Waconia High School junior Grace Gesinger has discovered her passion for interior design. Through class and internship opportunities, Grace expanded her professional horizons by interning with Kaeding Architecture. Grace was first introduced to business owner Jennifer Kaeding in class. Kaeding is a guest FACS (Family and Consumer Science) instructor. This one-of-a-kind opportunity came as recommendations from both Grace’s counselor, Lynette Alger, and Kat Mann, Waconia High School FACS teacher.
"Having an architect in town who is so open to having students come in has been fantastic," said Kat Mann, Waconia High School FACS teacher.
"During her time spent at Kaeding Architecture, Grace worked closely with Kelcey Albers, a Waconia High School alum and interior designer, learning about specs of products, materials, and flooring. “This industry is about putting all the pieces together and making sure they fit. We work to put together a creative, yet logical puzzle using math, drawing, and spatial planning,” Kaeding explained.
Grace says she is happy she had the chance to learn more outside of the classroom and encourages other students to give internships a try. Grace said of her future, “I’m interested in continuing to learn more about interior design and would also like to tie these concepts of design materials into my passion for the environment.”