Transform a deserted mall into a patient-centered healthcare clinic. That was the challenge Mary Alesandrini ’18 was tasked with during her internship as an Interior Architecture student. She designed layouts for the clinic’s many settings, from offices and conference rooms, to a large cafeteria for staff members. Applying skills she learned from her courses to the commercial design project was thrilling.
“Creating construction documents at Flad Architects was when I understood the weight of my design decisions,” Alesandrini says.
“Contractors were going to build this clinic based on my floor plans and elevations, and every line I drew had a consequence. It was satisfying to use practical knowledge from my classes and put them into motion.”
Pursuing a career in interior architecture wasn’t on Alesandrini’s radar when she first applied for college in 2004. Growing up in Connecticut, she was drawn to the University of Connecticut, inspired by her older brothers who attended the school and graduated with advanced degrees. In 2008, she graduated with a BS in Marketing and entered the workforce amidst the Great Recession.
After working a summer as a receptionist at several hotels in Rhode Island’s picturesque Block Island, she found her way to Madison, Wisconsin via Epic Systems. At the healthcare-focused software development giant, she worked as a project manager, installing Epic’s software across major hospital networks. Later, Alesandrini continued her career in IT within the world of HR solutions. Nearly a decade into these roles, Alesandrini began to question whether the software implementation industry was where she saw herself in the long term.
“I resorted to Googling ‘what do I want to be when I grow up?’ and found a quiz that pointed me toward a more creative-focused career,” Alesandrini says. “When I was a kid, I loved all things houses. Whenever I traveled with my family, I would ask to get a copy of Architectural Digest for the plane ride. I’d cut out images and designs that I loved from the magazine and kept them in a box.”
Alesandrini realized that a lot of her interests related to interior design. While researching design degrees, she learned about the UW–Madison School of Human Ecology Interior Architecture program. The rigorous coursework sparked Alesandrini’s curiosity. Going back to school for a second bachelor’s degree with the plan to change careers was a monumental decision.
“I thought to myself, if I’m going to completely shift my life, I’m going to choose a school that has a highly respected, demanding program,” Alesandrini says.
Finding her creative niche
Since graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture from the School of Human Ecology, she’s taken on a pivotal role at Sprinkman Design Collective as business manager and designer. Alesandrini came onboard at the very start — before the business had a name. Fortified with 10 years of project management experience and inspired by her interior architecture studies, Alesandrini dove right in. She helped design the award-winning office, hired full-time team members and interns and created the infrastructure needed for a successful business.
Alesandrini thrives when wearing multiple hats. A typical day in her role may involve anything from recommending and implementing strategic business decisions, to further defining the brand’s marketing identity. She is also involved with project managing dozens of clients, maintaining the firm’s finances and building software programs. She does all of this each day with her beloved rescue dog, Bellini, by her side. Bellini has since become Sprinkman Design Collective’s emotional support animal, receiving love from the team and visiting clients and earning a place on the staff’s web page.
As a self-proclaimed “process geek,” Alesandrini specializes in improving operations. She is always open to feedback and consistently looks for ways to enhance end results by creating or improving processes and training employees.
Above all, Alesandrini loves supporting her staff — including School of Human Ecology interns.
“It’s truly an honor and a privilege to help shape colleagues’ futures,” Alesandrini says.
“To teach what I know from my past lives in various roles, while honing my management style based on mentors who’ve inspired me — it’s fulfilling work.”
Designing from the heart
It’s been nine years since Alesandrini decided to bet on herself and become a full-time student again. And while she is proud of going back to school and switching gears in her career, she now realizes how she could have taken pressure off herself.
When she was in the Interior Architecture program, Alesandrini pushed herself to earn straight A’s and score 100% on projects and exams. Her tenacity was admirable, but she was ultimately sidetracked after graduation when she dealt with multiple health problems.
“If I could give my student self advice, it would be to allow myself to have a cutoff on projects and take a step back from the idea of perfection,” Alesandrini says.
“Today I still aim to create impressive work, but I also quickly forgive mistakes. I encourage our employees to do the same. A career is important, but I know now that taking a break to recharge is not a weakness but a necessity to be able to give your all in both your personal and professional life.”
Additionally, Alesandrini hopes that Interior Architecture students keep an open mind to exploring both commercial and residential design careers. Having gained experience in both industries helped Alesandrini discover a deep interest in working with residential design clients.
“You’re being welcomed into someone’s home — where they spend quality time with those they love most,” Alesandrini says. “You’re changing people’s lives by bringing your skills and perspective as a designer to transform intimate spaces. This work is personal and emotional, and there is an enormous amount of trust that we are given during the process. I love that my career allows me to be part of that incredible journey.”