When Meg Jackson immerses herself in interior design projects, she has a lot on her mind, so much that people sometimes have to remind her to eat and sleep.
Is the building ADA compliant? Will the finish on the tables stain people's clothes? Does the logo express what the place is about?
She had no idea how much goes into the interior design process when she began as a student, but her organization, attention to detail, charisma, and ability to design have guided her to success at Mississippi State.
Her intensity and passion recently brought attention to her when she received a merit award and scholarship in an international competition hosted by the American Society of Interior Designers, sponsored by the materials company Daltile. She was one of 10 merit winners among more than 200 competitors in the contest.
For the project, Jackson designed a restaurant in the Republic of Turkey, a country straddling Europe and Asia. Having never visited the nation, Jackson devoted lots of time researching Turkish culture and customs, looking for the right design and feel for her design. Inspired by the natural turquoise color found in Turkey, Pierre Turqs Restaurant was the result of her work.
Lyndsey Miller, an assistant professor in MSU's interior design program, said Jackson's temperament and skills make her a perfect fit for a future in interior design.
"Her level of detail and overall sensitivity to design are remarkable," Miller said. "She approaches obstacles with a smile on her face and radiates positive vibes to the rest of her studio classmates."
When not working on projects at the university, Jackson works for a Memphis interior designer to gain more experience. The junior from Germantown, Tenn., still has a year to go before finishing the program but has her sights on what she'd like her future to be. She's interested in working for a large commercial firm that will give her the experience needed to have her own business one day.
Along with passion, focus and dedication, Jackson works hard to make her work distinct.
"I always want to bring something different to each project that others might not do," she said.