What motivated you to become a designer (or current role?)?

Looking back on it I’m saddened by so much of my career choice was based on me doubting myself or thinking I wasn’t good enough for specific careers. I was always an artistic child but never the best artist in the room. I also didn’t think I was good enough at math to be an architect. Then HGTV exploded and it was my first connection that their was an interior design industry which melded art and architecture. It was a light bulb it was artistic but also technical, it was understanding people’s needs. I think my entry into interior design has so much to do with exposure and confidence. If I had know architects and interior designers it all may have turned out differently and a may have gone to school for architecture. Now that I’m in the industry and looking back it all worked out for the best- - with age come confidence glad I don’t doubt myself nearly as much as I did. I love the small details, the unassuming aspects that affect daily life, a piece of custom millwork or furniture, the perfectly designed room that sparks collaboration. The humanistic side of design is so important to me and interiors allows me that focus.

What does successful workplace culture mean to you?

Somewhere individuals’ talents and perspectives are celebrated.

What would you be doing if you were not working in this industry?

A political journalist- super important to be able to distill information, give context and inform the electorate.

What are you reading?

A lot. I’ve read over 50 books in 2018! The commute makes it easy and I love getting lost in a new story. I'm in the middle of the Neapolitan Series, just finished Bad Blood, and looking forward to the next great story.

In a parallel universe, what is your profession?

Political journalist

What was your first job?

Hollywood Video - free rentals before Netflix was gold!

What was your best Halloween costume?

Maleficent. I wanted to be her as a kid but it never seemed to happen. When the live action movie came out I took it as a sign and went all in. I made the headpiece out of a Mickey Mouse hat, two car funnels with flex tube and electrical tape.

What's your favorite TV show right now?

The Good Place - it’s so smart but yet so silly. We all need a good laugh.

What’s the best live music show you've seen?

Glen Hansard, always Glen. I've seen him twice and have many of times looked into planning a vacation around seeing him live.

What do you listen to while working?

Podcasts. I’m addicted to so many of them; I listen to them at 1.5x speed so I can fit them all in.