Inspiring Conversations with MaDonna Collingwood of Studio Institute Denver

Today we’d like to introduce you to MaDonna Collingwood.

MaDonna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
After completing six years as a traditional student at a university and receiving a Master’s degree in Interior Architecture, I started to look at the amount of student loan debt that I was in and the roles/jobs I was able to obtain after graduation. While examining my own educational path and reflecting on where it got me and how I got there, I started to understand how I could have gotten there in a more efficient way. A lot of my superiors at architecture firms did not have degrees but learned from experience working in various interior industries such as flooring, windows, lighting, etc. I finished school at the top of my class and maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout all six years including graduate school. I understood and mastered all of the technical skills that I needed to become a well-renowned architect. I was great at CAD, SketchUp, Photoshop, 3D modeling and rendering. I also had in-depth knowledge and had completed research on WELL, LEED, Occupants well being, space planning and function, and much more. The only thing that was holding me back was that I didn’t have experience. It became frustrating to me that I took the traditional path and did everything right (as I had been brought up to believe was the right way) but I didn’t have experience, so I was viewed as underqualified for “entry level” positions but overqualified for others because of my proficient skills.

In creating Studio Institute Denver, I started by thinking, “If I could go back, knowing what I know now, what path would I have taken” and I built a trade school based on obtaining skills, knowledge, and experience without going into hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt. I created a curriculum and program that teaches students in construction management how to research building codes, how to read and create floor plans, and how to use industry-standard software. I eliminated all of the classes that I was forced to take during six years of University that I never used in the real world such as drawing, art history, and psychology. I created a smaller six months program that includes an internship and real-world projects and experience so that other people who want to become Interior Designers and Construction Supervisors can get their foot in the door and start their careers without going into lifelong debt. All of my students finish their six months program with a professionally tailored resume and portfolio showcasing skills and real projects that they have worked on. I set them up with internships and entry-level positions to start their careers and provide them with certificates proving that they have trained up to 60 hours on software programs such as Adobe and CAD.

My thought process behind starting my own business was to examine the path that I took to become a career architect and help others get to that same position in much less time by spending less money. I don’t believe that others need to struggle or go through the same hardships I went through to get to my position. I am passionate about helping others get to the top, I believe that there is more than enough room for all of us in an ever-growing industry like construction in Denver.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I own and operate my business pretty much on my own. I do have a marketing director that helps a lot, but I teach all of my own courses. Some of the struggles along the way have come from creating the program and curriculum completely on my own and then putting the program into action to create a new school. I started everything from the ground up including financials and planning.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The tuition difference, schedule, and skills taught at Studio Institute Denver really is what sets it apart from other trade schools and accelerated interior design programs in the area. At $4300 for a six months program Studio Institute is currently the least expensive accelerated program in Colorado for Interior Design or Construction Management.

I teach computer skills such as Adobe Photoshop, CAD, SketchUp, and Portfolio three days per week on campus in person. I meet with students as a group and one on one to walk them through tutorials on floor plan creation, 3D modeling, and personal branding. Online classes include industry fundamentals, estimation, and building codes. Students at Studio Institute Denver learn everything they need to be confident starting a career in the industry through a hybrid flexible schedule that is not offered at any other local college or trade school.

What makes you happy?
Creating careers and creating a pathway for other inspiring designers and construction managers. It makes me really happy to see my students succeed in their classes and get jobs after graduation.

I don’t view other designers as competition. I think that there is more than enough room for everyone and I love to share the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my 10-year journey in the industry.

Pricing:

• $4300 tuition
• $1500 software package
• Monthly class payments as low as $90

Contact Info:

• Website: www.studioinstdenver.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/studioinstdenver
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/studioinstdenver
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/studioinstdenver
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9YotMj3L6R2fra01hd4zhA