ELIAS PERRY ATKINSON
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Design creates culture.
Culture shapes values.
Values determine the future.
-Robert L. Peters
Why design?
Growing up, I always dreaded the "What do you want to do when you grow up?" question. I wanted to do everything. Brain surgeon, Cirque Du Soleil acrobat, Navy fighter pilot - I had the broadest and loftiest taste in career options. I wanted to do something big; life and world-changing. Narrowing down the big dreams to a career that was attainable and somewhat practical was one of the most difficult challenges of my life. During my initial years attending Purdue University, I experienced a diverse set of coursework including computer graphics technology, marketing and management, professional flight, and aeronautical engineering. I found that my analytical mind had taken me far away from any freedom of expression and I found myself starved. Nothing provided that life-changing, motivating spark. A quote by Robert L. Peters, given to me by my freshman Intro to Interior Design professor, changed this:
“Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future. Design is therefore responsible for the world our children will live in.”
Deep down, I had always had a passion for interior design, but I never saw the substantial real-world applications of the field. Through coursework, I learned of the concrete science behind design, which intrigued and eased the left brain while not crippling the right brain’s freedom of expression. Through practice, I learned how to design effectively and artistically, and in turn, build confidence in my work. Through Robert Peters, my eyes were opened to the impact design has on the world. I now find myself yearning to be at the forefront of innovating spaces where we spend most of our lives. I want to better the world from the inside out, effectively determining the future and shaping the world in which our children will live.
BFA in Interior Design,
Minor in Sustainable Environments
Purdue University
May 2020
GPA: 3.54
• Louis Sudler Prize Scholarship
• Marquis Scholarship
• Purdue Summer Stay Scholarship
• Stant Corporation Scholar
Experience
Interior Designer
KJG Architecture
West Lafayette, IN
May 2020-Present
•Actively manages a broad range of creative support services for the interior design sector of a 40-person architecture and engineering firm, designing interiors for a range of projects including community centers, Purdue University facilities, churches, restaurants, and multi-family housing developments
•Facilitates 2D and 3D project modeling using Revit, AutoCAD, and the Adobe Cloud Suit, conceptualizing and executing space planning, rendering, and presentation development and delivery
•Implemented and heads KJG office philanthropy, working with community organizations for monthly office collection/donations and volunteering opportunities
•Manages in-house Architecture and Interiors social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, marketing KJG’s portfolio, progress and development, and office philanthropy events
Professional Interior Design Intern
Gensler
Oakland, CA
Summer 2019
• Advanced interior design projects as a fully collaborative team member, participating in design charrettes to help define strategic goals for clientele, large or small
• Collaborated with designers, architects, directors, and managers to plan, design, develop, and gain real-world experience working with clients across a spectrum of industries
• Engaged in educational and mentorship opportunities that include lunch and learns, lectures, vendor presentations, project tours, and a community-focused group intern project
Interiors Intern
KJG Architecture
West Lafayette, IN
May 2018 - May 2020
• Collaborates with in-house Architecture, Interiors, and Engineering teams on small-scale office and residential projects to larger-scale corporate ventures
• Aids in concept creation, design development, and construction documentation
• Coordinates with vendor representatives on project materials and new library content, and heads organization of the materials library
Brand Intern | Marketing Coordinator
Pappy's Sweet Shop
Purdue University
May 2017 - Nov. 2019
• Collaborates with in-house Architecture, Interiors, and Engineering teams on small-scale office and residential projects to larger-scale corporate ventures
• Aids in concept creation, design development, and construction documentation
• Coordinates with vendor representatives on project materials and new library content, and heads organization of the materials library
Honors & Awards
Louis Sudler Prize in Arts | 2020
Purdue Art and Design Outstanding Senior | Finalist | 2020
Steelcase Next Competition | Class Nominee | 2019
Knoll & ASID Student Design Competition | Project Finalist | 2019
Purdue Hospitality Services Renovation | Project Finalist | 2018
Purdue Dining and Catering | Employee of the Semester | 2018
Leadership & Activities
Alpha Kappa Psi
Professional Fraternity
May 2017 - Present
• Works collectively with members to develop academics and professionalism
• Improves local community through service philanthropy events
• Seeks, builds, and promotes lifelong-learning and high ethical standards in conducting business and decision making
Recruitment Chair
• Managed Spring 2018 recruitment
• Advanced personal leadership skills in group motivation and task delegation
ASID/IIDA Purdue Student Chapter
Purdue University
2016 - Present
Secretary
● Facilitates officer and member communication regarding meetings and events
● Heads marketing for the chapter, overseeing physical/digital marketing boards and materials creation and distribution
● Responsible for photo documentation of events and meetings
Design Director
● IIDA Indiana Fashion Show - Purdue Chapter
Purdue Water Skiing Team
Purdue University
2017 - 2019
• Collaborated with team to improve technical skills for optimal competition outcomes
Social Media Chair
• Operated social media accounts to broadcast team events and achievements
• Photographed and edited all media content
Purdue Student Advisory Council
Purdue University
2017 - 2018
Council Member
• Acted as a council delegate, representing Purdue Dining and Catering, advising Purdue Student Life management on campus-life improvements
