Amy Jacobson-Peters

Amy Jacobson-Peters is a licensed and registered interior designer in Oklahoma. She is an award-winning assistant professor at the University of Central Oklahoma, teaching courses in design foundations, rendering and presentation techniques, furniture design, portfolio development and sustainability. She has served as the coordinator for the Design Foundations program, which oversees four beginning level design courses for all graphic and interior design students.

Before beginning her academic career, Peters worked professionally as a furniture designer for local manufacturer, Troy Wesnidge, Inc. Wesnidge produces high end, case-good style furnishings for both residential and commercial applications. During her employment, some of the projects Peters worked on included pieces for the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Disney World in Florida, and Atlantis in the Bahamas.

Peters received her MFA in Industrial Design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California. Her thesis work  focused on sustainability, biomimicry and biophilia in furniture design especially for pieces that would work for both pets and people in office environments. She is a wife and mother to Rachel and Aaron and is involved in many of their activities serving on parent lead boards for the high school marching band, color and winter guards, tennis and robotics teams. In her spare time, Peters, a native Minnesotan, enjoys hiking, gardening and riding and training her dressage horse.

DES 1023 Design Foundations 1

DES 1033 Design Foundations 2 for Interior Design Majors

DES 1043 Design Foundations 3

DES 1053 Design Foundations 4 for Interior Design Majors

DES 1013 Interior Design for Non-Majors

DES 2323 Studio 1

DES 2333 Visualization 1

DES 2713 Furniture Design

DES 3333 Sustainable Design

DES 4833  Portfolio Development

DES 4910 Advanced Visualization

Master of Fine Arts in Industrial Design from The Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA

Master of Science in Human Environmental Science from the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK

Bachelor of Arts in Art and Equestrian Science from William Woods College, Fulton, MO

National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) #028679

Oklahoma Registered Interior Designer #6168

Professional Experience:

Owner / Designer, Larkspur Designs, LLC. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  October 2003 to Present

Freelance Writer, “Distinctly Oklahoma” Magazine, Edmond, Oklahoma.  November 2008 to 2010

Freelance Artist / Designer, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  May 1995 to July 2002

Artist / Designer, Troy Wesnidge, Incorporated, Newcastle, Oklahoma.  October 1994 to August 2000

Floral Designer, Flower City, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  November 1992 to May 1994

Floral Designer, J. O. Conely Company, Roswell, Georgia.  July 1991 to August 1992

Sales Associate, Horsetown, Marietta, Georgia.  March 1991 to July 1991

Apprentice, Pinchona Farm, Hope Hull, Alabama.  June 1989 to January 1991

Teaching Awards:

Awarded a Grant to Attend the Educator’s Leadership Academy, June 2018 - March 2019

University Vanderford Initiative Award, Fall 2015

College of Fine Arts and Design Student Choice Award, 2013

Department of Design Student Choice Award, 2013

College of Fine Arts and Design Vanderford

Distinguished Teacher Award, 2011

University of Central Oklahoma Faculty Merit Credit Award for Teaching, 2011

College of Arts, Media and Design Emergent Faculty Award, 2010

Awards and Special Recognition:

Conference Award for Best Creative Scholarship Presentation, Interior Design Educator's Council Southwest Regional Conference, October 2018

Thesis work selected for inclusion in the Art Academy University Industrial Design Spring Show May 2018

Featured faculty on “I Am UCO” Postcard, 2009

College of Arts, Media and Design Faculty Award: Collaborative Teams, 2009

College of Arts, Media and Design Faculty Award: Collaborative Teams, 2008

College of Arts, Media and Design Faculty Award: Collaborative Teams, 2007

Furniture Design

Sustainable Design

Biomimicry

Biophilia

Hand Rendering

Hand Drafting

Combining hand drawing and digital methods for presentation materials

Perspective Drawing

Accessory Design

Floral Design

Spring 2019:

Mondays and Wednesdays, 3-4 p.m.

Fridays, 9 a.m.-noon

Or by appointment.

Professional Memberships:

Interior Design Educator's Council, 2010 to Present

American Society of Interior Designers,  Professional Member 2012 to Present

National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) # 028679

Oklahoma Registered Interior Designer #6168

Industrial Designer’s Society of America, Young Professional Member, May 2018 to Present

Community Service:

Board of Directors, Jones-Page-Jacobson Family Foundation, 1999 to Present

Judge for Crossing’s Christian School Annual Art Festival, Spring 2018

Tulsa Tech. Interior/Fashion Advisory Board Member, Spring 2017 to Present

Edmond Memorial Band Boosters Board Member, 2015-16, 2016-17; Color Guard Parent Representative, 2017-18, 2018-2019; Ways and Means Representative

Edmond Memorial High School Band Boosters, Props Committee, 2014

Oakdale School, PTC Board, ‘05-‘07

Oakdale School Directory Designer and Coordinator ‘05-‘07

Girl Scout Brownie Troop 59 Co-Leader, ’05-’09

Oakdale School, Kindergarten Class Auction Project Coordinator Spring 2005

Oakdale School First Grade Class Auction Project Co-Coordinator Spring 2006

Oakdale School Second Grade Class Auction Project Co-Coordinator Spring 2007

Oakdale School Third Grade Class Auction Project Coordinator Spring 2008

Oakdale School Fourth Grade and Kindergarten Auction Project Participant, Spring 2009

Oakdale Foundation Auction Program Cover Designer ‘07, ‘08, ‘09

Girl Scout Daisy Troop 59 Co-Leader, ‘04–‘05

Oklahoma Dressage Society, 1993 to Present Newsletter Editor, 2000 - 2001, Board of Directors, 1999 – 2000

Grace Notes Handbell Choir, Church of the Servant, ’00-‘07

Oklahoma City Figure Skating Club Board Member, 2009

As a design educator, the teaching philosophy I employ in my classroom is a reflection of my background and knowledge in both Art and Design. Through my own experiences, I have explored a broad range of designing and producing creative work using both traditional and contemporary methods. I believe that a keen understanding of conventional design approaches and a command of digital media is critical to the long-term success of a designer in today’s world. In the classroom, well-developed hand-skills enhance a student’s ability to use digital tools effectively. Understanding elements like varying line weights on a drafted document, and how light interacts with objects and materials are insights gained through traditional drawing practices.  Transferring that knowledge into computer generated imagery produces stronger results that are dependent on the user, not the software or machine alone. I encourage my students to take a “big picture” approach to their learning so that they can see how all the skills they acquire have value within the design process. To that end, I strive to present information freshly and excitingly to broaden, stimulate and hone each student’s creative senses. 

As someone who loves to draw, I believe the ability to put “pen to paper” is a relevant part of the design process. Today’s Interior Design students often come into the classroom with little drawing experience and are frequently afraid of the practice. Therefore, I strive to make my class feel comfortable by leading students through exercises that help break down fears and allow them to gain confidence. I want my students to see that drawing is a significant tool within the industry, but also understand they do not have to be Michelangelo to be successful. Hand skills provide an opportunity for students to showcase their unique, individual styles while expressing their design solutions. From producing early conceptual work to doodling on a napkin, to fully realized rendered perspectives, I encourage my students to appreciate that engaging drawing skills at every stage of the design process empowers them to communicate their ideas effectively and successfully. 

In addition to developing strong drawing, rendering, and problem-solving skills, I believe it is also essential to create within students, an awareness of the environment, both built and natural, and to help students understand the impact they have on matters like sustainability and our use of resources. Nurturing environmentally conscious students will lead to Eco-minded professionals who care deeply about creating sustainable design solutions that have a positive impact on both the built and natural environment.

In the Design Studio, I strive to provide a classroom that is both stimulating and interactive.  I encourage a strong work ethic by expecting a high level of effort from my students. Projects are challenging and are expected to be completed at an exceptional degree of professionalism. I encourage my students to explore and develop their artistic talents and to feel comfortable to take risks and push themselves to see how far they can go with their design solutions.