Women in Design 2018 - 29

Q&A with
Staci Patton

Hospitality Interior Design Leader | Principal
DLR Group
What have been your major
accomplishments since joining the
company?

In four short years, I've grown DLR Group's
Hospitality Interiors Studio from two projects to
50-plus projects; expanded our team to 20 interior
designers; and championed national recognition in
publications and through industry awards. At only
32 years old, I was named a DLR Group principal
and interior design leader. I'm immensely proud
of the work I've done, including opening boutique
properties in 2019, developing cutting-edge design
for lifestyle brands like AC Hotels by Marriott and
Canopy by Hilton, and for being named an up and
comer in Boutique Design's B18 class of 2017.

I was told right before being shoved into a
presentation. It was one of the best things my
mentor at the time could have done for me. I
learned as a young designer that "the sell"-
that single "wow" moment-creates a lasting
impression that is key to success. Leading
clients has been the biggest challenge and
opportunity of my career. Though I feel it comes
naturally to me, each day I seek to be a better
leader, extending patience, actively listening,
and promoting a culture of play that can foster
design brilliance.

dlrgroup.com

What have been some of your greatest
lessons learned?

'You have to mystify your client' is something

Gretchen Wahab

NCIDQ, LEED AP, Workplace Leader | Principal
DLR Group
How did your earlier career choices lead
you to where you are now?

Two years into my career as an interior designer,
I had the opportunity to join a group that focused
on workplace strategy and portfolio planning
consulting. It was a significant choice, as it
meant I'd be concentrating on the business side
of design. I quickly realized, however, that my
interests and mindset were well-suited to the
front-end, client engagement, strategic elements
of the design process. It's been incredibly
rewarding to engage in deep dive explorations of
our clients' culture and business strategies-a
process that allows me to see behind the curtain,
help define their vision, and provide meaningful
design guidance.

Work-life balance. Any piece of advice
for achieving this?
In my mind, the term work-life balance
suggests a separation between our personal

and professional life. In reality, these two
things are deeply intertwined and constantly
in flux. For me, it's vital to focus first on
how we take care of ourselves, and prioritize
activities that best support our individual
wellbeing and ability to perform. Making
time for meaningful connections, fueling our
body with nutritious food, staying hydrated,
remaining active, and getting quality sleep-
these are the foundations that support our
ability to fully show up with energy, clarity,
curiosity, and excitement for the opportunities
each day brings.

dlrgroup.com
http://www.dlrgroup.com http://www.dlrgroup.com http://www.dlrgroup.com http://www.dlrgroup.com
Women in Design 2018

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