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SALT LAKE CITY -- A student at BYU-Idaho has gained national recognition for his work in interior design. He's already worked on some high-profile celebrity cases, and he hasn't even graduated yet.
Jeff Larsen only has a few months left at BYU-Idaho before he's off on his own in the world of interior design. "I love it ‘cause it changes the way people feel. I think it's great for them to feel good at home," he said.
Larsen's first love is designing residential homes, but it was his vision on a building in New York that put him on the map. "It was a remodel of an art museum in New York City," he explained.
The American Society of Interior Design sponsored the contest, which was just a scenario. The judges picked his three-floor layouts from of the hundreds of other applicants from around the country.
Larsen has also spent time in New York, working with two high-profile firms that deal with high-profile customers.
"We had high clientele come in all the time," Larsen said. "We did one for Denzel Washington."
But back in Rexburg, Idaho, Larsen's clientele includes his friends. Even for poor college students, there's things he says you can do to spruce up a house.
"It's amazing what you can do just rearranging furniture," he said.
Larsen also suggest re-painting. "You'd be amazed how color has an effect on your physiological wellbeing," he said.
So, what does Larsen's place look like? We'll, it's a typical college apartment, with roommates, but it also has style. "I'd say it's the best on campus!" Larsen said.
When he graduates this spring, Larsen plans to get a job in the West and gain some experience. Eventually, he'd like to start his own firm.
E-mail: abutterfield@ksl.com