It was during this education in interior design that Raina developed her knowledge and skills in space planning, specifications, and computer-aided design. Her ability to think both creativity and realistically is reflective in her work, which is practical and mult-functional while remaining inviting and beautiful.

     While at the Art Institute of Charlotte, Raina also built on the skills she learned as a historian and as a children's counselor. Her ability for excellent written and verbal communication was cultivated in college and in the several summers she spent as a camp counselor, dealing with children and their parents. The Art Institute offered Raina the opportunity to further expand on her background in history and in child care. She considers these areas to be her speciality. Being a history major has allowed her to bring an extra dimension to her work. After spending several summers working with young children and having two elementary teachers in her immediate family, Raina has a good understanding of children and their needs. Raina has used her personal knowledge to create fun, safe and creative enviroments for children that are realistic in scope.

     In addition to her studies, the Art Institute also provided Raina with opportunities to participate in the interior design community. She was fortunate enough to have been able to volunteer for the Dilworth Tour of Homes and the ASID Wreath Auction in 2003. Raina has also spent several days interning at the studio of interior designer Gail Brinn Wilkins and working at the Cyras HomeArama house in Highgate, Weddington. She was able to intern at the Brunschwig and Fils showroom in Charlotte, at Bird Decorative Hardware and Bath, as well as interning at Sofa Express in the visual merchandizing field.