About Me

My name is Erin McGinley, I am Junior at Georgia Southern University located in Statesboro, Georgia. I will complete a Bachelors of Science in Interior Architecture and Design with a Minor in Finance in May of 2027, as well as a Bachelors of Science in Recreation and Tourism Management with an emphasis in Tourism and Community Leisure Services in August of 2027. I graduated from Trident Technical College in May of 2022 with an Associate of Arts. 

I've had the opportunity to live in several places, which taught me the importance of adaptability and appreciating different cultures. I'm originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, but I also spent a few years near Seattle, Washington, and finished high school in Summerville, South Carolina. Growing up coast to coast, I discovered my love for travel, having visited over twenty-five states and seven countries. These experiences, interacting with people across the country and around the world, have helped shape me into the person I am today.

I have loved interior design from a young age, with a particular passion for space planning. I was fortunate to work alongside an Interior Designer in Charleston, South Carolina, where I assisted on a major historic renovation that was featured in Charleston Home and Design magazine. This experience allowed me to engage in historic preservation, navigate the guidelines of local historic societies, and transform a historic Civil War-era post exchange into a functional, livable home.

Having had the opportunity to work on such an important project, combined with my coursework at Georgia Southern, I realized I want to focus my efforts on Hospitality Design. That is why I chose to double major in Hospitality and Tourism Management. This field has deepened my understanding of the consumer experience, allowing me to create spaces that prioritize the end user—not just through aesthetics and layout, but through thoughtful, functional, and meaningful design.

My dream project would be to let my creative freedom take flight by designing themed vacation rentals that, much like a cruise ship, become part of the destination rather than just a place to stay. I have exciting concepts I hope to bring to life one day, and I believe my strong creative instincts are a valuable asset in the hospitality design industry. Combined with my understanding of both the guest experience and the needs of employees, I'm confident I could create spaces that are not only imaginative and engaging but also highly functional for everyone who uses them.

I chose to minor in finance to gain a deeper understanding of business and real estate. If I have the opportunity to work in residential design, I believe this background will allow me to bring a unique and informed perspective to my design concepts, as I've completed coursework in both real estate principles and real estate appraisal. Many clients assume that renovating a space will automatically increase their home's resale value, but that isn’t always the case. By understanding how real estate and appraisal truly work, I can better guide clients toward renovation and finish selections that are both meaningful and financially sound.

Georgia Southern University                                                                                                      Expected May 2027

Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture and Design 

Georgia Southern University                                                                                                 Expected August 2027

Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Tourism Management

Georgia Southern University                                                                                                 Expected August 2027

Minor in Finance

Trident Technical College                                                                                                                                 May 2022

Associate of Arts

Recreation Student Association                                                                                                     May 2025-Current

Vice President 

Interior Design Association                                                                                                        August 2022-Current

Student Member

Adobe Creative Suites

Communication

Coordination

Revit

Marketing

Organization

Technical Drawing

AutoCAD

Space Planning

Budget Planning

Creativity

Microsoft Office

Hand-Drafting

Documentation

American Airlines

Charleston, South Carolina

January 2023 - May 2023

Beaufort Wine Bar

Beaufort, SC

May 2025-Current

Stokes Toyota Beaufort

Beaufort, South Carolina

February 2025-Current

Saltwater Cowboys

Charleston, South Carolina

February 2024 - July 2024