Her Story
About Brittany
I've been in the interior design field for 7 years, and I currently serve as the executive designer for a cabinetry startup here in Atlanta, where I've been for almost a year. My journey began when I decided to put myself through interior design school, and I started freelancing pretty much 6 months into my studies. I was a sole proprietor for many years after that, and then when I moved to Atlanta, I focused specifically on cabinetry, remodels, new builds, and Italian furniture. As a human-centered design specialist, I love to focus and hone in on environments that are emotionally supportive, psychologically impactful, and centered on the sensory experience. It very much takes a look at those different systems and what actually creates an impactful environment. My day-to-day responsibilities are comprehensive - I start with client intake when they're just looking for ideas on pricing and how much to invest in their kitchen, and I navigate them through that industry and market all the way from measure to design to renderings to billing, encompassing the whole layout and all responsibilities through project completion. What inspired me to get into this field was my children, who are both autistic. With my oldest, therapy started so young, and that's when I really started to learn how the environment really does impact us, from lighting to colors to flow and function to the overall atmosphere. They really gave me my catalyst for why I do what I do. I think it's a superpower to be able to have that unspoken emotional connection with the end user, and depending on where it is you're trying to achieve, it's just deeply meaningful in that way.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Brittany
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would attribute my success to my children. Both of them are actually autistic - my oldest one is more severe, my youngest should probably never even know - but with my oldest, therapy started so young, and that's when I really started to learn how the environment really does impact us. From lighting to colors to flow, function, to the overall atmosphere, they really gave me my catalyst for why I do what I do. I think it's a superpower to be able to have that unspoken emotional connection with the end user, so depending on where it is you're trying to achieve, it's just deeply meaningful in that way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to keep my passion, because everyone that I speak with, they see my passion for what I do, and it's undeniable, and to maintain that authenticity. My whole goal is for my clients to understand that even though the process can feel overwhelming, it should still be a beautiful time in their life and in that transformation, because it will be long-lasting. It's really about maintaining that authenticity, and then I have that emotional, intelligent way of communication with my clients, and maintaining that type of relationship where it doesn't just feel transactional to them. It's very transformative.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say that even though you may experience a double standard that many women face in this particular professional environment, where direct communication and confidence has to be held but sometimes can be told that it's too aggressive, just learning how to navigate that with a strong sense of leadership and clear communication is important. But then also being aware of your emotional delivery in it as well, while maintaining those boundaries. And then also looking for other support in the area - connecting with other women groups where you can connect with other women within the industry.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would have to say that it's a male-dominated industry.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, number one - doing the right thing no matter if it's how easy or hard that may be. I would also say consistency. But really, integrity is it for me.
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