Laura C. Tungseth, IIDA, VCBO Architecture
Laura C. Tungseth is a Minnesota native, born and raised on a dairy farm. She is a 2007 graduate of North Dakota State University’s 4- year CIDA Accredited program holding a B.S. of Interior Design and a minor in Business Administration.
While in college, Laura did two internships. One part-time her junior year at Denise Drake Interior Design in Fargo, ND and one full time the summer after her junior year at KKE Architects in Minneapolis, MN (now DLR Group). After graduation, she made the move to Minneapolis, MN to work for ATS&R Planners, Architects, and Engineer a firm that focuses on Educational Facility Design. At ATS&R she had the opportunity to have her first professional project be the renovation and expansion of the high school she attended growing up. After a year in Minneapolis, she decided to move west taking on a new adventure at Hummel Architects, PLLC in Boise, ID. Here she had the opportunity to continue to follow her passion and work on primarily K-12/University and Healthcare projects – including the 115,000 s.f. Boise State University College of Business and Economics. Also while in Boise, she successfully completed the NCIDQ exam (2009) and helped jump start the IIDA Boise City Center serving as the City Center Communications Chair. After nearly 3 years in Boise, Laura decided to take a new opportunity at VCBO Architecture in Salt Lake City, UT where she is currently employed. At VCBO she continues to focus her career on Higher Ed and Healthcare facilities – her favorite type of design.
Laura C. Tungseth, IIDA
Interior Designer at VCBO
IIDA member since 2009
1. Why IIDA? I joined IIDA because of the educational benefits and the focus on commercial design. It’s also a great way to network within the local design community.
2. What did you want to be when you grew up? An accountant. I was always good with numbers – so I actually studied accounting in college for 2.5 years before switching to design. Growing up I used to take the JCPenney catalog and pick out everything I wanted to buy – generally for my future home – and make a spreadsheet…I’d add everything up and then cut a fake check. (Fun?!) Funny how at the time I thought that meant I wanted to be an accountant but really I was basically generating a typical FF&E schedule that I do now professionally.
3. What is your favorite design element? I love the problem solving that comes with every project – each client has different needs, different styles, different budgets – I just love taking the pieces of the puzzle and putting them all together. I also love 3-D modeling in Revit – it’s kind of like getting to play a video game at work all day…who wouldn’t love that?
4. Do you have a current obsession? Knitting. I just started last fall, but I can’t stop making cowls, buying yarn, needles, etc.
5. What is your favorite place in the world? My parents farm in Minnesota. I love going back to visit, relax, and enjoy life in the country with a good cup of coffee on the patio or a nice walk by the river.
6. What are you looking forward to in 2012? Outdoor activities – hiking, snowshoeing, BBQ’s with friends, vacation with family.
