We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kathryn Nelson. Check out our conversation below.
Kathryn, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Time with my daughter, cooking new recipes, working on my garden and staying active – be it yoga, strength-training or swimming.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m born and raised in Dallas – had a winding career path that led me to interior design. After working in hospitality and high-end residential/private resort sectors, I took a chance on myself and started my company 8 years ago. I hired my first employee six months in and haven’t looked back since. Kathryn Nelson Design is an award-winning interiors firm that specializes in full-service design services for residential new construction, renovations and FFE procurement for the busy professional. While our passion is in residential, we are capable of and have worked on multi-family, retail and commercial endeavors with partners. We are very lifestyle focused in our work. We have no set style…every property and space are unique and deserving of their own thoughtful, original design that speaks back to and respects the property’s architectural manner. The one thing we insist on is doing so in an ethical, honest and mindful way. By using as many Eco-minded and sustainable materials as we can, donating salvageable items to local charities, repurposing and reupholstering and reducing construction waste, we intend to help create a greener future for the design + build world.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Trust can make or break any relationship – be it personal or professional. With our industry, our clients are putting a lot of trust in us and we know this. We are grateful to gain most of our clients through referrals from trusted peers, trades and previous clients, so the assurance is already somewhat instilled in them from the start. Where we work to build upon is those clients who find us online, through social media or other advertisements. We always engage in person, candidly and honestly and work hard to nurture these new opportunities prior to moving towards signing contracts and engaging in a project together.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering teaches you the real meaningful parts of your life – it pulls the blinders off, removes the bull and aims your focus on what truly matters most and shows your true character. Success like life comes in waves – up and down, good and bad – it’s how we handle the journey and how we treat everyone around us that makes the difference in the end. At least that’s what I think…
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
If I cannot see it – it’s not my problem. We recently added this statement to our design investment guide which we present during an initial consultation with a new potential client; “We do not sell, support or propose ‘fast furniture’. According to the EPA, over 80% of the 12.2 million tons of furniture waste generated annually in the United States alone ends up in landfills, a significant portion of which is ‘fast furniture'”. Our goal is to help educate the public about the long term effects of these short term solutions. That doesn’t mean we only sell bench made furniture that costs a fortune and blows a smaller budget quickly. We are mindful to source from reputable, sustainable and responsible manufacturers whom we know and trust in hopes to help decrease the waste that this industry is guilty of. In the end, we can all do better.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I truly believe I was born for this career. It took me a lot of hard work, education and a little wandering career-wise to get myself here, but that was my journey and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It is ever-evolving, keeps me consistently educating myself, always making great new introductions and building relationship across the industry. Like the city of Dallas, interior design is a great big industry but also a small one at the same time…everyone knows everyone or someone you’ve worked with…that’s what I love about it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kathrynnelsondesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathrynnelsonid/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-nelson-asid-rid-ncidq-39994633/
Image Credits
Robert Tsai
