Designing for Donaldsonville

LSU interior design faculty and students recently enhanced common spaces in several Ascension Parish public schools, gaining work experience in real-life settings and bringing design strategies to educational environments. The initiative was led by Professionals-In-Residence in the LSU School of Interior Design Tracy Burns and Matthew Edmonds, principal designers at CDI Solutions (an LSU alumni-led design firm.)

Interior design student Hannah Falls worked on a project to redesign the Donaldsonville High School cafeteria, transforming it into a more welcoming and uplifting environment for students. Falls served as project manager on the design project while still an undergraduate student, gaining real-life experience in the interior design field.

“Our goal was to enhance the space through thoughtful design elements that encourage community, comfort, and pride in their school environment,” Falls said. “By incorporating color, school branding, and custom graphics, we aimed to create a setting where students could relax, connect, and enjoy their time together, transforming an everyday space into one that better reflects the school’s spirit.”

“This project was especially meaningful to me as a student because it allowed me to see firsthand how design can make a real impact within a community,” Falls said.

“Working on a space that students use every day reminded me why I’m passionate about interior design, it’s about more than aesthetics; it’s about improving people’s daily experiences. Being able to contribute to something that supports younger students and helps them take pride in their environment was incredibly rewarding.”

Coming to Campus

On October 27, students from Donaldsonville High School (DHS) visited the LSU College of Art & Design and explored LSU campus. The visit was a chance to expose Louisiana students to higher education and the many opportunities at LSU, and explore different fields of art & design.

“It’s an opportunity for young members of our Louisiana community to be introduced to design, and visit LSU campus,” said Dana Mitchell, assistant dean of recruitment & engagement.

The high school students met LSU students, participated in a mini design charette, learned about the DHS interior branding project presented by Burns and Edmonds/CDI Solutions, and toured design studios. Participants included Minority Students Studying Interior Design (BID candidates Nia Robinson, Kiara Wynn), Interior Design Student Organization (Victoria Vo, Alairah Richardson), and LSU School of Interior Design staff member Whitney Butler, APA Interior Design.

“At Donaldsonville High School, our mission is to ensure that every student graduates college and career ready with a quality diploma in hand. With that commitment, we are intentional about providing our students with meaningful experiences that help them discover their passions and envision their futures,” said Dr. O’neil Robinson, principal of Donaldson High School.

“Our recent campus tour of the LSU College of Art & Design was truly inspiring. I was beyond proud to see our students fully engaged in the activities, asking thoughtful questions, and connecting what they learned to their own goals. Several students even expressed their desire to attend LSU in the future.”

“Exposure is everything—it opens minds, builds confidence, and helps our students see the limitless possibilities ahead of them. At DHS, we will continue to create opportunities that prepare our students not just for graduation, but for success in life.”

It was a great way to reach young people in the community, Mitchell said. “What our LSU alumni and students are doing (in interior design) are affecting their day-to-day lives – they see it in the transformation of their school, and so many ways. Now they know it’s a career path that could be possible for them.”