not frequently asked
The questions no one asks, but maybe should.
WHAT DOES A GOOD MORNING LOOK LIKE TO YOU, BEFORE THE REST OF THE WORLD STARTS ASKING FOR THINGS?
Waking up at 7:00 to take a bath and sit out on my back patio with my sketchbook, looking over the trees and the lake. Then going to get breakfast with Will before starting our days.
WHAT’S THE FIRST THING YOU EVER MADE THAT MADE YOU THINK, “OH… THIS IS WHO I AM”?
As a creative, the first time I felt the most aligned with my creative spirit was when I was in a sculpting class in college. The assignment was to sculpt a body to scale from a live nude figure. I figured I could just eye ball it instead of using my scale, and when the professor came around the room to critique and give direction, he looked at my piece and said “You’re not doing the assignment, but you’re an artist so I’m just going to let you do your thing”
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE LEARNED ABOUT BEAUTY THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH LOOKS?
Beauty, to me, is a quiet kind of truth. The kind you feel before you see. I’m not interested in impressing anyone. I’m interested in genuine connection and honest work.
WHAT’S ONE DECISION YOU’VE MADE THAT CHANGED YOUR CREATIVE PATH COMPLETELY?
Deciding to go to college even though I had no idea how I’d be able to make it work. It taught me that anything is possible if you put the work and determination in it and never, ever give up.
WHAT PART OF THE CREATIVE PROCESS DO YOU SECRETLY LOVE THE MOST - THE CHAOS, THE CLARITY, OR THE CLEANUP?
The clarity is so fun in interiors, especially when you’re collaborating with other people. There is nothing better than when you’re scheming and the pieces, colors, and textures come together and you realize your visions are aligning. I search for it in every aspect of design because when you hit that level of confidence and excitement in a project, the client feels it, sees it, and trusts you to execute.
WHAT’S A SMALL RITUAL THAT KEEPS YOU FEELING GROUNDED WHEN EVERYTHING GETS LOUD?
Calling my mom, taking a bath.
IF YOUR CREATIVITY HAD A SOUNDTRACK, WHAT WOULD THE OPENING BE?
It would be Packing It Up by Gracie Abrams. A quiet beginning. The moment of returning to myself before I make anything at all.
WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR WORK TO MAKE PEOPLE FEEL, NOT JUST SEE?
I want my work to make people feel the most like themselves and that there are no rules, and that they can do anything. Free, inspired, hopeful.
WHAT’S YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH PERFECTION? IS IT A FRIEND, FOE, OR NECESSARY EVIL?
I don’t believe in perfection the way most people talk about it. Not as flawlessness. Not as something polished beyond recognition. My version of “perfect” is when something makes you feel. When it holds intention, memory, atmosphere, or honesty. I’m more interested in choices that mean something than choices that impress everyone. I’d rather something be true than universally approved.
WHEN DID YOU LAST SURPRISE YOURSELF?
Two years ago, I cut bangs and they looked really good. I’ve been looking back on pictures and I’m shocked that I kind of want them back!
WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WISH SOMEONE HAD GIVEN YOU AT THE START OF YOUR CAREER?
Don’t be afraid to mess up. Firstly, you’re human and you’re learning and it is only going to make you stronger and better. Secondly, if someone makes you feel badly for making a mistake, it’s more of a reflection on them than on you. Almost anything is able to be worked through and fixed. We are creative after all. The more you fail, the more you know, and the better you’ll be able to problem solve moving forward.
WHEN THE DAY’S OVER AND THE EMAILS STOP, WHAT DO YOU REACH FOR THAT REMINDS YOU WHO YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Will. He is my home.