033: Designing a Career with Purpose with Rick Hess

In this episode of Interior Design San Diego, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with Rick Hess, Director of Career Services at NewSchool of Architecture & Design and lead designer of Alum Design.This conversation is part of a special series leading up to ASID San Diego’s August chapter meeting. The intention is to help listeners get to know Rick, the panel moderator, along with the other panelists before the event. By learning more about their backgrounds, perspectives, and experience in advance, attendees can arrive with more context, feel more connected to the conversation, and come prepared with thoughtful questions.Rick shares his journey into architecture and interior design, his passion for mentorship, and his belief that design can support healing, well-being, and meaningful change.He also offers practical advice for students and emerging professionals, including what employers are really looking for, how to create a portfolio that shows your thought process, and why professional relationships can be just as important as technical skills.The conversation also explores how designers can move into hospitality design through research, networking, mentorship, office visits, and hands-on learning.About Rick:Richard Hess is an accomplished designer and educator with more than 25 years of experience spanning architecture, interior design, and custom furniture design, complemented by over 15 years of experience in higher education.He earned dual bachelor’s degrees in architecture and interior architecture from Auburn University. He later completed his Master of Architecture at NewSchool of Architecture & Design, graduating at the top of his class.In addition to his academic achievements, Richard is the founder of Illume Design, where his work explores the intersection of design and the phenomenology of light and color.Richard currently serves as the Director of Career Services at his alma mater, where he also teaches thesis and portfolio development courses. Through his mentorship, he prepares emerging professionals to thrive in the dynamic and evolving fields of architecture, interior design, product design, graphic design, and construction management.Email: rhess@newschoolarch.eduLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickhessnsad/Stay Connected:Sign Up for Our NewsletterASID San Diego WebsiteLinkedInFollow us on InstagramAsk your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodesShare this podcast with a fellow designer in your communityQuestions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com