Designing your best academic year...

Insights from the Studio & the Classroom

Business Partners & Owner's of The Retail Duo Inc, Diane & Karen, who are also full time faculty and support staff at a college located in the Greater Toronto Area, along with their newly graduated Bachelor of Interior Design Freelance colleague, Jaden, offer some insights as to how you can make 2025 your year on campus...

This fall campus locations will be buzzing with the promise of a new school year.

Diane: Stay Curious Beyond the Curriculum

Success on campus isn’t just about acing exams or sticking to what’s outlined in the syllabus—it’s about going deeper and exploring beyond what’s required. The most successful students are those who approach their education with curiosity and creativity. This means reading beyond the assigned texts, exploring new media, and seeking out resources that challenge your thinking. Whether it’s listening to thought-provoking podcasts, diving into research articles outside of your field, or attending campus events you wouldn’t normally consider, each new experience adds layers to your understanding and helps you connect ideas in unique ways.

Taking risks in your projects is another key to standing out academically and personally. When you push yourself to try something different—like presenting research in a new format, collaborating across disciplines, or pursuing an independent study—you demonstrate initiative and innovation. These experiences not only build confidence but also prepare you for the dynamic, fast-changing world beyond college. By staying curious and open to discovery, you’ll transform your campus years into a launchpad for lifelong growth and success. So go to that concert but just don't miss class! 

Diane - Partner The Retail Duo Inc.

Jaden: From CAD to Calendars - Lessons in Project Planning

One of the most valuable lessons I took from my time at Sheridan College in the Honours Bachelor of Interior Design program, wasn't just about creating detailed rendered perspectives or CAD drawings, it was learning how to manage time like a project manager. In my Professional Practices 2 class, we were introduced to Gantt charts: visual timelines that break a project into tasks, deadlines and milestones. At first, they seemed like something only architects or large firms would use, but I quickly realized they are a tool anyone can apply, even to everyday life.

Think of your semester as a design project. Each assignment is a deliverable, exams are milestones and group work is a dependency (we all know nothing moves forward until everyone does their part). Mapping it all out, whether in a Gantt chart, Google Calendar, or even a hand-drawn planner, helps make the workload feel less overwhelming and more achievable. Just like in professional practice, documenting tasks, setting budgets (your time is your budget!) and monitoring progress keeps things on track. The best part? When you see your schedule laid out visually, it’s easier to adjust, iterate and stay flexible. Design is never a straight line, and neither is the academic year, but with a plan in place, you can keep your project (aka your life) moving forward with confidence.

Jaden - Enjoying some down time during a site visit.

Karen: Build a Confidence Enriched Support Network

Whether you're a first-year or a senior, surround yourself with people who push your thinking and support your growth. As a Field Placement Advisor,  one word that often is used by students is that they wish they had more confidence.  Confidence in applying for jobs, speaking with others, talking in a large group or presenting ideas, and in general most networking situations.  From the employer's side, one of the most common areas of feedback for students is always along the lines of wishing they had confidence in their decision making, and in themselves.  It can be difficult to speak up. It is challenging to build confidence, there is no denying this, but make this the year that you put yourself out there.  

So many professionals are willing to mentor students and young adults, and they too are open to new ways of learning and working.  

Karen - Partner The Retail Duo Inc.

These are the perspectives of three women, actively navigating their professional journeys while striving to find a balance between productivity and personal well-being each day. As a new academic year begins, we wish everyone a successful and fulfilling start — and a reminder that with intention and effort, you can make it a truly memorable one!

XOXOXO

the duo, and jaden