her former teachers and the president of Lakeland College, who encouraged her to pursue her dreams even farther by obtaining a degree in interior design.


“That’s kind of my next stepping stone in furthering my education and getting all of the tools I need in order to be the most successful person that I can possibly be.”


In the fall, she will be attending Yorkville University to continue her studies.


Davediuk also won second place at the National Kitchen and Bath Association 2017/18 Student Design Competition.


The challenge was to design a small kitchen for a Habitat for Humanity home.


“It was nice that I got to contribute to a design that’s helping a family who really need a home,” Davediuk expressed.


Her submission was up against nearly 300 students from across North America.


Mackenzie Dieleman, also a Lakeland College graduate, earned third place in the competition.


“We’re thrilled with our students’ competition success,” said Rochelle Horne, interior design technology instructor for Lakeland College, in a release. “We know how hard our students work to create these award-winning designs and take the lead in all aspects of their work. We’re very proud of their accomplishments in and beyond our studio.”


According to Davediuk, the interior design program at Lakeland College is National Kitchen and Bath accredited, requiring every student to enter the competition at the end of their second year.


She explained, “We have to learn all about the guidelines of their standards, just because they’re recognized as top quality. If you follow (the National Kitchen and Bath) standards, that’s pretty much saying you know what you’re doing. That’s why we were taught the clearances and recommendations in order to make a room functional.”


Davediuk said both of these recognitions “give me a good confidence boost in that I’m capable of succeeding.”


She admits the course wasn’t easy, and there was a lot of hard work that went into it.


“It was quite a challenge getting all of the work done on time, staying up late hours. It was a lot more intense than I had imagined it would be.”


In the end, it was with the help of her instructors that she managed to make it through, describing them as a second family.


Currently, Davediuk is working at an interior design firm in Edmonton.


“I’m really happy I chose this as a career path,” she expressed. “There are so many good things about it. I find it doesn’t even feel like work some days because I am doing what I love. I get to work with amazing people who also have a passion for the same thing I do. I get to help people create their dream homes and meet a lot of interesting people everyday. I think the most rewarding part is looking at a project when its done and saying, ‘wow, I can’t believe I did this.’”


Although she can’t pinpoint exactly what she loves most about interior design, Davediuk did say the variety of the work and people “keeps things interesting.”


“I’m really enjoying it. Every day is a challenge, but in a good way. I have always liked a challenge.”

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