Alumna Profile: Megan Pierce ’20, MSIA ’21

Did you know that qualified students from Chatham’s undergraduate interior architecture program can be admitted early into Chatham’s Master of Interior Architecture program? This allows you to save time and money towards earning two degrees. We caught up with recent alumna, Megan Pierce, ’20, MSIA ’21 to learn more about her experience in our interior architecture integrated degree program. Read on to get to know Megan—

What made you choose Chatham’s program? Was there anything that really stuck out to you?

Megan Pierce: I selected Chatham’s program due to the Integrated Degree Program for Interior Architecture students. This allowed me to complete my degrees in an effective and efficient manner. The class sizes contributed to my choice as well. We were able to build relationships with our classmates and professors.

Tell us about your current employment and how you got there.

MP: I work as a Project Associate for Carnegie Mellon University’s Campus Design and Facility Development team. I gained prior experience working as a commercial interior designer in Baltimore, MD while I finished my MSIA. Once I finished and more jobs became available over the course of the pandemic, I moved back to Pittsburgh and shifted my career towards project management in planning, design, and construction. My degrees and connections from Chatham landed me my current role at CMU.

Megan Pierce, MSIA ‘21 and her colleagues

How did this program inspire and challenge you through your work in interior architecture?

MP: My cohort constantly inspired and challenged one another throughout the program. This resulted in collaboration and lots of productive (and friendly) competition.

What resources did the city of Pittsburgh have to offer when it came to interior architecture?

MP: Many local firms are willing to accept interns, which allows students to gain valuable experience before entering the workforce.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling in the undergraduate program?

MP: I would recommend working in the studio as much as you can. Working alongside your peers leads to valuable collaboration and reflects the workplace.

Are you ready to start exploring our interior architecture programs? You can check out our Bachelor of Interior Architecture and the IDP Program by clicking here and our Master of Interior Architecture program by clicking here.