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Dara Agruss, an interior designer in Chicago, proudly participated in an event at the College of DuPage aimed at encouraging students in their studies.
The event, which took place in May 2025, featured Dara Agruss from Dara Agruss Design along with other design professionals, including architects, builders and interior designers to show those preparing to enter the workforce how these areas intersect and collaborate to bring design plans to life.
The College of DuPage offers an associate degree in applied science in interior design. It also offers certificates in kitchen and bath design, lighting and computer applications. As part of this program of study, students are responsible for developing a portfolio showcasing their work at the college as well as preparing for their entry into the workforce as a design professional.
At the event, students had the valuable opportunity to connect with design-industry professionals. They received feedback on their portfolios, participated in mock interviews and gained a different perspective on design firms and their daily operations.
Dara Agruss, owner and principal designer of Dara Agruss Design, met with three students, who shared their portfolios and highlighted their favorite projects, and discussed how to communicate design intent, emphasize strengths and tailor their work for different types of firms.
“I was especially impressed by their strong technical drafting skills — this program clearly prepares students well with valuable software knowledge that will give them an edge in the job market. It was a great exchange of ideas and an inspiring glimpse into the future of interior design,” stated Agruss.
Professional encouragement for college students approaching graduation gives future graduates a chance to bridge the gap between student life and their careers. It’s not only a chance to be empowered by professionals in their field, it also provides a glimpse into the future of the industry and how they can help shape it.
About Dara Agruss Design
Dara Agruss Design is based in the Chicagoland area and specializes in designing family homes to look cohesive, thoughtful and lifestyle-based for a functional as well as timeless appearance.
The services offered by Dara Agruss Design are customized to client needs and include choosing finishes, paints, materials and lighting for renovation and new construction projects, as well as providing furnishing and styling in existing spaces. Virtual design services are also provided to assist clients who live outside the Chicagoland area, allowing anyone to get assistance with revamping their home, either as a whole or one room at a time.
Dara Agruss describes herself as having a love for design starting in her childhood. Upon building a house in the suburbs and preparing the interior for her family, she discovered her passion for interior design.
Formerly serving the community as a teacher — as her mother did before her — she pursued her dreams to study interior design, eventually launching Dara Agruss Design. Motivated by making spaces reflective of her clients while combining beauty and function, she continues to cater to those in need of joining style with daily life inside their homes.
As a reputable interior designer, Agruss joined the event at the College of DuPage to help students with the same love for design to ignite their spirits for a future in the industry. In addition to providing input on their portfolios and assisting with mock interviews, she provided insight on how the careers of architects and builders intersect with interior designers and how forging these partnerships is an element of success in the field.
About the College of DuPage and the interior design program
The College of DuPage is a community college, founded in 1967, with a mission to support the community and create an environment that’s conducive to learning for students. The college features many programs in a variety of industries, including interior design. The interior design program provides students with various learning opportunities that follow the current trends and standards in the design industry.
With the Interior Design Associate Degree in Applied Science, students are prepared to work in one of the vast array of jobs in the design industry or transfer to a four-year program to continue their studies. All students who select this program must complete a minimum of 70 credits of coursework.
This includes 52 credits in core program courses and electives and 18 general education credits. There are additional electives available for students who seek to broaden their knowledge, enhance their skills, and gain further experience to have the edge on others entering the job force in this field.
Experienced professionals in the design industry helm the program, which offers a wide range of courses for interior design that range from fundamentals to advanced levels. Students who choose this program start with entry-level courses including drafting, architecture, sustainable design and design history. The intermediate level courses include computer-aided drafting, space planning and lighting.
The program culminates with four advanced studio classes where all of the skills learned are utilized in a series of comprehensive projects. These projects are categorized in four specific areas — residential, health care, restaurant and retail, and office design. During the final courses of the Interior Design program, students prepare their portfolios and get ready to enter the design industry.
Dara Agruss Design services and location
Dara Agruss Design provides design for new home design as well as design for existing homes in kitchens, bathrooms, dining rooms, family rooms, playrooms, home offices and every room of the home.
The office is located at 684 Parkside Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126 and serves Chicago, Western Springs, Downers Grove, Burr Ridge, Glen Ellyn, La Grange, Naperville, Oak Brook, Hinsdale and all of Illinois. Hours offered are from Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For design inquiries with Dara Agruss Design, contact 847-750-5354.