PվƵ

RiverBlog: Interior Design Students Get Real-World Insight from HGTV Designer Krista Watterworth Alterman  

PվƵ interior design students visited Krista Watterworth Alterman’s interior design studio for a conversation about creativity, careers, and what it really takes to succeed in the field. &Բ;

A Classroom Without Walls &Բ;

HGTV designer Krista Watterworth Alterman stands at the front of a modern furniture showroom, speaking to a group of PվƵ interior design students gathered around her. Contemporary sofas and chairs are displayed in the foreground, and large artwork and wall sconces decorate the background.
HGTV designer Krista Watterworth Alterman addresses PվƵ interior design students during a visit to the Mother Ship, a Jupiter event space she designed.

What does it look like when a working professional walks into a room of students and speaks the truth about the field they’re about to enter? &Բ;Seventeen PվƵ interior design students recently found out firsthand. &Բ;

Celebrated interior designer and HGTV alumna Krista Watterworth Alterman hosted the students at the a private event space in Jupiter. What began as a guest talk quickly became something far more meaningful. Specifically, it turned into an honest, two-way conversation about creativity and leadership. The group also discussed what it genuinely takes to build a career in design.  

Meet Krista Watterworth Alterman &Բ;

Krista is a Florida-based interior designer and television personality known for hosting HGTV shows including Save My Bath aԻ Splurge and Save. She has also appeared on DIY Network’s The Vanilla Ice Project. She owns located in Palm Beach Gardens, and specializes in “casual elegance” and high-end residential design.  

More Than a Guest Lecture &Բ;

ٲ‾’ s𲹰 at the students — she engaged with them. In addition, she took time to understand each person’s vision for their future. She offered tailored guidance rather than a one-size-fits-all speech. Her candor about the evolution of her own career, the values that shape her firm, and the challenges she’s navigated gave students a window into design life that no textbook can replicate. &Բ;

“Any time our students can have the opportunity to meet with a noted designer, we are grateful,” said Tara Gray, PվƵ interior design program director. “Krista shared her insights and experiences and what it takes to be successful in this challenging and competitive field. &Բ;

The visit also included a guided tour of a space she designed for Holly Meyer Lucas, owner of Meyer Lucas Real Estate and Hype Boss Agency in Jupiter. As she walked students through each room, Krista demonstrated how thoughtful design tells a story. She showed how it connects brand identity, spatial flow, and human experience into something cohesive and intentional. &Բ;

What Students Took Away &Բ;

Two people stand at a table in a colorful art studio or creative workspace, surrounded by a wall covered in framed artwork, prints, fabric swatches, and inspirational pieces. A man in a brown leather jacket and a woman in a white knit top both smile at the camera, with their hands resting on what appear to be sample books or portfolios on the table.
Interior Design Technology students showcase their work in the program’s design studio at PվƵ.
  • How to combine creativity with strategy and vision with execution &Բ;
  • The role of leadership and empathy in running a design firm &Բ;
  • How design, at its best, becomes an extension of identity &Բ;
  • The lasting value of mentorship and authentic connection &Բ;

About The River’s Interior Design Program &Բ;

PվƵ’s Interior Design Technology program prepares students for a dynamic, people-centered profession. It does so by blending technical expertise with creative vision and real-world application. &Բ;

Degree & Certificate Options: &Բ;

  • Associate in Science (A.S.) in Interior Design Technology &Բ;
  • Technical Certificate in Home Staging — earnable simultaneously with the A.S. degree &Բ;
  • Pathway to a Bachelor’s Degree at PվƵ or another Florida public university &Բ;

What You’ll Study: AutoCAD, building codes, lighting design, textiles, commercial and residential design — plus hands-on studio experience that builds a portfolio reflecting your unique voice. &Բ;

Two women sit side by side at a desk, smiling as they look over interior design magazines and materials. The wall behind them is covered in colorful artwork, fabric swatches and design inspiration images.
Instructor and student review design materials in the Interior Design Technology program at PվƵ.

Interior Design Career Outlook & Salaries in Florida &Բ;

Graduates enter a field with strong earning potential and diverse career paths, including: &Բ;

  • Independent design consultant &Բ;
  • Architectural and design firms &Բ;
  • Hospitality and hotel design &Բ;
  • Real estate staging &Բ;
  • Healthcare facility design &Բ;
  • Retail and commercial spaces &Բ;

Florida Interior Designer Salaries: &Բ;

  • Average: approximately $65,000/year &Բ;
  • Experienced professionals and top earners: $100,000+/year &Բ;

Education That Goes Beyond the Classroom &Բ;

For The River’s Interior Design program, moments like Krista’s visit are woven into the fabric of the curriculum. This is because at PվƵ, education extends well beyond the classroom. Technical skills matter, but so does understanding the human side of the profession. Krista reminded students that the industry they’re entering is shaped by people who care deeply. She told them that they, too, have a place in it. &Բ;

Start Your Interior Design Career at The River &Բ;

Ready to transform spaces and lives? Visit  to explore the Interior Design program and take the first step toward a creative, rewarding career at one of Florida’s premier public colleges.  o apply today! &Բ;