South Dakota State University alum Miranda Dooley ’16 jumped at the opportunity to return to her alma mater as lead interior designer for the renovation of Frost Arena into First Bank & Trust Arena. 
Growing up, Dooley had an adventurous eye for creativity. From rearranging her room with her sisters to helping her father and grandfather with home renovation projects, Dooley always knew she would be an interior designer. But she never imagined she would have such a significant role in one of the biggest renovation projects on campus in recent years.
Originally from Sioux Falls, Dooley graduated from Lincoln High School in 2012. She was active in drawing, ceramics, photography, 3D design, orchestra, band and cross country. Dooley also loved throwing pottery, an activity she continued into college and still enjoys today.
Dooley chose to attend SDSU for its accredited design program and the at-home feeling of the Brookings community. One of her favorite things about SDSU’s School of Design program was exposure to the collaborative design studio culture, where she spent the majority of her time working on various projects.
“It’s not for the faint of heart,” Dooley said. “But it was good practice, preparing me for future collaborative efforts in my career.”
Working in Denver
After graduation, Dooley moved to Denver to find work. She was hired in 2016 by Sink Combs Dethlefs, which was acquired in 2017 by Perkins&Will, where Dooley works now.
“Colorado always felt like home to me,” Dooley said. “Growing up, I went there every year to visit family. Some of my most cherished childhood memories are hiking in the Rockies.”
Dooley currently works as a sports, recreation and entertainment designer. She primarily works on projects that involve arenas and large event spaces, which is no small feat. Although athletics isn’t something Dooley had extensive experience with, she accepted the challenge and looked at it as an opportunity to expand her abilities as a designer.
“Growing up, I was more into arts and music than playing or watching sports, but working in the sports, recreation and entertainment industry provided me with the opportunity to learn and apply new skills,” Dooley said. “I didn’t know how much I would love it. Each project has a different design schedule and construction duration, but no matter how long it takes, it’s always rewarding.”
Back to SDSU
Dooley has recently been able to take on one of most sentimental projects of her career so far — being named lead designer for the renovation of First Bank & Trust Arena. When offered the chance to be on the design team, she jumped at the opportunity.
The $53.1 million renovation of First Bank & Trust Arena is being completed in phases. New features will include premium seating, new display systems and video board, an enhanced sound system, a larger concourse and renovated restrooms. “My project manager knew I went to SDSU, and I was so excited when they asked me if I wanted to be part of the project. I was like, ‘Yes! Count me in,’” Dooley said.
Dooley is the lead project interior designer for projects, which includes scope such as architectural space planning, all interior finish material selections, evaluation of material health and sustainability, lighting design, furniture and finish selections, signage and wayfinding, and overall interior branding or storytelling.
“We wanted to preserve the original wood court floor from the Frost Arena and use it as a design feature in the new renovation. The court is detailed vertically into a full-height trophy display case, filling the concourse with cherished sentiment of the past and growth for the future,” Dooley said. “We renovated the event level focusing on the team amenity spaces and offices. The concourse level improves concession and bathroom spaces and elevated community gathering areas. Then we added a mezzanine level above, for spectator viewing from suites and loges.” 
Growing fast
Though Dooley graduated only seven years ago, she has already been recognized for her work. She was nominated to participate in Interior Design’s 30/30 program, recognizing the top 30 designers under the age of 30 for their excellence in the design industry. Interior Design is a global, industry-leading design publication and website company.
While she has much to be proud of, Dooley is incredibly honored to have the opportunity to work as lead interior designer for a project at her alma mater.
“I’m fulfilled and excited to have this design opportunity on the SDSU campus, and I’m grateful to have experienced the community, client, construction and design teams that came together to create and build the vision for this project,” Dooley said.
Looking into the future, Dooley strives for the next story to be told through the interior experience of our built environment.
Rylin Yerdon
