Our graduates are doing extraordinary things! Interior Design Alumni Spotlights are a feature highlighting our talented graduates. These interviews allow you to learn about where our alumni work, the types of projects they do, and how their experiences at UCO helped shape them into the designers they are today.

UCO Design: What year did you graduate from UCO?

Marcus Sams: I graduated with a BFA in Interior Design in 2017.

UCO DES: Where are you from?

MS: Edmond, OK

UCO DES: What got you interested in interior design? Why did you decide to major in it? I

MS: I became interested in design and architecture at a young age (probably thanks to my mom’s frequent HGTV watching). I would beg my parents to take me to open houses so I could see more homes and how they were laid out. Quickly, I started to catch on to elements of design that I liked and those I didn’t, and much to my parent’s horror, I wasn’t very quiet about it when I thought something should have been done differently. Interestingly enough, I know this is a similar story for many friends who now work in the design field. There is often a misconception that you’re “born with taste” or “you just have an eye for design.”  I don’t think that is true. If you are interested in something, you intentionally expose yourself to it. The more you see, the more you refine your eye; ultimately, that helps develop and refine your taste. I first graduated from Oklahoma City University with a degree in advertising. I worked in the marketing department at Sonic; however, I never could shake that interest in design.  I knew that I needed to pursue my interest in design so that I never had to say “what if” or wonder what a career in design would have been like. Some people told me I should try to go for it without a degree or education in design. I’m happy I didn’t listen to those people. The industry, as any student quickly learns, is vast and intricate. Without the skills I developed in school, I wouldn’t have found my current success.  

UCO DES: Do you have an additional degree besides Interior Design? Has that degree helped you as a designer?

MS:  I have a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Oklahoma City University. This degree has helped me be an effective communicator in my career. You may be able to create a beautiful design, but that’s really half the battle. Communication with the client is, in many ways, your number one priority, even above the design development, because you are listening to their needs, deciphering between what they think they want and what they actually wish (or often more what the budget allows) than selling them on the design. Once you have a completed design, you must communicate it with contractors, project managers, outside reps, etc. Yes, you have plans and specifications, but not everyone you will work with can read those effectively. You need to clearly communicate with them and not leave it up to their interpretation of your design.  

UCO DES: What was your first job after graduation?

MS: My first job was through a recommendation by Dr. Valerie Settles (the Director of the School of Design at UCO). I worked as an Interior Designer for Neely Design.  

UCO DES: What are you doing today? Where are you working? How long have you been at your current place of employment? What do you specialize in? What is your title?

MS: In early 2019, I started Studio Merge alongside my business partner, Carlos Castillo (a fellow UCO design graduate). Our business specializes in high-end residential and boutique commercial design and construction. We have positioned Studio Merge as a concierge design and build firm. A one-stop shop for clients to work with us from conception to completion as we develop the design and oversee implementation.  

UCO DES: What has been one of your favorite projects you’ve worked on as a professional?

MS: This is a tough one. We have been fortunate to do some incredible residential and commercial projects. In reality, I think I actually have my favorite clients more than my favorite projects. (I think most designers can relate to that statement.) While in school, I worked at FSB (Frankfort, Short Bruza Architects + Engineers) and worked on the Oklahoma Capitol renovation and the Will Rogers Airport expansion. That was an incredible opportunity early in my career.  

UCO DES: When you were a student, did you work? If so, where?

MS: Yes, everyone should try to work and intern in the field as much as possible while in school. I first worked for a couple of years at Sara Kate Studios (now Pastiche Studios) and FSB. I gained so much experience at both of these jobs. At Sara Kate Studios, I gained insight into the world of vintage and antique furniture. At FSB, the state’s largest commercial architecture firm, I was exposed to large-scale commercial design and how collaborative that design process is. Ultimately, I discovered that I didn’t enjoy working in that large of a commercial firm, but I would have never known that if I hadn’t at least tried, and I am so thankful for that experience.  

UCO DES: Where did you do your internship? How did that experience shape your future?

MS: I was fortunate enough to work in interior design almost the entire time I was at UCO. I cannot remember which job I used for my internship because either would have met the requirements due to the type of work I was doing. (Sorry, Valerie!)

UCO DES: Are you a member of a professional organization now as a practicing designer?

MS: I am a past member and chapter president of ASID (the American Society of Interior Designers) and am a current member of NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association).

UCO DES: Have you taken the NCIDQ exam? Any advice?

MS: Yes! I passed my NCIDQ exams in the fall of 2019. The tests are very difficult. It took me a couple of attempts to pass all three parts, but perseverance pays off. Take them as early as you can. The farther away from graduation, the more difficult the tests will be. Also, don’t get discouraged if you don’t pass on the first try. I worked with an incredible designer I admire immensely and did not pass after multiple attempts. However, she kept at it and eventually passed. Knowing that really reinforced how difficult the tests are and that the tests do not define how talented you are as a designer.  

UCO DES: What is one of your fondest memories at UCO?

MS: Without a doubt, late-night collaborations with my classmates. Don’t get me wrong, I hated group projects as much as the next person, but I absolutely loved working alongside my friends and bouncing ideas off each other. Those friendships have lasted, and we still reach out to each other for recommendations, advice, and congratulations on successes.

UCO DES: What advice can you give our current students?

MS: Work hard. Stay curious about everything in the field of design and try to constantly learn about new tools, product lines, methods, etc. Stay open to constructive criticism. There is always room for improvement; often, when you’re stuck on something, a new set of eyes on a plan can be the breakthrough you need. I even have my friends help me sometimes because I just get stuck. Now, some of their ideas are great, others not so much, but every time, they approach it in a way I wouldn’t have, making me think of a new solution.  Network everywhere you go. Don’t be afraid to tell people you’re a designer. Every job I had before starting my business with Carlos came from word of mouth or me simply asking for a job. They never came from a job position. Now, I am trying to grow our business through new clients. We have obtained clients from grocery stores, dinner parties, and sitting next to strangers on airplanes. You never know who will want to work with you or who can recommend you to others.  

Lastly, this was my phrase all throughout school, “Done is better than perfect.” I still live by this. I’m not sure the perfect design exists, but I know you can drive yourself crazy trying to be perfect. In school, I had classmates who were obsessive about certain parts of their projects and did not finish all elements, like a specification book (I think that’s the common one). Sometimes, you need to power through and get all those elements done. If you don’t love your rendering or plans, that’s okay; fix it for your portfolio. This is also true for our firm with clients. Often, they want to see progress on the work, not necessarily something perfect. By showing them the process, or communicating with them and bringing them into the design process, it A) makes them feel more a part of the process, and they enjoy it more, but also B) a better design for them because they won’t be so afraid to vocalize their likes and dislikes on a design that is still under development, and so ultimately you will get their authentic opinion.  

UCO DES: Please add any other thoughts or comments you’d like to share.

MS: Interior design can be a lot of fun, but it can also be very stressful. Ultimately, if you extend grace, grace will be extended to you. Be honest about your mistakes (because you will make them), and when problems happen, come up with solutions. Your boss, co-workers, and clients will always appreciate your honesty and accountability.

You can see more work from Studio Merge at their website.

Compiled by Amy Jacobson-Peters, M.F.A., ASID, IDEC
Assistant Professor
Division Head, BFA Interior Design, UCO School of Design