Q+A with Ashley
What does interior design mean to you?
Interior Design is a complex form of art – from a surface-level perspective, interior design projects require decisions around color palettes, furniture styles and furnishings, lighting fixtures, and more – but this merely scratches the surface of what it’s really all about. My work entails creative problem solving, rapid evolutions of ideas in response to feedback, and constant consideration of budget and time. Making the leap to Interior Design was no small feat, and for many designers, it’s a difficult journey filled with uncertainty. But because I had a passion for creating beautiful environs and expressing myself through creative avenues such as drawing, painting, and building, it was my calling!
How did you get started in design?
Design didn’t come for me right away. This is actually my second career. I was a data analyst in Public Health for almost 10 years prior, after double majoring in Biology and Philosophy for undergrad. It took a few years, because I truly believed the work we were doing was important and impactful (school-based violence prevention), but I couldn’t shake that creeping feeling that I wasn’t satisfied with the work I was doing, and the constant search for an “outlet” presented quite strongly. I ended up doing a self-guided workshop called The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron in 2016 and things became clear for me at the end of those 12 weeks. I immediately found and enrolled in an interior design program at a local college and decided to give it a shot. I was fortunate that my superiors at work were quite supportive, allowing me to alter my work schedule and commitments. After finishing school and a few internships in Philadelphia and New York, I moved to California with Michelle in full-time pursuit.
What drives your work as a designer?
I embrace different mediums, diversifying the tools and techniques I use to create spaces and objects that evoke powerful emotions and provide a clear path to a satisfying completion. We use a range of techniques to convey our ideas, from rudimentary sketches and painting through to digital prototyping and rendering. By thoughtfully combining the right design elements, I strive to create spaces and objects that are both visually and emotionally impactful. The heart of my design style centers on my appreciation for how spaces can be crafted to represent and reflect client values. These values and our collective desire to create an atmosphere of self expression in a powerful way, drive the focus of all of my projects. I believe design has the unique ability to create physical connections on an emotional level. It’s so much more than just selecting paint colors and click-to-buy furniture – it’s about creating an environment that resonates with its inhabitants in dynamic ways.
Any advice for aspiring designers?
I would say it’s important to develop a strong set of values and sense of self, so as not to get too consumed by the wanderlust aesthetic of it all. As designers we visually and emotionally consume a lot at once. Visually, we scour the planet, sifting through hundreds of thousands of items to find the one right thing for our projects. Emotionally we have to see through our client’s eyes, embody their perspective, and help interpret that through physical environments. And we must be able to think critically and creatively about how different design elements can work together to create these environments. The need to possess a deep knowledge of design fundamentals such as color theory, lighting principles, space planning, and materials selection is paramount.
In addition to the “fun” aspects of interior design, designers must also possess excellent project management and communication skills. The vision that we come up with organically and creatively must align with our client’s needs, timeline, and pretty importantly, budget. We must also be open to effective collaboration with other building professionals such as architects, carpenters and contractors to ensure that our vision comes to fruition.
For me, becoming an Interior Designer has been a challenging, yet rewarding journey. It required and continues to require dedication, skill, and passion for creating beautiful spaces that reflect me and my client’s values. With the right knowledge and attitude, designers can create unique projects that transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones. If that peeks your interest, rather than scare you away, push forward!