studio.chats the podcast

All I can say is, I’m so  g r a t e f u l ✨

Though this may be a close to this studio.chats chapter, the doors will always be open!

On today’s chat @_maureenbaker from EP02 interview’s host, Kelsey Paul!

Hi! I’m Kelsey Paul, the host & creator of studio.chats. I’m an Interior Designer + mindset & wellness enthusiast who has spent the majority of her career in New York City. I specialized in workplace design, and am passionate about mentorship, connecting with people in the industry, creating community, wellness + sustainability.

I completed her Bachelors of Interior Design from the University of Idaho and her (MFA) in Interior Design from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. While in New York, I worked at multiple large design firms such as NBBJ , STUDIOS, and Mancini Duffy.

I can’t wait to share that I recently have made the pivot out of traditional design & get to continue my passion and dream of supporting the design community on a larger scale as the new Business Development Manager at Network Next Gen!

Today on Studio.chats:

➕ The origin story of the podcast

➕ How taking care of yourself before the deadlines is the best thing you can do

➕ Next steps & how to stay connected in the future

Connect with Kelsey:

Instagram: @oneseatoanother

[email protected]

www.studiochats.com

Connect with Kelsey + Network Next Gen:

@networknextgen

I appreciate you so much + wholeheartedly know you are so capable of creating the life you dream of!

Thank you for being here! Thank you for committing to your growth as a designer, architect and human 💛 Rooting for you and in this together one red line at a time!

P U M P  U P  J A M

I am Women by Emmy Meli

D E S I G N  C R U S H

Elsie De Wolfe

+ designers who are making space outside of design for things that light them up

R E S O U R C E S

IIDA Job Boards

@empower.her.podcast

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success Book by Carol Dweck

All about Network Next Gen on EP09 | Idea to Industry Wide Impact + Connecting 20s & 30s  in The Design Industry w/ Tarra Kieckhaefer

Can’t wait to share this chat with Annie Ball with you!

Annie is a Chicago transplant originally from the Boise, Idaho. Her passion for learning about progressive architecture, urbanism and equitable spaces led her to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. While working on her Masters of Architecture at SAIC she spent time collaborating with visiting artist Theaster Gates in the Geoffrey Design Studio. It was during this experience she learned how art and architecture can serve as a purposeful, exploratory, and consequential cultural catalyst.

Annie is driven by the notion that strong designs can transcend scale and project typology. She believes architecture is context and through this lens design has the potential to foster positive growth of communities, existing infrastructure, and ecological networks.

When Annie is not at work you can typically find her along the lake – either training for her next marathon, reading, or watercolor painting.

Today on Studio.chats:

Navigating transitions from engineering to architecture 

Ways to take initiative and make moves in your career

Focusing on sustainability and teaching

Connect with Annie:

Instagram: @aball0112

LinkedIn: annieball9028

Connect with Kelsey:

Instagram: @studio.chats

[email protected]

www.studiochats.com

Thank you for being here! Thank you for committing to your growth as a designer, architect and human 💛 Rooting for you and in this together one red line at a time!

P U M P  U P  J A M

good 4 u - Olivia Rodrigo

Baba O’Riley by The Who

D E S I G N  C R U S H E S

Hilary Sample of @mmmosarchitects

Tatiana Bilbao @tabilbaoestudio

E P I S O D E  8 9 🎙

Can’t wait to share this chat with Brandon Hall with you!

Today, Kelsey interviews Brandon Hall.

Brandon Hall graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame and a Masters in Real Estate Development from New York University. Brandon has over 15+ years of experience in real estate development and in all facets of design, project management and construction. He currently is a Senior Owner’s Representative at CHA Consulting Inc. in New York City, where he provides real estate development consultation and project oversight for a multitude of developers and clientele.

In 2021, Brandon co-founded Dejoie Hall LLC, a real estate design and construction management firm, where he facilitates the planning and execution of commercial real estate developments. Brandon is currently developing his first real estate venture in New Orleans, LA, a complete gut renovation of a historic French Victorian revival.

Brandon currently resides in Williamsburg, Brooklyn with his wife, Ella Hall, son Holden, soon to be expected newborn, and their two dogs, Lily and Liam.

Today on Studio.chats:

➕ Transition from leaving architecture to becoming an owners rep

➕ Mindset & tips to approaching your weaknesses head on and making them your strengths

➕ Next steps into becoming a real estate developer

Connect with Brandon:

Instagram: @bhallnd

Connect with Kelsey:

Instagram: @studio.chats

[email protected]

Thank you for being here! Thank you for committing to your growth as a designer, architect and human 💛 Rooting for you and in this together one red line at a time!

P U M P  U P  J A M

Bonobo

D E S I G N  C R U S H

@zahahadidarchitects

Can’t wait to share this chat with Glen Coben with you!

In April 2000, Glen Coben opened his architecture and design firm, Glen & Company in order to provide customized designs that realize a client’s vision while also engaging their customers.  There is a trend in the market towards collaborative design that enhances a guest experience while reinforcing a brand’s core values. Coben’s successful projects demonstrate that brands can integrate into the lives of their customers, but it needs to be in a seamless way that adds to the experience.

Glen & Company’s projects span continents and include the design of many hotels, restaurants, retail stores and residential projects, and the hospitality and design communities have recognized Glen’s hospitality design and leadership acumen on multiple occasions. Glen has partnered with most of the global brands.

Glen & Company projects have been featured in Hospitality Design, Metropolis, Interior Design, and Architectural Digest and have been cited in The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.  His firm’s design for Romera Restaurant was nominated for a James Beard Award in 2011, considered to be the Academy Awards for the restaurant world!

Today on Studio.chats:

➕ Journey from Nike, to Rockwell Group to owning his own firm

➕ Strategies to grow as an emerging designer

➕ Tips for rocking your interview

Connect with Glen:

Instagram: @glencoben @glen_and_co_architecture

glenandcompany.com

Check out Glen’s book “An Architect’s Cookbook, A Culinary Journey Through Design”

Connect with Kelsey:

Instagram: @studio.chats

[email protected]

Thank you for being here! Thank you for committing to your growth as a designer, architect and human 💛 Rooting for you and in this together one red line at a time!

P U M P  U P  J A M

Thunder Road by Bruce Springsteen

D E S I G N  C R U S H

The architecture of wineries

Can’t wait to share this chat with Veronica Finney with you!

Veronica Finney is an interior designer at DLR Group in the Seattle office. She received her BA, Interior Design at and M.Arch at the University of Idaho. Overall she has around ten years of experience in the industry. In addition she is super involved in various design committees, and also a WELL AP & a LEED GA.

Her passion for design is outmatched only by her passion for people. This, paired with her infectious energy, guarantees that any design she puts forward will first and foremost elevate the experience of the end user. Veronica’s expertise can be found in the details. She works closely with clients to build relationships, and provide active engagement from project kick off to move in.

Today on Studio.chats:

➕ Benefits & balancing duo degrees in architecture & interiors

➕ Cultivating strong relationships with clients

➕ Tips to gaining confidence & letting your voice be heard

Connect with Veronica:

Instagram: @v_finn_love

LinkedIn: Veronica Finney

Connect with Kelsey:

Instagram: @studio.chats

[email protected]

Pump Up Jam:

Levitating - Dua Lipa

Design Crush:

Work inspo crew

Thank you for being here! Thank you for committing to your growth as a designer, architect and human 💛 Rooting for you and in this together one red line at a time!

Today, Kelsey interviews Stephen Garrison. By day Stephen Garrison is currently an Associate Professor of Interior Architecture at Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania where he coordinates the First Year Foundation Studio sequence as well as directing the Summer high school immersion studio, Design your Future.

His alter egos include: Husband, father, coach, and artist, along with President of the non-Profit University Hall of Innovation, Producer/Director of the web series A Student’s Perspective, and Director of Communications for the Interior Design Educators Council Foundation.

If you had asked him 23 years ago coming out of the Savannah College of Art and Design with degrees in Painting and Art History just how many of these things he might imagine himself doing, chances are that many of them would not have been on the short list.  But following the University Hall of Innovation motto of ‘Take Chances, Take Opportunities, and Take Control of your Education’ he has always been open to traveling down alternate paths when they seem right.   

Today on Studio.chats:

➕ Going from art school to professor of interior design & making a strong impact

➕ Mindset shifts to overcome doubts of starting something new

➕ Intro to great resources to check out, A Students Perspective & University Hall of Innovation

Connect with Stephen:

Instagram: @a.students.perspective

www.universityhallofinnovation.com

Connect with Kelsey:

Instagram: @studio.chats

[email protected]

Thank you for being here! Thank you for committing to your growth as a designer, architect and human 💛 Rooting for you and in this together one red line at a time!

P U M P  U P  J A M

Groove is in the Heart by Deee-Lite

D E S I G N  C R U S H

Materially:

Matthias Pliessnig @matthiaspliessnig

Ryan Dart - Bones Studio @ryandartdesign

Rachel Moriaty @rachelmoriartyinteriors

Educationally:

Victoria Farrow Architect

Maya Bird Murphy - Chicago Mobile Makers @mayabirdmurphy

Emily Piloton - Girls Garage @_girlsgarage - Documentary: If You Build It

Julia Gamolia - Madame Architect @madamearchitect

+ The ASP Hosts @a.students.perspective

Can’t wait to share this chat with Gia Sharp with you!

Gia Sharp, owner and principal interior designer/decorator of Gia Sharp Design, was a hands-on artist from way back. Sketching often as a child. giddy at every opportunity to visit a museum, Gia experienced the world visually and still does. I'm one of those people who sees colors in the alphabet... I mean, of course D is yellow and M is green! Right??

Although her undergrad and early career was in fashion, she now sees how she always held a deep affinity for interiors.  From designing individual studios for her Barbie's as a child to thrifting and DIYing her first apartments, she always felt that an environment can and must be shaped by its inhabitants and takes that ethos into her design practice.

Today on Studio.chats:

➕ Owning a business that supports your happiest life not the other way around

➕ Navigating perfectionism & making the Process More Enjoyable

➕ Investing in a website & seeing how far you’ve come

Connect with Gia:

Instagram: @sharpinista

www.giasharpdesign.com

Connect with Kelsey:

Instagram: @studio.chats

[email protected]

www.studiochats.com

Pump Up Jam:

Anything by Missy Elliot (Work It & Lose Control)

Design Crush:

Everyone who is working in design and manages to finish the project.

Thank you for being here! Thank you for committing to your growth as a designer, architect and human 💛 Rooting for you and in this together one red line at a time!

Can’t wait to share this chat with Claudia Mezey with you!

Today, Kelsey interviews Claudia Mezey. Claudia Mezey is an Associate Consultant on the Built Ecology team at WSP USA, an engineering services firm, where she collaborates with designers, educators and local officials to create sustainable, healthy and equitable environments both in local NYC and globally.  Prior to her time at WSP USA, she was selected as a 2019-2020 Urban Fellow with the NYC Department of Transportation (NYC DOT).  Her fellowship focused on planning for large-scale interventions in transportation corridors to bring quality public space, mobility access and economic benefits to communities in need.  She is interested in principles of co-designing with communities and is dedicated to working to meet the present moment in service of a future that is resilient, restorative and just. She is based in Brooklyn, NY, where she enjoys long runs in Brooklyn Bridge Park, local sourdough and live music.

Today on Studio.chats:

➕ In’s & out's on being a sustainability consultant

➕ Comparison on working in the public vs. private sector

➕ Tips to working with sustainability consultants

Connect with Claudia:

LinkedIn: Claudia Mezey

Connect with Kelsey:

Instagram: @studio.chats

[email protected]

Thank you for being here! Thank you for committing to your growth as a designer, architect and human 💛 Rooting for you and in this together one red line at a time!

P U M P  U P  J A M

What’s Up, 4 Non-Blondes

D E S I G N  C R U S H S

@kierantimberlake (architecture) // Tally Embodied Carbon Analysis - Revit Plug In!

Jennifer Packer (fine art)

Can’t wait to share this chat with Suzanne Tick with you!

Today, Kelsey interviews Suzanne Tick. Suzanne Tick maintains a distinguished career as a CEO, textile designer, weaver and Vedic Meditation teacher in New York City. She is currently the Creative Director at Luum and Design Partner with Skyline Design. She is known for her intelligent and enthusiastic approach to design in evolving markets, as well as her conviction to provide innovative solutions with a nod towards sustainability and wellness. In 2021, Suzanne designed Grid State and Ecotone, the contract industry’s first and second textiles made of 100% biodegradable, post-consumer recycled polyester for Luum Textiles, furthering her mission of being on the cutting edge of sustainability. Suzanne Tick Inc., an NYC-certified Women Owned Business, operates out of Tick Studio in the East Village where Suzanne works and lives. Tick Studio develops a range of products including glass, floor covering, upholstery, drapery, and wall covering.

The townhouse operates as a new approach in working and living well. Spanning multiple floors including a design studio, weaving workshop and Fifth Floor Meditation Center. The Center provides daily virtual meditation and knowledge talks (and will be held in per- son once safety measures are under control) and in-person advanced courses on Vedic meditation to engage one’s individuality and creativity on a deeper level.

In addition to her industry work, Suzanne maintains a hand weaving practice and creates fine art woven sculptures from repurposed materials on the two looms in the space that are collected and exhibited worldwide. Her work has been exhibited in MoMA, Cooper Hewitt, MAD and Art Basel, as well as collected by private and corporate clients. Suzanne’s TedXNavesink Talk: “Weaving Trash into Treasure” presents her unique and personal approach to hand weaving.

Suzanne’s passions include a scholarly study and practice of Vedic meditation with Thom Knoles and The Soft Road, travel, gardening, cooking and being a mom to her beautiful adult son, Gabe and two cats Cupid and Psyche.

Today on Studio.chats:

➕ Power of meditation & the benefits on the creative process

➕ Insights into listening to your intuition and building a successful career

➕ Life as a textile designer, CEO, entrepreneur and meditator

Connect with Suzanne:

Instagram: @suzannetick @tickstudionyc

Photographer @martincrook

LinkedIn: Suzanne Tick

Connect with Kelsey:

Instagram: @studio.chats

[email protected]

P U M P  U P  J A M

Buddha at the Gas pump

D E S I G N  C R U S H

Every museum show that’s out there

Thank you for being here! Thank you for committing to your growth as a designer, architect and human 💛 Rooting for you and in this together one red line at a time!

Can’t wait to share this chat with Bolanle Williams-Olley + her new book Build Boldly, Chart Your Unique Career Path and Lead with Courage with you!

We had the pleasure to chat with Bola on EP16 and are so excited to have her back on the podcast!

Bolanle Williams-Olley is chief financial officer and part-owner of Mancini Duffy, a technology-first design firm. AND Build Boldly: Chart your unique career path and lead with courage!. She is a dynamic leader within the built industry and founder of several impact organizations for improving education in low-income schools in Nigeria, her work also empowers women and small firms, and she is creating awareness about NGOs across Nigeria.

Today on Studio.chats:

➕ Intro to her new book Build Boldly

➕ Insights into the B.O.L.D Framework

➕ The Process of going from CFO to Author

Connect with Bolanle:

Instagram: @bolanle_hq

www.bolanlewo.com/book

Grab the book on Amazon!

Connect on LinkedIn: Bolanle Williams-Olley

EP16 | studio.chats the podcast

Connect with Kelsey:

Instagram: @studio.chats

[email protected]

Stay posted this week for our book giveaway!

Thank you for being here! Thank you for committing to your growth as a designer, architect and human 💛 Rooting for you and in this together one red line at a time!

PC: @editorialfashion