What does design mean to you?
Design means many things to me. At the root of its meaning, design is about creating and finding the perfect mix of utility and beauty – allowing for relationships to evolve and happen, and for narratives to ignite out of connection through our spaces, objects, and the pieces we interact with.
Can you tell us about the origins of your studio, Overcast Studio? What made you realize you wanted to start a studio, and how do you approach your aesthetic?
Honestly, after earning my degree, I went through several bouts at design jobs that I thought would have more promise (plus, worked as a barista and delivery driver). When I made the space to really reflect on what I wanted, it came down to the realization that what’s most important to me is transforming spaces and working closely alongside my current and future clients. Overcast Studio was born out of the need and want for our spaces to reflect our truest forms – even when it’s overcast outside, or in an overcast season of life. We spend a lot of our lives indoors (87%)! I think a lot about how the silver linings in our lives really build our character and deeply inform how we interact with each other and the spaces we occupy. I knew I wanted to be a part of creating that silver lining with my clients through the spatial work I create.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
My relationships and experiences. Discussions with friends are an integral part of my inspiration process, as I try to center my work around how we interact within space. The architecture of thought, philosophies, and the thoughts shared between people continue to inform how I work.
What are some of your favorite things/items in your house?
This is a tough one! My easy answer would be the 27 table lamps I have in storage, but more realistically – my favorite pieces are the ones that are satisfyingly tangible, useful, and beautiful. I love having wool felt placemats to soften surfaces, and I stay hydrated using my bkr bottles.
Who are some designers or companies that you are particularly into now?
I’ll try not to geek out about too many lighting companies – but that’s a sector that I love to focus on. I’d say at the moment, Bocci, Venini, FreelingWaters, and Humanhome really have my attention and continue to capture me with their innovation.
How do you think about using design to elevate your home and the world around you?
It’s all about close observation, contemplation, and reflection. When I do this with my clients, we find that it’s sometimes the simplest changes that make the biggest impact. Elevating your home is a custom process, which differs for every space and every client.
You mention that you like to focus on arrangements that create a cohesive narrative. Can you talk through how you approach that?
I used to work as a baker, and so I’ve more recently started to take an approach with clients where we add all of their goals, dreams, and ideas (ingredients), and then we play around and refine how those all mix together. I’d say that a great story is just like a good loaf of bread – it’s balanced, shareable, relatable, and tangible, but also delicious and beautiful. My design approach to storytelling takes a similar direction, just applied to spaces.
