Theresa “Tessa” Menotte, ASID, CAPS, LEED, CLIPP, NCIDQ 

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida. I was born and raised here.

Current City: Jacksonville, Florida.

Current Job/Position: I am the Faculty Director and a Professor of Interior Design at Florida State College at Jacksonville. I am also NCIDQ certified and continue to take on client projects when time allows, although my work with the college keeps me both busy and fulfilled.

I teach a wide range of courses throughout our degree program—from introductory classes, software, and design studios to internships and the ethical integration of artificial intelligence into the design workflow. One of the things I value most about our program is the opportunity to get to know our students throughout their entire time at FSCJ. I am able to watch them develop their skills, discover their strengths, and grow into emerging design professionals.

Favorite design- or career-related book?

It is difficult to choose just one! I have many design coffee-table books that I love to revisit. I think most designers would agree that these books form part of the backbone of our visual exposure and continuing education—along with providing plenty of beautiful “eye candy.”

I am also continually fascinated by current design research. I am completing another master’s degree online through the University of Florida in a field related to innovations in aging. This connects directly to my original graduate research interests in aging in place and universal design.

One book I especially enjoyed is Bill Bryson’s At Home. It examines the evolution of homes and domestic life, showing how seemingly ordinary spaces can reveal extraordinary historical insights. I found it fascinating—but I could go on!

How do you spend your free time? Any hobbies?

I have a long list of hobbies that I will start “one day,” but at this point in my life, travel is what I enjoy most. I love traveling both domestically and internationally with friends and family, as well as participating in the college’s study-abroad experiences.

I find travel invigorating and endlessly inspiring. I can constantly incorporate what I see, learn, and experience into my teaching and design work. More broadly, I believe travel helps me remain curious, open-minded, and well-rounded.

How and when did you know you wanted to become an interior designer?

I have the classic answer that I was the child who constantly rearranged her room and created collages for the walls. However, my path to interior design truly began during my freshman year of college.

I started as a business major and quickly felt overwhelmed. I did not fully understand what I was getting myself into, but I knew I did not love it. My aunt reminded me that I had always been creative and suggested that I try an interior design class. I dual-enrolled at FSCJ, fell in love with the field, and changed my major the following semester.

I immediately knew that I wanted to pursue a bachelor’s degree. I discovered that I could begin the program at what was then FCCJ—now FSCJ—and transfer to Florida State University to complete my degree. That is exactly what I did, and, as they say, the rest is history.

What does the future of interior design look like to you?

I believe the future of interior design will require us to combine creativity with an increasingly thoughtful understanding of technology, human well-being, accessibility, and social responsibility. Artificial intelligence and other emerging tools will continue to reshape the design workflow, but designers must learn to use them ethically and intentionally rather than allowing technology to replace critical thinking, professional expertise, or human connection.

As our population ages, I also believe aging in place and universal design will become increasingly important. The future of our profession lies in creating environments that are not only beautiful, but also inclusive, adaptable, healthy, and responsive to the needs of people throughout every stage of life.

Customer service will be another vital part of that future. We live in a time when information, inspiration, and products are available instantly at our fingertips, but access to more options does not necessarily make the design process easier. In many cases, it can make it more overwhelming. Designers provide something technology cannot replicate: a personalized, human experience. We listen, interpret needs, manage countless details, solve unexpected problems, and guide clients through decisions with empathy and expertise. Ultimately, we do more than create beautiful spaces—we build relationships, reduce stress, and help clients feel understood and cared for throughout the process.

What inspires you creatively? Where do you go to find inspiration?

Travel is one of my greatest sources of creative inspiration. Experiencing different places, cultures, buildings, materials, and ways of living continually expands how I see the world and think about design.

I also find inspiration in books, current research, the work of other designers, and my students. Teaching keeps me curious. Students bring fresh perspectives, ask unexpected questions, and encourage me to continue learning alongside them. Inspiration can come from almost anywhere if we remain observant and open to it.

What led you to pursue your master’s in interior design? In your opinion, how has that education impacted your career?

I attended graduate school at Florida State University and completed an MFA in Interior Design. I was incredibly fortunate to have major professors who truly mentored me, recognized my potential, and gave me opportunities to teach lecture courses rather than serving only in a traditional assistant role.

That experience was pivotal. It showed me what I was capable of and helped me discover how much I enjoyed teaching. At the time, I was also working as a design assistant at a firm and fully intended to become a practicing designer. I did not yet realize that education would become the central focus of my career.

Fate has a funny way of unfolding. Teaching ultimately became my primary role, and I have now been an educator for nearly 20 years. My graduate education gave me a strong foundation in research, critical thinking, and design while introducing me to a career that has been deeply meaningful and fulfilling.

How has being an ASID member helped you throughout your career?

Being part of ASID is important to me because it demonstrates a commitment to our profession, its standards, and its continued advancement. It has also connected me with an extraordinary network of people with whom I can collaborate, correspond, and exchange ideas.

Although education is now my primary role, I continue to practice design, and the professional connections ASID provides create an invaluable bridge between the industry and my students. I love introducing students to the organization and helping them understand how ASID can support them as they begin their careers and build their professional networks.

I always emphasize “community over competition” to my students. In my experience, the ASID network reflects that philosophy. Its members have consistently been welcoming to newcomers and generous in sharing their knowledge, encouragement, and connections.