Nurturing Talent and Building Success: An Interview with JDG’s Talented Intern, Mia Givon

In the world of commercial interior design, success is rarely the result of a single effort. It takes a team—one that values collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of ideas—to transform a client’s vision into reality. Each person, from the most seasoned designer to the newest member, contributes to this process. At JDG, we not only embrace the strengths of our experienced team but also make space for those at the start of their journeys. Providing opportunities for interns to grow and flourish ensures the next generation of designers is equipped to shape the future of the industry.

This month, we’re thrilled to feature our talented intern, Mia Givon, whose passion for design is matched only by her incredible talent as an artist. Mia’s background in fine arts and her love for creating meaningful, functional spaces bring a unique and creative edge to our team. Whether she’s crafting thoughtful designs or capturing emotion through her artwork, Mia’s creative vision shines through in everything she does.

Q&A WITH MIA:

1. Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to pursue a career in interior design?

My interior design journey began with a passion for architecture. After completing my Bachelor of Fine Arts at Emily Carr University, I realized interior design resonated more with my interests as it emphasizes the human experience within spaces, promoting personal connections with our environments. Currently, I am in my fourth and final year of Interior Design at Kwantlen and look forward to graduating in April, 2025!

2. What excites you most about the world of interior design?

I get very excited about the ideation process—coming up with innovative solutions that address each client's unique needs. Transforming a vision into functional and tangible spaces is extremely fulfilling, instead of just seeing it on Sims!

3. What drew you to JDG for your internship, and what do you love most about interning here?

I was drawn to JDG after seeing so many of their impressive designs throughout Vancouver. I love that JDG is a smaller firm that takes on projects in various design sectors, like residential, hospitality, and retail, allowing me to get hands-on experience in different aspects of this industry. The supportive environment and the team’s dedication to mentoring new designers like me have been so inspiring.

4. Where do you find inspiration for design? Are there any designers or specific styles that have influenced you?

I like to find inspiration from a range of sources, particularly nature, art, and contemporary movements. Designers like Kelly Wearstler, Tadao Ando, and Gaudí have shaped my perspective. I’m also drawn to wabi-sabi for its appreciation of imperfection and mid-century modern design for its timeless elegance.

5. Even though you're just getting started, do you have any favorite design elements or trends that you love working with?

At the moment, I really enjoy playing with textures to elevate the visual experience and create a more dynamic space. I've also been drawn to "color drenching," where a single bold color dominates the space, highlighting materiality and texture.

6. How do you balance your studies or other commitments with interning once a week?

The rigorous program at KPU has taught me how to manage my time efficiently. Staying organized and writing everything down helps me stay on top of schoolwork so that I can be fully immersed in my internship. Plus, coming into work at JDG is my favorite part of the week!

7. What has been the most surprising or rewarding experience during your internship so far?

I was pleasantly surprised by how different the workforce is compared to school. The level of collaboration and creativity within the team has been truly motivating. Seeing my ideas come to life and knowing I played a role in shaping a space has been incredibly fulfilling and reinforces my passion for this field.

8. What is one thing you've learned during your internship that has had a big impact on how you view design?

Of the hundreds of things I’ve learned, one of the most impactful is the importance of balancing aesthetics with practicality. In school, we tend to focus on visually striking designs, but this internship has shown me that successful designs prioritize functionality and user experience. I've learned so much about specifying durable and long-lasting materials and working within budget constraints.

9. Looking ahead, what types of projects or design styles are you most excited to explore in your future career?

I’ve really enjoyed commercial design, especially restaurant and retail projects, because they allow for more creative designs. I’m excited about creating interesting spaces that encourage meaningful interactions.

10. What are your long-term goals as a designer? Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?

I hope to be working as an interior designer in Melbourne, Australia, broadening my design experience on a global platform.

CONCLUSION

At JDG, we are proud to support emerging talent like Mia Givon as they hone their skills and take their first steps into the industry. Mia’s artistic eye, informed by her fine arts background, not only enhances her approach to design but also reminds us of the broader creative possibilities within the field of interior design.

In addition to her design work, Mia’s artwork reflects her keen attention to detail, love for textures, and ability to evoke emotion through visual storytelling. By nurturing the next generation of designers—and celebrating their diverse talents—we’re building not only our team’s success but also the future of interior design.

Head over to Instagram, @miagivon_art, to check out more of Mia’s artwork, and visit our About Us page to learn more about the incredible individuals who make up the JDG team.

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