Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Betesh
Hi Stephanie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I went to UT austin school of architecture and studied interior design. After I graduated I moved to New York and worked for a few different architecture and design firms there, most notably Parts and Labor Design which focuses primarily on hospitality and restaurant projects where every piece of furniture and lighting is custom. In 2020 I returned to austin to work for local firm Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, and also worked for MML hospitality’s in house design team, Lambert McGuire Design. While at LMD I began working on my own independent projects on the side which eventually propelled me to start my own business and go out on my own. My latest project will be featured on Elle Decor Online as a global exclusive in the upcoming months. Also while working for myself I came across Colonys furniture design residency program on Instagram and applied on a whim. I was accepted and relocated to NYC temporarily for the duration of the residency. The residency allowed me to design and manufacture my first collection of furniture and lighting which launched in June and is currently on view at Colony’s gallery space in NYC.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The creative path is non linear but since most other paths are, I never felt encouraged in my traditional education to be an independent designer. Because of that, I think one of the hardest parts is the beginning– taking the leap to be an independent designer. It requires a lot of confidence and the ability to not be risk averse. Finding comfort in the uncertainty and allowing yourself to be self critical in order to edit down is another challenge. That conversation of asking yourself, is this worth making or doing, do I actually believe in this, is always a bit of a mind game.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am formally trained as an interior designer and will always maintain that practice, but through that experience of working on highly custom hospitality projects. I gained the appropriate experience that allowed me to have an independent practice designing objects, furniture, and lighting. These objects are sometimes project specific and sometimes are part of a collection that can be purchased for the home. I am proud that I have the will and ability to offer both a service and goods, and can exercise both of those creative muscles. I think this sets me apart from others, as does my communication style with clients. I like to make sure I am approachable, and I want to ensure clients feel comfortable and casual throughout the process so I usually open up texting and DMing, in addition to more formal communication styles to ensure clients feel like they can send some inspiration to me on a whim.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was always a bit of a troublemaker and never a rule follower 🙂 I was constantly getting into mischief at school and never really doing my homework. I only ever liked art in the traditional academic setting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Ember-studio.co
- Instagram: Emberstudio__
Image Credits
David Michell was the photographer for all photos
