Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Ekeland.
Hi Kristen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I grew up in New York and Connecticut with creativity in my blood. My grandfather was an illustrator, and both grandmothers loved to paint. My interest in interior design emerged when I was young. About every 5 years, we tended to move towns or homes, from a Victorian Brooklyn brownstone to a brick Mediterranean to a Tudor pre-war co-op. Searching for the new house was equally exciting for me as the time spent making it our home, especially decorating my new bedroom. Through that experience, I developed a strong appreciation for architectural details and an interest in space planning, a passion that laid the foundation for my becoming an interior designer.
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 road to founding Studio Gild with my two partners was about time invested in learning from other great designers and gaining the confidence to trust my eye and design instincts. By Studio Gild’s launch in 2014, we had a clear vision of how we wanted to run the firm and the expertise needed to oversee projects locally and beyond.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am one of the founders of Studio Gild, an Interior Design firm with offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. Although we have done some boutique hospitality work, we focus mainly on residential design. Our services include working with clients on new construction homes and renovating existing homes. I especially enjoy collaborating with clients to create a beautiful home that reflects their design aesthetic and supports how they live and use their home. Trust is the most important aspect of this design marriage, which is why we pride ourselves on the fact that many of our clients return to us with each home they buy – a true mark of a successful project. Establishing a visual road map for each project is also essential to ensure the client understands how we will get from point A to point B and what the result will look like. Working with local artisans and tapping into the surrounding culture helps add authenticity to a home and further connect it to its environment. And most important, the home needs to be a comfortable place of refuge, the place one is excited to return to at the end of the day.
What are your plans for the future?
My future goals are to get more clients in Austin! My second home was at Hotel San Jose for years, with morning breakfast tacos and fresh OJ from Jo’s Coffee shop. My kids are finally growing out of the Armadillo t-shirts I brought home as souvenirs. Luckily, our client is building an addition to their current house, so by late fall, I’ll be returning to S. Congress and working again with our favorite Austin vendors.
Contact Info:
- Website: studiogild.com
- Instagram: studiogild
Image Credits
Mike Schwartz, Ryan McDonald, Erika Dufour
