By: Deanna Touchard
Many students walk into campus buildings every day without thinking about
how furniture is arranged or why a particular space was designed the way it is. Behind these
decisions is Becky Djernes, Southern Adventist University’s interior designer and real estate
coordinator. She works to create spaces that are functional, welcoming and designed with
students in mind.
Djernes did not initially expect to find herself working at Southern. When her husband
accepted a job at Collegedale Academy, Djernes found an opportunity to interview for a position
at Southern’s Advancement department.
After interviewing, she was offered the job. Djernes recalled when Southern called her on
a Friday, offering her a position. She said she responded with hesitation.
“They go, ‘just pray about it’,” Djernes said.
She prayed over the weekend and by Monday, Djernes came to a decision.
“I found ‘yes’ coming out of my mouth instead of ‘no,’” she said.
Djernes worked in Advancement for about two years before becoming an assistant for the
financial administration department. Part of that role eventually led to her work in interior design
on campus.
When asked if she had always been interested in interior design, Djernes answered, “God
doesn’t always call the equipped, but He always equips the called.”
For her, there is no typical day on the job. Some days are spent at her computer looking
over plans and trying to figure out the best way to use a space. Other days are spent
experimenting with furniture and finding ways to make the best use of spaces on campus.
Djernes has a wall in her office specifically dedicated to visual planning. Different types
of carpet samples and paint colors are pinned to the walls, accompanied by design plans and
ideas. Her office reflects the hands-on aspect of interior design and the many details that go into
creating a space.
Alexandria Reid, a sophomore nursing major, said she was surprised to learn of Djernes’
position.
“I was not aware that we had an interior designer hired for Southern,” Reid said. “It’s
nice to know that they’re taking care of small details at our school.”
Djernes said she strives to keep campus spaces vibrant, living by a mission statement
displayed in her office which states, “Our mission is to honor God by creating quality
environments that augment learning, ignite creativity, promote wellness and enhance social
opportunities.”
“That mission statement up there is one that I feel like God gave me when I first started
this job,” Djernes said. “And I really think that’s what this position is all about.”
She explained that spaces are designed with students in mind as they are the intended
audience.
“In the student spaces, it needs to be designed, hopefully, to attract young people,” she
said. “Parents aren’t going to send their kids [to] some place that they’re not comfortable.”
The Ruth McKee Business building was one of the projects Djernes recently worked on.
She said natural light was especially important to her vision for the building.
“I think it’s important for a space to be light and bright,” she said. “It’s proven [that]
people study better, they retain better, they feel better. I think our environment very much affects
us.”
For Djernes, the rewarding part of her job is seeing students use and appreciate the spaces
she helped create. People may not always notice the thought and planning behind a piece of
furniture, a color choice or the placement of a window, but those details can have a lasting
impact on how they experience campus.
Although much of Djernes’ work is done behind the scenes, its effects are visible
throughout Southern’s campus.
Erick Ruiz, a freshman automotive major, said Southern’s visual appeal is something that
leaves a lasting impression on students.
“I think that’s what makes Southern so pretty,” said Ruiz. “Not just the people and the
classes, but the visuals are what I think attracts people.”
