Claire Hamilton Recognized for Expanding Real-World Learning in Southern Miss Interior Design Program
Wed, 06/03/2026 - 09:42am | By: Morgan Smith
Claire Hamilton and Southern Miss junior interior design students at Houston’s T.C. Energy Center during the program’s annual trip. Both the T.C. Energy Center and Pennzoil Place, visible in the background, were designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson.
Claire Hamilton, an associate professor in the Interior Design program within The University of Southern Mississippi School of Construction and Design, was recently recognized with a Ready for Life Champion Award for her work creating hands-on learning opportunities for students.
Hamilton was recognized for integrating practical, real-world experiences throughout the interior design curriculum. Through initiatives such as the Designer Showhouse and Spec Home projects, personality-profiling exercises and engagement with guest speakers from the design and construction industries, students gain hands-on experience that mirrors professional practice.
“The Designer Showhouse and Spec Home projects immerse students in the full design process, from concept through installation,” said Hamilton. “These projects require constant communication, problem-solving and adaptability, skills that are essential in professional practice.”
Hamilton said the experiences help students better understand the pace and expectations of the profession.
“By the end of the semester, students have not only designed a beautiful space for their portfolios but have also experienced what it means to be responsible for a real project with real expectations, quick timelines and budgets,” she said.
Hamilton also prioritizes professional preparation through Portfolio Development and Portfolio Presentation courses, as well as her role as faculty adviser for the American Society of Interior Designers student organization. The organization hosts the annual Interior Design Product Show and raises funds to support student competition fees.
In addition, Hamilton has incorporated experiential learning opportunities through partnerships with organizations including Habitat for Humanity, the Moffitt Health Center, the Marine Research Center and the University Writing Center.
“Graduating with both technical knowledge and real-world experience ensures that our students are not only strong designers conceptually, but also prepared to work effectively with clients, contractors, vendors and multidisciplinary teams from day one,” said Dr. Emre Bayraktar, director of the School of Construction and Design. “This combination is what truly prepares them to be Ready for Life in a dynamic and evolving design profession.”
Hamilton said integrating real-world experiences into the curriculum helps students grow more confident in their work and communication skills.
“Students become more confident in their decision-making and more comfortable communicating their ideas,” said Hamilton. “They begin to think like professional designers rather than students, taking ownership of their work and holding themselves to a higher standard.”
Bayraktar said Hamilton’s Ready for Life Champion Award reflects the impact she has had on students and the Interior Design program.
“Her dedication to experiential learning, industry engagement and student mentorship has helped create opportunities that allow our students to grow both academically and professionally,” said Bayraktar. “Her work exemplifies the School of Construction and Design’s focus on student success and preparing graduates who are ready to make an immediate impact in their careers.”
Learn more about the Interior Design program and the School of Construction and Design.
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Southern Mississippi is home to 13 schools, two ROTC units, and more than 100 academic programs. Guided by the University’s mission, we educate students, lead the state and nation in research and the creative arts, and advance knowledge across the humanities, social sciences, and STEM. Through innovative research and nationally recognized student success, we provide pathways to understanding the past, solving today's challenges, and imagining the possibilities of tomorrow.