Thanks to the Interior Design Technology Program, a makeover occurred in one of the rooms located in the Transmountain campus’ library, which now has an Asian feel against the backdrop of a Southwestern college. 
Eddie Alcala, EPCC interior design student, painted and decorated the room, 1605, which is being utilized by the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, the Honor’s Program and a creative writing class.
The Buddhist style features new colors, canvas paintings done by Alcala and the statue of a Buddhist head, which was donated by Ho Baron, a part-time librarian and sculptor.
“When you walk in, you get a different feeling from the rest of the school. [It’s] almost
inspirational,” said Alcala.
The room originally had white paint on its walls, but now features three different colors. Medium plum, medium to dark rust, and light mustard are the new shades used in this approximately 12x10 foot space.
On the rear wall, Alcala created paintings inspired by Buddhist symbols of earth, life-force, purity, hate, balance, infinity and a Zen circle.
Describing the outcome as “organic and simple, yet with enough impact,” Alcala mentioned his favorite parts of this project.
“Choosing the color, painting the paintings and seeing it all come together,” said Alcala.
Darcy Traffansted, Phi Theta Kappa regional vice president and business administration student and frequent occupant of the room, gave her opinion on the design outcome.
“It’s not drab anymore, it makes you feel better. You find peace within yourself and it is more conducive to learning,” Traffansted said.
The project began last September, but the room was still open for students and faculty. Traffansted explained what it was like during the renovation.
“We were still able to go in there and do stuff and work around the mess because most of the work was done during the weekend,” she said.
Maria Prospero, interior design coordinator and full-time instructor, selected Alcala from seeing his previous work.
Alcala is also a professional design consultant who has painted and done faux finishes on houses and businesses.
Although the project is complete, there are still finishing touches to be made.
Alcala is planning to add photos to the room to change the look from time to time.
The makeover demonstrates that the EPCC interior design program is producing talented designers that will soon benefit the borderland, said Prospero.
“I think El Paso will be very lucky when we have all these students actually go out there and give interior design a very good name,” said Prospero.
Prospero added that the El Paso community will be impressed by their creativity, work ethic and all the technology they are currently learning.
