Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Healey.
Katie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started my journey right out of high school. I went to architecture school down in New Orleans where I fell in love with design. Following New Orleans, I ended up going to Art Center College of Design to finish off my education in their Environmental Design Program. This provided us with a more targeted knowledge of environmental (not to be confused with sustainable) or branded commercial designs. From there, and thanks to one of my favorite professors, Code Clark, I was able to get my first big corporate job.
Both my education and my first job afforded me the opportunity to practice a variety of different types of design. Architecture, environmental graphics, signage, interiors, branding, even a bit of urban planning…I was able to get a little taste of everything. This satisfied my ever-growing inner control freak in that I was able to tackle design from every angle. From the site to the building core and shell, to the rooms inside, to the furniture in those rooms, to the accessories on that furniture. This was extremely important because I realized that a good design is not just one of these things. It is how all of these things come together and interact with one another. Holistic, well-rounded design makes for a truly special, sometimes immersive experience for guests.
I currently work a great boutique firm in South Pasadena called House of Honey. There, we do both commercial and high-end residential spaces. While working in the big corporate world of design was an amazing learning experience for me, working in this smaller, boutique atmosphere is where my heart and soul lies. It also further fuels that inner control freak. I am able to run my own projects and see them through to the end – from concept to construction.
On the side, I currently do a lot of freelance 3D modeling, rendering, VR and drafting. One thing that is hard about the real design world is the pace at which technology moves. It is hard to stay fresh and keep up some of the technical skills that one learns in college. My freelance affords me just that.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
To me, the hardest part about design was confidence. But with each successful project or deliverable, slowly but steadily, my confidence is at a point where I can successfully execute a project on my own. Design is about rationalizing and distilling meaning in the world around us. Sometimes even finding meaning and purpose where there seaming isn’t any. Thanks to the many people that taught me and guided me along the way, I was also able to learn how to think and understand the process of practical design. I was taught the rules and codes that it takes to make a building safely stand, and I was taught how to properly break and bend those rules and codes to come up with new, fun design. Finally, grasping that concept has given me great confidence in my both my career and my life.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
On a practical level, success means having a lot of projects to work on at once. A lot of people seeking my out as a designer to work with them or for them on a project.
On an emotional level, success to me is being able to design that well-rounded project. When I get to design as much of a project as I possibly can.
Contact Info:
- Website: kthealey.com
- Phone: 917-885-1626
- Email: kghealey@gmail.com
- Instagram: itsa_me_kt
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