When Kaelen Schaefer graduated from The Art Institute of Seattle with a bachelor’s degree in interior design earlier this year, there was an even bigger surprise waiting.

During the graduation ceremony, Schaefer’s work and display for a school open house was named “Outstanding Portfolio.”

Schaefer, a Timberline High School graduate who has been living in Enumclaw the past four years, started the interior design program after attending Pacific Lutheran University. An equestrian, she is hoping to fill a niche for both the arts and her horse-riding passion by designing arenas.

“My first passion in life is equestrian sports,” she said. “However, I couldn’t major in horses in college, so I chose my second favorite, art, and interior design.”

Currently, Schaeffer is doing freelance residential design work and taking care of a 14-month-old son, who was born in midst of her program at The Art Institute of Seattle.