A new generation of creative professionals and designers are moving towards workflows and ways of creating that are sustainable, yet transformative to their creative process.
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Kat Rodriguez is the founder and CEO of Kat's Interior Style, a NYC-based interior design studio. We sat down with Kat to discuss her journey through design, the projects she’s loved working on most and how she represents a fresh, new perspective on virtual and sustainable sampling.
My journey into interior design had an unconventional path. Despite always having a deep interest in interior design, I initially pursued psychology, earning a Master's Degree and working in that field for several years. Even during my mental health training, my passion for interiors remained strong. I found myself constantly creating room mock-ups and taking on design projects for friends and family.
Over time, I noticed people seeking my design input, leading me to the realization that my true calling lay in interior design. Motivated by that recognition, I decided to establish my own company, dedicating myself to it on a full-time basis. It seems that deep down, I always knew this was my path and I have no regrets; Kat’s Interior Style is my baby. I’ve been able to use so much of my previous training in my current design business by helping my clients manage renovation-related anxieties and conflicts. It has made me a more empathic, resilient and dedicated designer. This has been the basis of my customer service experience and I believe that’s why my business has thrived from word of mouth referrals and repeat customers.
I cater to a pretty diverse clientele, most of whom lack the time, inclination, or expertise to tackle their own design projects independently. I have had the pleasure to work on private homes, commercial spaces and short-term rentals. Collaborating with small business owners is definitely something I hope to lean into a bit more. My commercial work has brought opportunities for more creative freedom, whilst always integrating my signature sophisticated aesthetic to new ventures. I’m actually starting a new project very soon, working on a luxe coffee shop which I’m very excited about, so look out for that!
While my business is headquartered in New Jersey, I've taken on numerous projects across the tri-state area. Additionally, I've extended my design expertise to locations in Florida and the Dominican Republic. I attract clients from various parts of the Northeast and am enthusiastic about the prospect of broadening my reach to new and diverse areas. The virtual aspect and capacity of my business is definitely conducive to expanding the range of my work geographically.
My most cherished project was a recent endeavor involving a custom-built home. The house spanned an impressive 6,000 square feet. I became involved in the project during the framing stage, allowing me to contribute design decisions down to the smallest detail throughout the construction process. Once the build was complete, I took on the additional task of furnishing and decorating the entire home. Witnessing the transformation of this residence from its initial concept to the finished product was incredibly gratifying.
At the time of this project, I was operating as a solo designer. Reflecting on the finished home, I can't help but feel a profound sense of pride for what I accomplished. That undertaking stands as my most substantial project to date, instilling in me a sense of confidence that I can tackle any design challenge.
Keeping up with trends is key! I understand the importance of being up to date with trends and styles in order to meet my client’s needs. Right now, I’m really loving the earthy styles that are warm and grounded in nature.
While I keep up with trends, I don’t depend on them too much; versatility and the client’s individual tastes and styles are priority to me so my inspiration comes from many angles! Traveling is a huge source of inspiration and the tropics always do it for me. If you take a close look at my designs you’ll find subtle traces of earthy aesthetics; the plants, the greens, the open spaces. You will definitely find an elevated yet light and down to earth aesthetic which should feel like a literal breath of fresh air!
I also enjoy checking out the work of other talented designers; there's so much creativity out there that truly inspires me. Social media plays a fantastic role in connecting us and thus exposing us to fresh concepts and ideas that might not be part of our everyday lives. I’m very easily inspired by a color scheme, mixtures of textures, imagery - it can really be anything. My clients call it my ‘designer brain’, so being exposed to other creators and forms of art feels like a window of inspiration that keeps my creativity flowing. I’ve even found inspiration in my graphic designer's amazing work!
My journey into design began with e-design, even before I built my business. It all really started when I tackled a super tough renovation of my own, while working full time, raising a toddler, and therefore being limited by time and distance. I was forced to find creative ways to communicate with our team from a different state. Only after surviving that chaos did I decide to offer full-scale design services. E-design and remote project management have this cool perk – they let us team up with clients we might not have met otherwise. I'm super excited to add my unique 'Kat stamp' to as many spaces as possible!
But here's the scoop: even though it's not in-person, the effort and dedication required are just as critical, if not more, than a regular project. We rely on pictures, videos and measurements our clients send us to make the magic happen. It can feel a bit nerve-wracking because nothing beats being right there in a space to do your absolute best work. Yet, it's a challenge we're totally up for, making sure every project, whether in-person or online, gets the same level of care and attention.
Streamlining my processes has been the major focus for me this year. I've been laser-focused on finding the best way to offer top-notch services to my clients while keeping it simple for myself and my expanding team. The less time I need to spend on the logistical components, the more time I can dedicate to the creative process. Over the past year, I've thoroughly tested various workflow tools, and I've finally settled into a solid routine.
Currently, I'm using HoneyBook as my CRM, and it's been a game-changer for onboarding and managing clients. Once I dive into a project, I use Mattoboard to visualize the spaces and create actual design concepts. It's more than just a moodboard; I use it to bring together furniture pieces, paint options and accessories in one spot. I often generate multiple concepts for the same space until I pinpoint my favorites.
My clients absolutely love receiving these concepts, especially since they're in 3D – and let's be real, we all love our cool gadgets. Materio handles all project management tasks, even for e-design projects and, finally, I render the rooms in Foyr Neo.
In my world, all my clients are busy bees – always on the move or wishing they were home more often. This dynamic often means they entrust me with the keys to their spaces, and our communication primarily happens through texts and emails. Juggling different phases of our design project in person can be a bit tricky. That's where Mattoboard swoops in, saving the day by eliminating the need for frequent face-to-face meetings to discuss my design selections with clients.
Here's the real magic: Mattoboard has been so effective that I haven't even had to tap into my Material Bank account. It's a game-changer, streamlining my projects, and making them more efficient while also giving Mother Earth a little break on the carbon footprint front. I'm that person who thinks about the whole production and shipping process and wasting resources just doesn't sit right with me. So, using a platform like Mattoboard that promotes environmentally friendly practices feels like a win. And let's not forget, my clutter-free office is absolutely loving it too.
The future feels like AI and technology are going to be big tools in the design game. It's exciting to think of all the possibilities that technology has given us over the years and what’s to come. Technology has the potential to expedite the creative process while not stealing our creative gigs! I’m all for freeing up some time for us to dive deeper into the personal aspects of creating beautiful spaces for our clients; helping people refine their style, tapping into their minds, and helping them imagine their ideal space so we can bring those visions to life.
On the flip side, the future of interior design is looking pretty green, I’m talking sustainability vibes. Repurposed items, sourcing products locally, buying modular furniture that allows you to adapt and change spaces as you please, environmentally friendly paints/finishes, and biophilic design such as bringing greenery indoors is not only good for the planet, but good for us and our health as well. Our home planet matters just as much as our homes do. I definitely foresee that the movement for more ethical, sustainable and Earth-friendly products and practices will continue to grow, in a way that promotes a new fashion of decision-making.
Balancing technology and sustainability is crucial for creating a more environmentally-friendly and socially responsible future.
Interior design is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating the spaces that bring us joy, calm, and comfort. There’s so much significance in the spaces where we rest, weave stories, create memories, and foster well-being. There’s something special about being part of such a process, to know that you’ve played a part in turning a couple of walls into someone’s sanctuary or their happy place! As a result, I do not take my work lightly and I respect the work that we are all doing (directly as designers or indirectly through the tools and programs that empower designers) to create harmonious living spaces for the people that we serve.
You can find info on Kat's Interior Style here.
Mattoboard is a 3D tool for designers. Our drag and drop technology helps you design quickly & experiment endlessly. Stay on trend and use visual storytelling to create mood and material boards.
