Designing Confidence
Georgia Southern Students Reimagine On-Campus Clothing Closets for Career Readiness
On a quiet December morning, first-year interior architecture and design students at Georgia Southern University stood in the lobby of the Interdisciplinary Academic Building ready to present their visions for a real client and real project: a reimagined Suited for Success Career Closet for the Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD).
The Suited for Success Career Closet, with locations on both the Armstrong and Statesboro campuses, has provided students with free professional clothing for interviews, internships and career events, removing barriers for students who may not have access to appropriate attire. The program’s donation-based model often left its inventory inconsistent in style, size and availability. In 2024 alone, more than 350 students visited the closet, taking home more than 1,000 items.
OCPD imagined something better: a curated lending model stocked with new clothing, improved operations and a redesigned space that didn’t feel like a storage room, but like a boutique built on dignity and possibility.
To bring that vision to life, OCPD sought out the collaboration and the expertise of budding designers in the interior design program in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
Under the guidance of Assistant Professor in the School of Human Ecology Swati Goel, Ph.D., students in the Design Studio I course were tasked with reimagining the space — its floorplan, lighting, textures, user experience and accessibility. They presented 27 unique proposals, each a blend of research, creativity and problem-solving.
“I think this was a great project for our collaboration, but also for the students to see the professional side of design projects,” said Goel.
For many students, it was the first time their work had a real client, a real purpose and real stakes, which was underscored when Trevon Hardy, early talent administrator from retail company Lands’ End, arrived on campus to view the presentations.
Coordinated by OCPD in partnership with the Office of Business Engagement, Hardy’s visit provided students with insight for the project. He left campus impressed by both the students and the scope of the initiative.
“The interior design students demonstrated exceptional professionalism and vision in transforming a simple conference room into an inviting, confidence-boosting space,” he said. “I was excited to learn how apparel students will contribute their expertise, curating clothing that reflects students’ personal style while helping them feel their best as they prepare for interviews and professional experiences.”
The project’s impact on students extended far beyond design boards and renderings. For Elizabeth Zmarrou, the experience was a deeply affirming moment of clarity.
“As a returning older student, pursuing the dream I had to give up to pay the bills, this project was incredibly validating,” she said. “Seeing my work taken seriously by a real client showed me that I really am a designer and that it’s worth pursuing this dream, even if a little late in life.”
Others found confidence through the discipline of the process itself. Karmi Green discovered her voice through drafting, revising and presenting.
“The Career Closet redesign allowed me to grow as a designer while dealing with real-life scenarios,” she said. “It helped me feel more confident in my major.”
Yan Huang saw something even bigger: the power of design to shape human experience.
“Seeing how thoughtful design can impact confidence and accessibility made the project feel purposeful instead of just an assignment. It was a chance to contribute to the campus community while gaining hands-on experience.”
— Yan Huang
For Alyssa Kirkland, the lesson was about responsibility and about trust.
“I learned so much not just about design, but about making your work truly fit your client’s needs,” she said. “It showed how professionals outside the University truly believe in investing in students.”
The redesign marks only the first phase of a broader, University-wide collaboration. Next, students in fashion merchandising, apparel design and related disciplines will contribute expertise in inventory systems, retail strategy and clothing curation, bringing the vision fully to life.
“I’m overwhelmed by the impact of this simple project,” said Glenn Gibney, associate vice president for Career Readiness. “What began as a redesign effort has become a platform that is reshaping student confidence and academic experience.”
Hardy emphasized the deeper significance of the work.
“A student may be accomplished, passionate and fully prepared to launch their career,” Hardy said. “But without the confidence that comes from feeling and looking their best, an important piece of the puzzle is missing. Georgia Southern students are solving that puzzle beautifully.”
— Mary-Kate Allen