Kris Hackl’s two loves are being creative and teaching others. So it’s fitting that she’s found her calling as an instructor in the FVTC Interior Design program.
Early in her career, Kris worked as a residential interior designer. As much as she enjoyed the field, she wanted to try teaching, so she earned a master’s degree in elementary education. But after eight years of teaching, she found the job emotionally demanding and wanted to get back into a creative field. She enrolled in the FVTC Interior Design program to refresh her skills and upon graduating became a commercial interior designer before ultimately returning to FVTC as a faculty member.
Tell us about your background.
I’ve always loved teaching. My degrees are in both interior design and education, so when an opportunity opened up here, it was the perfect mix of my education and my interior design background.
What classes do you teach?
I teach Textiles, Intro to Commercial Design, Commercial CAD and Business Principles. I also run our internship program as well.
What do you enjoy most about the classes you teach?
The variety. I get to work with students, be creative, and explore technical software programs. I also love placing our students in internships; it’s great to see them at the end point of their schooling.
What’s one piece of advice you have for students?
Grow your passion and immerse yourself in your program while you’re here. There are so many opportunities at the school through clubs, networking, tours and guest speakers. Just keep building on that passion so that this is really the time for you to just soak it all in. I want students to make the most of it while they’re here, so they’re ready for the real world.
What’s the best professional advice you’ve ever received?
Listen to your gut. If you’ve got something that’s nagging at you, just follow that. It might mean it’s time to move on to another opportunity. I had a boss tell me that once, and it was really true.
What skill are you currently working on?
I am currently learning to use a 3D rendering software used in commercial design, called CET. I’m going to be piloting that with my students soon, so I’ve been training and trying to get my skills ready for them.
What’s one thing about you that might surprise your students?
I was in a movie! I was an extra in “Back to School” when they were filming at UW-Madison. I walked right in front of Rodney Dangerfield on Bascom Hill, and got to meet him, plus Robert Downey, Jr. and Danny DeVito. (I cut class to do it, but I don’t tell the students that!)
What do you like to do outside of the classroom?
I take a lot of walks and love spending time with my family. I also spend a lot of time in my art studio. I have a creative business where I do block printing on textiles and design patterns for wallpaper and fabric.
What was your first job? Best job?
I was a meter reader for my first job. My dad worked for the electric and gas company, and I had to walk to people’s houses and read their electric and gas meters. I only got bit by a dog once.
My best job? Well, this is my best job. For real.
