Transitioning from student life to a full-time career can feel daunting. A May 2025 graduate of Florida International University with a Master’s degree in Interior Architecture & Design, Stephanie shares her personal experience, the lessons she learned along the way, and advice for others preparing to enter this next stage of life. Below, she answers questions that dive deeper into her journey and the insights she gained along the way.
Stephanie Stoker, Designer at One Line Design Studio
Q. How has your first year been working full-time at One Line Design Studio since graduating from FIU?
My first year has been a really meaningful transition. One Line has pushed me to grow quickly, but in a way that feels aligned. I’ve been trusted with real responsibility while continuing to learn through experience, which has helped me become more intentional and confident as a designer.
Q. What part of your master’s program has been most valuable in your everyday work as a designer?
The most valuable part has been understanding how building codes really shape design decisions. In school, it felt like a set of rules or constraints, now its a critical aspect in creating a safe, functional, and compliant space.
Q. What was the biggest shift for you going from intern to full-time team member?
The biggest shift was stepping into a sense of ownership. As an intern, I was primarily supporting ideas and contributing where needed, but now I’ve taken on a more active role in contributing and helping move the projects forward.
Q. What has surprised you most about working in a design studio full-time?
How much intention lives in the details. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes. Coordination, refinement, constant communication… and all of it plays a role in creating something cohesive. It’s deepened my appreciation for the process as much as the final outcome.
Q. What advice would you give to new designers transitioning from school into their first full-time role?
Stay open, but stay grounded in yourself. There’s a lot to learn, but you also bring value from the start. Be observant, ask questions, and take initiative. Trust that your perspective has a place in the room.
Q. Looking ahead, what are you most excited to continue growing or learning at One Line?
I’m looking forward to continuing to refine both my technical skillset and my design perspective. Overall, I look forward to continuing to grow as a designer!
“I’ve really come to understand the value of perspective. Everyone brings something different to the table, and strong design comes from knowing how to navigate that while still holding your own point of view. This has helped me to be more collaborative and confident to share my own perspective on things.” – Stephanie Stoker
Stephanie is a Miami native with a strong Sicilian heritage. She found her calling in interior design, where she gets to skillfully manipulate spaces to evoke specific emotions—a task that brings her immense satisfaction. Her fascination with psychology fuels her passion for understanding human behavior, cognition, and emotions. Interior design allows her to unleash her creativity fully. In her downtime, she often involves cooking alongside her mom and enjoying boating adventures with her dad. Growing up in such a vibrant city has instilled in her a deep love for our planet and a genuine appreciation for diverse cultures.
One Line is a full-service interior design firm located in Miami, Florida and Detroit, Michigan. Our Co-Founders bring their collective 35+ years of extensive experience, offering a fresh approach to the evolving landscape of interior design and project management expectations.
We have developed a strong foundation based on the strength of our creative capital, approaching each project through the authenticity of our teams’ collective lens. It is the fusion of these dynamic creative minds that drives our approach to every project we work on, and our firm