Students from Oskaloosa High School's Interior Design class have taken their skills beyond the classroom, revitalizing the Oskaloosa Elementary School waiting room.
The project involved planning, collaboration, and hands-on work to create a welcoming and functional space for students, parents, and staff. The students had taken Interior Design classes from teacher Carrie Bihn during the 2022-23 school year.
Students embarked on this project with enthusiasm and a commitment to making a positive impact while being able to leverage the skills they learned in a real-world, practical application. The students, equipped with a budget, set out to reimagine the waiting room with a focus on comfortable seating, visually appealing decor, and practical functionality with students, parents, and elementary school staff in mind before beginning the project.
They began by researching and determining the budget needed for the transformation. To streamline the process, the students turned to online and local suppliers to source items that fit their vision for the space.
“We first found out the budget that we needed, and then we looked up on Amazon products we thought would work well in the space, like the seating,” said Sophomore Chloe Yang. “We looked for items that would be a good fit for the room and that we personally liked and thought parents and staff would like, as well.”
OHS Senior Aubrey Ayala contributed to the plan by creating a 3D rendering of the room, helping to organize paint supplies, and leading the painting effort. Students acknowledged that time management was a significant challenge, as starting the project earlier would have eased the time crunch as the deadline approached.
The room was designed with a workspace for staff, a waiting room for parents and students, and new paint. Artwork from OES students now hangs on the wall as a welcome to visitors.
Also in the space are three pieces of artwork from Jordan Wayne, an OHS alumnus who had a passion for art. Wayne died in 2023, and he specialized in graphic design with a nostalgic and retro style. Wayne’s parents, John and Michelle Wayne, donated three pieces of Jordan’s Oskaloosa landmark artwork, including the Oskaloosa Bandstand and Chief Mahaska statue.
The interior design students unanimously agreed that the project provided valuable insights into the field they are exploring as a career. Some expressed a newfound interest in pursuing interior design as a career path, while others found joy in the hands-on aspects of the project, such as selecting furniture and arranging decor.
“It was a good way to see what working in this field would be like. I learned I liked it,” said Ayala.
In all, students estimated a combined effort of approximately 150 hours. School staff and parents have expressed their appreciation for the students’ hard work, noting the positive impact on the waiting room's atmosphere. The project not only enhanced the students' skills, but also fostered a sense of pride and accomplishment in contributing to their school community.
Oskaloosa High School Interior Design students proudly showcase their creative collaboration in the revamped Oskaloosa Elementary School waiting room. The space, designed by students, has a focus on comfort and functionality, and features vibrant Oskaloosa colors, stylish seating, and student artwork adorning the walls.
Pictured are Taylor Rorda, Sophomore; Aubrey Ayala, Senior; Lydia Johnson, Senior; Chloe Yang, Sophomore; Juvan Lago, Junior