Today we’d like to introduce you to Petra Rupp.
Hi Petra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Looking back, its now clear I was destined for this career path- I cared more about redecorating Barbies Dream Home than I did about the actual dolls themselves, and often asked to redecorate my room in lieu of a birthday present. More than once, my mom sent me to my room, only to find it completely rearranged (I figured out a way to move the big pieces by sliding shoebox lids and pushing them across the carpet). When it came time for college, I faced a crossroads of my two passions- travel/linguistics and design. So why choose just one? I got my undergrad in International Studies, Art, French and German and went on to higher education in Interior Design. Being a green designer, I started working for a Design/Build General Contractor while still in school and once I learned how the sausage is made I moved to Austin to start my business. Over a decade later, Collected Co is thriving in the residential, commercial and hospitality spaces and we pride ourselves on a personalized customer experience. I’m often asked what my design style is, and its really so much more individualized than that- I use my intuition to create the perfect spaces for each client and tailor their level of participation for each job. One common thread is my own life’s motto- ‘Bringing Vacation Mode into the everyday’, not only do I want to keep the design process as stress free on my clients, but I want them to sigh with happiness when they walk through their front door. We also love to utilize scent and a lil bit of magic- whether thats through crystals or the perfect piece of custom art painted by yours truly.
Nothing beats that ‘HGTV’ style reveal at the end- we often encourage our clients to take a lil day trip or vacation while we do the install, so they can return home (or to their business) to a completely transformed space. Happy tears optional, but encouraged.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In the grand scheme, it’s been a pretty smooth road- and I’m incredibly grateful for the clients we’ve worked with along the way. Many have become good friends, which makes sense given design is such a personal process. In the starting years, I was still surprised that people placed so much trust in us and one of the most important aspects of their lives- and I think that just drove me to constantly improve my craft and customer experience.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Collected Co?
We are a full service Interior Design firm serving residential, hospitality, and commercial clients. Offering a ‘soup to nuts’ approach, we are with you every step of the way. Some of my favorite projects are vacation homes and hospitality spaces, because I can really let my creativity run wild- and infuse some of the beautiful design I’ve witnessed on my travels (I’ve been to all 50 states and 55 countries…so far).
I’m also a trained artist, and love being able to provide a bespoke piece (or several) that really ties the design together. I also accept commissions and paint my own series, and it’s always an incredible experience to be able to provide that.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is traveling to Petra, Jordan. It was such a different part of the world than my little 9 year old self was used to, and witnessing the rich culture and architecture that has withstood millenniums has always stayed with me. Plus I got a t shirt with my name on it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://collected-co.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/petrarupp
Image Credits
Sarah Natsumi Moore
Madeline Harper Photo
