
My Name is Beth, and I Design Cool Stuff
I specialize in outlandish ideas and figuring out how to make them into reality. As the world is becoming increasingly digital, I have instead focused on tangible projects you experience in person.
I have been fortunate enough to design window displays, pop-up shops, interiors, and graphics for all kinds of companies, ranging from fabulous independently owned boutiques to some of the most prestigious fashion companies in the world (including Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Swarovski.)
But this isn’t where I planned to be, and really, when I decided on “my grown-up job,” I didn’t even know this was a career option.
The Beginning
As a little kid, I was beyond obsessed with two things: Legos and drawing fancy ladies in dresses. Who would have thought I could have merged these two things into a job?
One of my earliest memories is waking up, putting on my favorite ruffled denim skirt (so 80’s), and dumping all of my Legos out on the back porch. I would spend countless hours making new creations and lining them around my bedroom.
I’m sure my parents mostly remember this because of all the Legos they stepped on.
My other hobby, the fancy ladies in dresses, was a serious obsession. I would draw countless similar women in ballgown silhouettes, frequently adorned with puffy sleeves (again, so 80’s), and I never held back on the details.
My focus was always on the dress design, and I skimped on the detail of the actual person. Noses were always skipped, and hands were hard, so they were often behind the subject’s back or holding a bouquet of flowers.
My First Step
I’ve always been the type of person who just liked to make things, and when I learned that I could become an architect, I was all in. I was off to the University of Tennessee School of Architecture.
I absolutely loved architecture school and feel so grateful that I had the opportunity to learn many skills that I still use daily.
Hand drawing, digital modeling, and physical model building gave me the confidence to figure out how to put anything together. I was constantly coming up with new ideas, drawing, and constructing new things, and since then, I’ve never stopped.
After graduating in 2007, I thought I had everything all figured out. I got a job in Austin, TX working on high-end residential architecture, and everything seemed set. My coworkers were bright, my projects were interesting, and I was making a little money.
The firm I was at was only four people, which made it possible for me to learn so much. We created modern “Hill Country” style architecture, which is still prevalent in Austin. I worked on new builds and renovations and spent a massive amount of time modeling projects in Sketchup.
My boss was excellent at spacial planning, and I still use the lessons he taught me to this day. I also got to learn about the fun world of city codes!
Things keep going up from here, right?
Boy, was I wrong.
You can probably guess what came next: The Great Recession.
Architects all over the country lost their jobs due to layoffs. Being so fresh in my new career, I stood no chance. I was so lucky to have had the experience I did, but in 2010 I lost my job with everyone else.
At the time, this was a significant blow, but it turned out to be the best thing to have happened. This shift jolted me out of my comfort zone, and I decided to take a massive risk.
I packed up my bags and moved to NYC.
My new job was at a shop in Brooklyn, NY, that specializes in building window displays and other unusual installations. This hands-on work was entirely new to me. I learned so much about fashion, construction, and working with and leading a team.
Every day was different, and every project was a new challenge.
The fashion industry is fast-paced, pushing me to hone my skills and gain a fierce eye for detail. I learned to manage the entire construction process, from the initial design with the client to cost estimation, material research, working with fabricators, and final installation.
I brought my knowledge of architecture to this (new to me) world. In return, that world taught me so much. I had the opportunity to learn so much from the fantastic fabricators and unique experiences, like overnight installations in very tight spaces.
Some days I made 3D renderings for clients or programmed the CNC to route parts for an upcoming project. On other days I measured new retail windows or ordered materials to prototype a new idea.
These unique and fast-paced projects also brought on many problems that I had to learn how to solve quickly and efficiently.
Sometimes things needed to fit differently from how we had planned. Other times clients change their minds, and we must develop a new plan pronto.
Through all those experiences, I learned how to work with fabricators to strike the correct balance between the budget, time constraints, and the aesthetic vision.
All these adventures, the crazy ones included, have been essential to my success today. Working through issues has only strengthened my construction knowledge and ability to create better work.
Where I Am Today
In 2013, I decided to take another leap, and I went to work on my own. Since then, I have been designing and managing all sorts of creative projects.
By merging my creative skills with my technical architectural knowledge, I have built dynamic projects that stay within budget. My designs have been in shops and windows throughout North America, and I’ve been extremely fortunate to have traveled extensively.
I have created this little spot on the internet to share my journey of making things come to life and help you do the same. Whether you are looking for a new window display for your shop or an imaginative child’s bedroom, I love designing and figuring out how to construct the next challenge.
My goal in this space is to be a resource, so please feel free to email me with any crazy ideas, and let’s see if we can make them come to life.
Today, I live in Charleston, SC, with my husband, a US Air Force pilot. We have two VERY energetic rescue pups, and you can usually find us exploring the Lowcountry or planning our next big trip.
My Design Ethos
Whether you are a fashion house that could use help with a pop-up shop or you want to design the home of your dreams, my philosophy is the same: your space should reflect you or your brand’s personality.
Everyone has unique tastes and opinions, and our environment should reflect these values above all else. Design can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Need Help With Your Retail Design?
If you are a brand or boutique that would like a design consultation, check out a sample of my past work here, and please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Need Some Inspiration for Your Home?
My goal is to help you fill your home with your favorite things that make you joyful. When you look to your uniqueness to make design decisions, you will feel comfortable in your own space.
My experience in architecture and the luxury fashion display world has allowed me to merge ideas to create a totally unique perspective on design.
This blog will help teach you the fundamentals of designing a great room while guiding you to express your personality.
I want to help you find your individual style and teach you how to create spaces that you will not want to change completely depending on what is popular at the moment. You will learn how to add or change items in your home as you wish without feeling like you need to start from square one.
I review and share the best decor items on the market, giving you the best resources available when adding something new to your home. My goal is not to convince you to buy everything but to help you find the items that best fit you and your space.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story.
Ready to get started?