Learning by design

By Jean Borst

Gerald Carver’s career has taken more twists and turns than a vintage doorknob. But through it all, there’s been a consistent thread. Whether working as a jet mechanic, building boats, or managing a thriving tile and stone shop, interior design has been woven into the fabric of his life—alongside a deep love of learning.

At 60, Gerald is still soaking up knowledge with the energy of someone half his age—while writing his next personal and professional chapter. He’s opened his own interior and exterior design showroom in Tacoma and returned to the classroom to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science in Interior Design at Clover Park Technical College (CPTC).

A longstanding connection to CPTC

Education wasn’t always a priority for Gerald.

“I always wanted to know how things worked,” he said. “But when I was growing up, no one around me cared if I went to school.”

Still, his natural curiosity stuck with him. While in high school, he took landscape maintenance and heavy machinery classes at CPTC, planting the first seeds of a lasting connection.

A week after graduation, Gerald joined the Navy, where he thrived as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate. After his service, he returned to Washington and built a varied career, including tile and stone work, construction, boat building, and restaurant and bar management. Despite his hands-on success, self-doubt lingered.

“I’d done well in the Navy and in my other jobs, but I just didn’t think I was smart enough to go to college,” he said.

That changed when he enrolled in a class at Wenatchee Valley College—and earned an A on his first paper.

“I knew then that I wanted to keep going,” Gerald said.

In 2014, that drive brought him back to CPTC, where he completed his Associate of Applied Technology in Architectural Engineering Design and embraced college life to the fullest. He made the President’s List every quarter, helped establish and lead CPTC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, and served on the hiring committee for the Architectural Engineering Design program—all while raising a daughter and recovering from a serious back injury.

The degree launched him toward a business management degree at Washington State University. But with his daughter’s future in mind, Gerald chose to pause his studies and focus on work to save for her education.

Designing a new path

After managing a successful tile and stone store for someone else, Gerald recently launched something of his own that merges decades of craftsmanship and design expertise: N.W. Creations. He’s joined by his stepson, Kameron—owner of Next Generation Tile—whom Gerald introduced to the craft at just 13 years old. Together, they’ve opened a full-service interior and exterior design showroom in Tacoma, a one-stop shop where ideas, materials and inspiration come to life.

While the showroom represents a major professional milestone, it also reflects Gerald’s deep, enduring connection to design itself. He’s long been drawn to the interplay of color and shape. For him, design is more than decoration— it’s about how flow, form and elements come together to create a space that feels welcoming and alive. It’s a passion that’s guided his journey and continues to inspire his growth.

“I love the new showroom,” he said. “It brings together everything I’ve learned—and everything I still want to learn.”

That passion is what brought Gerald back to CPTC. In addition to pursuing his Bachelor of Applied Science in Interior Design, he’s also considering a Kitchen and Bath Certificate to round out his skill set.

“When I was first in the program, the college only offered a two-year degree. Now they offer bachelor’s degrees and so many pathways to careers. It’s an amazing program that just keeps getting better.”

But it’s not just new offerings in the Interior Design program that has him excited. He’s also energized by CPTC’s new Eastside Training Center, located near his home, which is bringing the same high-quality skills training offered at CPTC’s campuses to the Eastside Tacoma community.

“This kind of creative expansion really makes me want to be more involved with CPTC,” he said. “I’d like to mentor students and support the college in any way I can.”

Welcoming the next generation

For Gerald, this mindset isn’t new. Over the years, he’s offered internships and employment to CPTC Interior Design students and continues to give back with an open-door attitude:

“I’m available to anyone who wants to learn more about this business and a career in the field,” he said. “My showroom doors are always open.”

He also offers simple advice for anyone considering a future in interior design—or wondering if CPTC is the right place to start:

“Don’t think you have to know everything right away,” he said. “I think young people are often too hard on themselves in that regard. Just be curious, work hard and don’t be afraid to try.”

For someone who once doubted his own academic ability, Gerald now sees learning as a lifelong tool—one that keeps his creativity fresh and his perspective evolving.

“I don’t feel my age,” he said. “And I don’t think I ever will.”

Gerald Carver’s hot takes on hot design trends

• Color. “We live in Washington and still everyone picks gray. That’s fine, but there are a lot of colors between black and white. Add a splash to compliment the palate.”
• Wallpaper. “Real wall paper—not peel-and-stick—can add so much character and texture to a home.”
• Wood. “There’s a lot of emphasis on natural wood—on walls, windows and cabinets.”
• Indoor/outdoor flow. “Design should expand your space. Bring the outside in.”
• Make it yours. “I’m just here to make suggestions, but I also want to broaden your ideas. In the end, make your place the way you want it.”