How this architectural science alumna founded her own interior design practice
Growing up, rather than playing with toys when she went over to her friends’ homes, Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science (FEAS) alumna, Joanna Smeeth, asked for a tour of their homes instead. Looking out the window at houses and buildings as she rode in the car with her parents, Smeeth imagined how she would change the colours, material, and designs of her surroundings. For Smeeth, she says she has been fascinated by buildings and homes for as long as she can remember.
As she got older, her passion for building and design only grew, leading her to take the next steps and study architectural science at TMU.
“The architectural science program at the time allowed you to do general design studies for the first two years and a specialty for the last two years,” said Smeeth. “The specialty options were design, building science, and project management.”
“I loved the options and selected project management because by that time I knew that being an architect wasn’t meant for me and project management would lead to a bigger pool of options after graduation.”
Shortly after graduating from TMU, Smeeth managed to secure a full-time position with a leading construction and building services company. “In the three years I stayed there, I learned a lot but it was a huge transition to go from working part-time as a student to being a salaried employee with benefits and very real responsibilities,” said Smeeth.
“It’s hard to prepare yourself for that school-to-career transition, but keeping an open mind and not being too hard on yourself in those early years can give you a lot of chances to learn and grow.”
During her time in the commercial and custom home building industry, Smeeth says she has mixed views about working in the male-dominated industry. While she says she had a great experience for the most, Smeeth felt as though she worked in some of the most intimidating environments, yet managed to come out unscathed.
Often working on large job sites, sometimes with 400 tradesmen, Smeeth says she’s had her fair share of awkward moments, uncomfortable experiences, and times when some tried to make her feel small. Through all of this, Smeeth kept her head held high and continued.
“I’d be dealing with tradesmen who would interact with me like I didn’t know anything because I wasn’t swinging a hammer every day or hanging drywall myself,” said Smeeth. “Sometimes I’d get the ‘hey sweetie,’ which is basically a call-out term that’s used to signal to someone that they don't know what they’re talking about or need to learn something from the other person.”
“One thing my education taught me was that, while I might not know everything there is to know about building all of the time, talking with people and working with people respectfully is how you find solutions that will be the most lasting and beneficial.”
To female-identifying FEAS students, Smeeth’s advice to find your voice in a male-dominated field is to maintain your confidence and recognize your power.
“Speak up if you don’t know something or if you feel scared or uncomfortable. Just rolling with it is one of the worst things we can do to ourselves and for each other,” said Smeeth. “Always remember that you achieved the same degree and took the same amount of time to get to where you are. You are just as worthy and just as capable of being there as everyone else.”
Today, Smeeth is the founder of INDA Interiors, an interior design practice founded in 2020 with a mission to create “cool spaces for great people” with a focus on well-made homes that best reflect a homeowner’s personality and environment, combined with INDA’s signature style of being fun, colourful, and expressive.
From moving away for work, to exploring different industries, to opening her own practice, Smeeth describes how risk-taking is what led to her biggest development opportunities. Smeeth says it was her courage and adventurousness that shaped her into who she is and drove her career path.
“I prioritized financial security after school, but I wasn't happy. Once I started taking time to figure out exactly what drives me, I made career changes and took a few pay cuts. But it eventually led to where I am today,” said Smeeth.
“Do what you love, and the money, or whatever security you need, will follow. And let me tell you, it's a long and winding road, and one that’s well worth taking!”