บทถอดความฉบับเต็มของ Stephanie Hoffmeier: Architectural Design and Tile Trends

we'll be definitely diving into more about that. 00:02:11.131 --> 00:02:13.283 I want to pick your brain about all of your favorites. 00:02:13.283 --> 00:02:21.050 So can you tell us about being a certified kitchen and bathroom remodeler and how that gives you an edge in the industry? 00:02:21.941 --> 00:02:28.123 So our company was a part of Nary for quite a long time and through that they offered certifications. 00:02:28.123 --> 00:02:36.108 So whether you're a project manager or you're a GC or you're a designer, there was different opportunities for you to get certified. 00:02:36.108 --> 00:02:46.080 And I took the kitchen and bath certification and it was a course where, like, you met weekly and you had to study from books and at the end you were tested and then from there you became certified. 00:02:46.080 --> 00:03:08.325 So you know, the test included crazy questions like wiring types and, of course, clearances for like how far the teepee holder needs to be up on the wall or like how I don't know just about anything like how far the wall needs to be from the toilet, and that really helped me just solidify these codes that come up in every project and I can just speak to them so easily. 00:03:08.346 --> 00:03:18.143 Yeah, that's great and it sounds like having that background in construction management probably just all like mesh together to really assist with that as well. 00:03:19.004 --> 00:03:23.364 Yeah, and the construction management like what I was exposed to was, you know, there was a class about schedule. 00:03:23.364 --> 00:03:27.052 There was a class about here's all the things you need to take into consideration. 00:03:27.052 --> 00:03:28.567 That's not just design driven. 00:03:28.567 --> 00:03:39.829 So with a design build company that I work for, it's like I can make pretty things, but I need to make pretty things on a budget and on time and then it needs to be constructed on budget and on time. 00:03:39.829 --> 00:03:42.949 So really, this is the right fit, yeah. 00:03:42.968 --> 00:03:43.831 Awesome. 00:03:43.831 --> 00:03:44.822 I love it. 00:03:44.822 --> 00:03:55.088 That's such an interesting journey and path that you've gone down, and then just all of these wonderful things in your life that have kind of come together to lead you exactly where you are today. 00:03:55.088 --> 00:04:00.665 So, stephanie, we also follow you on Instagram under the handle she designs Philly. 00:04:00.665 --> 00:04:04.450 What do you love most about the wonderful city of Philadelphia? 00:04:05.259 --> 00:04:05.921 Oh, everything. 00:04:05.921 --> 00:04:08.631 I mean I live here, I work here, I went to college here. 00:04:08.631 --> 00:04:17.862 I grew up in a small town in Lancaster County and Philadelphia has so much culture and opportunity, food. 00:04:17.862 --> 00:04:20.047 I mean there's so much to do here. 00:04:20.047 --> 00:04:28.069 You're so close to New York City, You're so close to, you know the shore and you can just with 20 minutes get just about anywhere by going to the airport. 00:04:28.069 --> 00:04:30.293 So it's a wonderful city. 00:04:30.293 --> 00:04:35.591 There's a lot to offer, amazing people, amazing food, and I wouldn't have it any other way. 00:04:36.920 --> 00:04:38.505 I've been there once and I fell in love. 00:04:38.505 --> 00:04:39.889 I really, really enjoyed my time. 00:04:40.600 --> 00:04:42.384 Well, that and the homes are so old. 00:04:42.384 --> 00:04:53.740 I mean I own an 1880s row home and I mean you have to maintain homes of that age, but I bought character that isn't as easy to buy with something new. 00:04:53.740 --> 00:04:55.942 So it's everywhere. 00:04:56.463 --> 00:05:20.391 Yeah, so, living in a historic city and knowing also that Bellwether is more of a traditional design firm, can you speak to I don't know the passion behind preserving history and maybe some of the difficulties that you might run into as a designer when it comes to preserving those historical homes? 00:05:20.721 --> 00:05:33.745 Yeah Well, I will say I definitely thrive in the traditional design, but we also have other really talented designers on staff that do the more modern flair or the mid-century homes, which we've also have a ton of in our portfolio. 00:05:33.745 --> 00:05:39.595 But when I'm taking on the traditional homes, I'm like I'm thinking about okay, well, you know, there's this awesome trim. 00:05:39.595 --> 00:05:43.286 There's always considerations, where was it ever painted with lead paint? 00:05:43.286 --> 00:05:45.072 But there's ways to restore. 00:05:45.072 --> 00:05:47.624 So I don't try to trash everything. 00:05:47.624 --> 00:05:51.050 I definitely try to say, hey, like what trim can we mimic? 00:05:51.050 --> 00:05:52.874 Or like find a knife for and cut. 00:05:52.874 --> 00:05:55.163 So it's the exact same, but newer materials? 00:05:55.163 --> 00:06:02.254 Or, you know, is there the doors on the inside that we can keep and maybe sand down and refinish? 00:06:02.254 --> 00:06:06.845 I, you know, if there's a beautiful piece, I'm not going to trash it. 00:06:06.845 --> 00:06:13.071 I'm definitely going to keep it and try to work it into the design or find a way to repurpose it in another area of the house. 00:06:13.540 --> 00:06:15.687 Yeah, no need to reinvent the wheel. 00:06:15.687 --> 00:06:19.449 It sounds like they did some amazing things in the past. 00:06:20.259 --> 00:06:22.601 I mean we should honor for sure, absolutely. 00:06:22.903 --> 00:06:24.788 I love that perspective Cool. 00:06:24.788 --> 00:06:33.641 So, stephanie, I went down the rabbit hole. 00:06:33.641 --> 00:06:37.971 I looked up your own website and she designs Philly seems to be like your brand and you have some amazing things there at LTK Amazon storefront. 00:06:37.971 --> 00:06:43.466 And I also saw some really great information on your blog about being 40 under 40. 00:06:43.466 --> 00:06:46.031 I believe it was in 2020. 00:06:46.031 --> 00:06:50.786 Can you

give us some insight into what that honor was like for you? 00:06:51.447 --> 00:06:57.850 Yeah, well, I mean, I was younger, obviously at the time and I was like this is pretty cool. 00:06:57.850 --> 00:06:58.552 I'm in a group. 00:06:58.552 --> 00:07:08.232 It was through an industry magazine, I believe it was like Pro Remodeler, and they chose 40 people around the country, under 40 years old that are doing amazing things. 00:07:08.232 --> 00:07:16.971 And you know, I get the magazine and I can see it every year at the office and I'm like look at all these awesome people who are anywhere between their early 20s to 40. 00:07:16.971 --> 00:07:21.581 And they have all different job titles and they're doing all these awesome things in the industry. 00:07:21.581 --> 00:07:28.552 And it was such an honor to be recognized for, you know, being a designer and the lead in that regard. 00:07:28.552 --> 00:07:31.196 So, yeah, I was honored and very surprised. 00:07:32.461 --> 00:07:33.483 Yeah, so cool. 00:07:33.483 --> 00:07:35.648 I loved it Finding that out about you. 00:07:35.648 --> 00:07:44.584 So, stephanie, we chat a little bit about kitchen and bath design, um, and I would love to go ahead and dive in and talk about tiles. 00:07:44.584 --> 00:07:46.264 That's what we're all about. 00:07:46.264 --> 00:07:51.307 We would love to hear how you weave tiles into your architectural designs. 00:07:51.307 --> 00:07:53.889 And then, what trends are you currently vibing with? 00:07:54.891 --> 00:07:56.512 Okay, lots to talk about here. 00:07:56.512 --> 00:08:00.800 I will start with maybe like what I'm seeing a lot, or maybe what I'm designing a lot. 00:08:00.800 --> 00:08:09.196 These little handcrafted tiles are just so beautiful and it's so much better than having a factory finish I mean, there's nothing wrong with it. 00:08:09.196 --> 00:08:12.920 But in these older homes I'm trying to add character. 00:08:12.920 --> 00:08:39.784 So having this handcrafted look, where there's texture and there's, you know, visual interest, where it's not every single color, is the quite exact same on the tile, I'm really interested in that, whether it's incorporating blues and greens, like we've done together already, or it's an off-white because the client wants something lighter and airier, I'm really trying to incorporate that and as far away as I can get from a three by six subway tile, I will do so. 00:08:39.985 --> 00:08:50.760 Lately I've been, I've been really into like the four by four squares or just slightly larger with the five by five, but a square tile I'm finding ways to incorporate in unique ways. 00:08:50.760 --> 00:08:59.980 So maybe, like in a more modern setting it's a stacked grid, but maybe in a more traditional setting it's an offset 50% and it just looks really nice. 00:08:59.980 --> 00:09:03.158 So you'll see that coming up in quite a few of my projects. 00:09:03.158 --> 00:09:13.902 But otherwise I also am seeing a lot and I'm also incorporating

a lot into my projects, like a checkerboard floor, whether it's like a porcelain, you know two-tone, or it's a marble two-tone. 00:09:13.902 --> 00:09:19.400 A lot of people like it and I think it probably had its time in the past and it's here again. 00:09:32.212 --> 00:09:41.302 A lot of people like it and I think it probably had its time in the past and it's here again and, just like any other trend, things will come and go, but if you use oh, this is like, oh, this looks like Italy, um. 00:09:41.302 --> 00:09:48.725 And then as far as the ceramic subway tiles, like that Zellie style, um, we carry a lot of those different tiles. 00:09:48.725 --> 00:10:00.191 My favorite that you should look into if you have it, is the I think it's two and a half by 16 are Lake tiles and they are well. 00:10:00.211 --> 00:10:02.703 I have them installed in my own backsplash and every time people come over they go straight to my kitchen. 00:10:02.703 --> 00:10:03.066 This is amazing. 00:10:03.066 --> 00:10:03.589 Where did you get this? 00:10:03.589 --> 00:10:04.833 I'm like you know where I got this. 00:10:05.778 --> 00:10:08.889 You know, there's a tile that I'm trying so hard to incorporate. 00:10:08.889 --> 00:10:13.780 It's the Luna tile, the new tile that has that like sort of crest shape. 00:10:13.780 --> 00:10:15.211 But then there's also the flat one. 00:10:15.211 --> 00:10:17.639 I love the colors, I just need to find the right project. 00:10:17.639 --> 00:10:19.928 So, the flat one, I love the colors, I just need to find the right project. 00:10:19.950 --> 00:10:24.120 Yes, oh, it's taken off from the end of last year onto this year. 00:10:24.120 --> 00:10:35.841 I mean, it's flying off the shelves, the Luna whites, and we're seeing the arc, like you said, with the kind of crest selling a lot, and then the Celadon is just gorgeous with that pop of blue. 00:10:35.841 --> 00:10:37.836 So, yeah, so fun. 00:10:37.836 --> 00:10:45.195 I love to hear all of those trends and things that you're vibing with right now. 00:10:45.195 --> 00:10:46.057 So let's see. 00:10:46.057 --> 00:10:53.099 So, when you're collaborating with your clients, stephanie, how do you balance their vision with your own creative mojo? 00:10:54.061 --> 00:11:03.833 That's a great question and I mean, when you're working as a in a design build firm like mine, we tailor a lot to what our homeowners are looking for because they are coming to us for that. 00:11:03.833 --> 00:11:18.721 You know, outside of that traditional model where you have you hired a designer and then that designer finds a GC and then you have to ultimately find the right price and build it, I feel like with a design build company, you're coming in and it can be a little bit more hands on. 00:11:18.721 --> 00:11:30.607 So if a homeowner is like you know, I have an idea for a color scheme but I really need the professional's opinion to see it through, that's where I come in and I start with OK, let's see what your inspiration looks like. 00:11:30.607 --> 00:11:48.174 And then let me ask quite a few questions and get your feedback. 00:11:48.174 --> 00:11:53.864 We even have lifestyle surveys that we put together for specifically like bath projects or kitchen projects, which you know go down the rabbit hole too, of all these things that they might not have considered. 00:11:53.884 --> 00:12:00.573 From all of that we then say, ok, like as the professional here with our expertise, it seems like and it sounds like you're interested in X, y and Z, and then from there taking their inspiration and taking maybe even our own inspiration. 00:12:00.573 --> 00:12:08.773 Like, there's times where I'll put together a Pinterest board, even though the owner also put one together, and I'm saying here's what I'm seeing and then here's sort of what you brought to the table. 00:12:08.773 --> 00:12:15.277 Can we find something that works for your budget, that works for your styles, and move forward in that direction? 00:12:15.277 --> 00:12:22.296 And there's even times where say you know it's a partnership and the owners together don't have the same style. 00:12:22.296 --> 00:12:28.573 And there's even times where say you know it's a partnership and the owners together don't have the same style, and that's fun and challenging but you know it happens, that's so interesting. 00:12:28.653 --> 00:12:31.563 So what does one do when that happens? 00:12:31.563 --> 00:12:36.780 Like you just kind of have to fuse the two together or find a way to make that compliment. 00:12:36.801 --> 00:12:46.676 Yeah, I mean you come from it, from like a marriage counseling standpoint, and you're like, okay, I'm hearing you and I hear you and what I'm seeing is like we can definitely merge these. 00:12:46.676 --> 00:12:50.029 And really today I don't think there's any rules in design. 00:12:50.029 --> 00:13:16.636 When it's like you know, one of the partners wants mid-century and the other one wants something that feels way more traditional, there's an opportunity for that like transitional everyone's using this word as pretty much like putting two different styles together and you can do that and you can say, hey, you know, maybe your cabinetry pulls more of that mid-century, modern vibe, but in a traditional sense, maybe we're looking at, you know, like the light fixtures and the plumbing fixtures having more of that traditional profile. 00:13:16.636 --> 00:13:21.235 It has been done and it will be done again and the situation will definitely come up again. 00:13:21.235 --> 00:13:24.042 It's just the designer, you know, taking that on. 00:13:24.929 --> 00:13:35.057 Yeah, so walk us through what it means to be an architectural designer, from taking concept to actually, you know, mocking it up, presenting it. 00:13:35.057 --> 00:13:36.159 What does that entail? 00:13:36.159 --> 00:13:37.410 Where do you start with that? 00:13:38.394 --> 00:13:48.578 So we in our process, we have initial design, and

then that kind of lends itself into schematic design, and then, once they go into our full design process, that's where we start to develop the construction drawings. 00:13:48.578 --> 00:13:58.403 So, as an architectural designer, that does mean that I have the degree in architecture, but I'm not a licensed practicing architect, so I can't stamp drawings in that regard. 00:13:58.403 --> 00:14:02.596 But what I can do is I can draw and I can come up with the designs and put things together. 00:14:02.596 --> 00:14:09.322 It then just potentially has to go to someone else for stamping, but through that process, you know, we can start with sketches. 00:14:09.322 --> 00:14:12.395 It's like trace paper, like it's very early on. 00:14:12.395 --> 00:14:30.129 From that point we start to develop the direction and as you kind of go through these phases of design, you start to go from concept to hypothetical reality, like nothing is set in stone until walls are being built and demo has happened, and even then there's, you know, technically still some time for some changes. 00:14:30.129 --> 00:14:43.471 But it's really awesome to see the funnel go from concept to reality throughout the process to reality throughout the process. 00:14:43.491 --> 00:14:43.874 That's the fun part. 00:14:43.874 --> 00:14:44.073 I love it. 00:14:44.073 --> 00:14:49.235 So we talked a little bit about the preservation of historical homes and things that you're doing to kind of like maintain or see what you can salvage. 00:14:49.235 --> 00:14:52.663 How important is sustainability in your design approach? 00:14:53.551 --> 00:14:56.399 It's important to us and it's also really important to our homeowners. 00:14:56.399 --> 00:15:05.495 But there's also homeowners who come to us and, whether they're doctors or lawyers, and they're just like I, want the lead out of my house and I know my home is old enough to have it. 00:15:05.495 --> 00:15:15.491 So there's situations where you know we would love to maintain the character of the home, but we can definitely replicate that with new material that doesn't have the lead paint. 00:15:15.491 --> 00:15:22.350 In other situations, say, there's a 10 year old kitchen but it's just not the owner's taste anymore. 00:15:22.350 --> 00:15:27.947 We're going to carefully remove that and donate that to Habitat for Humanity and it's a team building opportunity. 00:15:27.947 --> 00:15:42.466 So even later today, after this call, I'm going to a home where we're going to be soon coming up to demo, but our team is carefully removing the cabinets and donating them and that's a really nice way to honor and not just completely just trash something. 00:15:43.951 --> 00:15:53.481 It's clear that sustainability is important to you guys, and so heartwarming to hear how you all are volunteering your time and also donating those materials to help those in need. 00:15:53.481 --> 00:16:05.389 So, stephanie, on a lighter note, how do you balance design and your career

with your personal interests like golfing and good food and traveling? 00:16:06.336 --> 00:16:06.937 It's so funny. 00:16:06.937 --> 00:16:30.523 When I got married, I told my husband as a joke I was like not into golf yet and I was joking and I said, well, now you're not going to have any free time because I'm going to learn to golf and I'm just going to go with you and I'm laughing because I'm obsessed with it now and it's something we can do together and I actually golf with some of my coworkers, so that's pretty cool too and it's just like my thing. 00:16:30.523 --> 00:16:47.638 I mean, everyone's got their one thing that helps them relax, and for me it's being able to walk the golf course and just be in a beautiful environment and be outside and get some exercise and clear my head so that I can come back and design and be outside and get some exercise and clear my head so that I can come back and design, you know, and be creative. 00:16:48.721 --> 00:16:54.039 Yeah, that's great Balancing that career and like getting a break self-care, so, so important. 00:16:54.039 --> 00:16:56.725 So you mentioned enjoying good food and travel. 00:16:56.725 --> 00:17:00.201 Can you tell us one of your favorite places to vacation or visit? 00:17:01.124 --> 00:17:06.278 Oh, we've spent quite a bit of time in Puerto Rico and in Mexico recently, just for the culture. 00:17:07.000 --> 00:17:15.516 My husband is from Puerto Rico, a lot of my friends are also from Puerto Rico, so it was really awesome to see sort of their culture and potentially even where they grew up. 00:17:15.516 --> 00:17:19.248 And you know, just honeymooning in Mexico was nice. 00:17:19.248 --> 00:17:21.757 I would say like we just chose a place. 00:17:21.757 --> 00:17:25.055 I think next on our bucket list is probably going to Italy. 00:17:25.055 --> 00:17:36.484 If I have my way, it might happen sooner than later, but you know, architecture being a background, there's so much history over there and I would love to see it in person instead of in a textbook. 00:17:36.734 --> 00:17:38.498 You know I was going to ask. 00:17:38.498 --> 00:17:47.029 So when you're traveling I know how I am working in tile all day, every day, and I love it I can't help but notice, oh, the tile work. 00:17:47.029 --> 00:17:49.759 Oh, they need to work on that, or oh, my gosh, I love that. 00:17:49.759 --> 00:17:51.762 So when you are traveling, do you? 00:17:51.762 --> 00:17:56.501 Are you kind of soaking in the elements and kind of going, oh, I'm taking this idea back to, yeah. 00:18:04.174 --> 00:18:08.952 It's a blessing and a curse, because I feel like I'm such a critic and you know, there's a time and a place to provide feedback and you'll see stuff that you're like why did they do that? 00:18:08.952 --> 00:18:12.261 And then you're also going to see stuff where you're like that was genius. 00:18:12.261 --> 00:18:14.426 I want to incorporate a similar idea. 00:18:14.426 --> 00:18:18.163 Or this light is beautiful, so it's just, it's every day. 00:18:18.163 --> 00:18:19.647 It doesn't even matter if I'm traveling. 00:18:19.647 --> 00:18:28.920 It's like I go to a restaurant and I'm like I'm going to remember this. 00:18:28.920 --> 00:18:31.529 Or you know, I'm driving down the street and I'm like I really liked their curb appeal, like I want to incorporate that. 00:18:31.529 --> 00:18:34.297 So I mean, every designer listening to this is going to be like yep, that resonates. 00:18:35.098 --> 00:18:40.997 Yes, ah, so fun and probably a little exhausting, but that's, that's a really cool. 00:18:40.997 --> 00:18:45.837 I'm excited for your travels to Italy and then seeing what inspiration comes from that. 00:18:46.078 --> 00:18:48.865 Well, maybe it's some of the tile, so stay tuned? 00:18:49.026 --> 00:18:50.048 Oh, yes, for sure. 00:18:50.048 --> 00:18:52.739 So let's see here. 00:18:52.739 --> 00:19:07.460 Stephanie, can you share any memorable experiences or lessons that you've learned throughout your career that have had a significant impact on your approach to architectural design or as a woman in design period? 00:19:07.500 --> 00:19:29.396 Yeah, Well, I mean there's definitely an opportunity for just empowering people and women in the industry, because there's this sort of persona that there isn't as many women in the industry as men, and I mean that's true, but it doesn't have to feel that way If you can keep the word out and say, you know like, work with me here and just continue to grow women in the industry. 00:19:29.396 --> 00:19:38.304 But in terms of lessons learned, I mean, we all have them, everyone's making mistakes, but you learn from them and you continue to grow. 00:19:38.304 --> 00:19:41.897 And this is so cliche, but it's like measured twice cut once. 00:19:41.897 --> 00:19:44.714 I remember and I'm so so. 00:19:44.776 --> 00:19:57.487 Unfortunately it happened recently, like five, six years ago we misordered some windows and they're still sitting in the basement of our office and last week I specked out the wrong windows, but it was only two, which is good, but it just. 00:19:57.487 --> 00:20:07.580 It happens every so often and you're like I could have done better and you just learn from it and maybe I forgot what I've learned from six years ago. 00:20:07.580 --> 00:20:09.925 But measure twice cut once. 00:20:09.925 --> 00:20:17.440 I may know it's cliche, but the more you can triple check, quadruple check, whatever you need to do to get it right, you're going to save time and money. 00:20:17.440 --> 00:20:25.227 But you know, we're also in an industry where we're going to figure it out and if it does, if there is a mistake, we all know how to fix it. 00:20:26.175 --> 00:20:32.287 The problem solving know-how that it takes to work in your line and industry. 00:20:32.287 --> 00:20:33.749 It blows my mind. 00:20:33.749 --> 00:20:40.042 We as a team are working on designing our booth for a trade show and it has consumed our

lives. 00:20:40.042 --> 00:20:44.817 Just measurements and, okay, this wall is wet and how deep, and then these tiles are. 00:20:44.817 --> 00:20:55.588 It has been crazy, and we do have a design team helping us and things like that, but I can only imagine that little small taste for me, what you're having to do all day, every day. 00:20:55.588 --> 00:21:04.002 Of course, there has to be room for error and grace when we fall right Like it's all good, that's awesome, well, good deal. 00:21:04.002 --> 00:21:08.941 So I want to hear all about exciting projects that you have coming up. 00:21:08.941 --> 00:21:15.464 Tell our listeners what's kind of on your plate for 2024 and what you're most excited for us to follow along with. 00:21:16.248 --> 00:21:18.576 Oh, I'm excited about so many different things. 00:21:18.576 --> 00:21:25.361 We have projects all over the greater Philadelphia area you know between that traditional design and even some more modern flair. 00:21:26.383 --> 00:21:42.848 You know we have a few additions coming up that are pretty unique, with roof decks and pilot houses, and then there's some whole home renovations that completely transform layouts and flow of spaces and upgrade the spaces for like modern technology. 00:21:42.848 --> 00:21:53.986 So you know, a lot of the times we're coming in and there's appliances that are 30 years old and we're like, all right, it's time, even though that's a sub zero, and it might be time for that one to get updated. 00:21:53.986 --> 00:21:57.506 So lots of major renovations. 00:21:57.506 --> 00:22:01.203 I'm even doing a project right now that we have. 00:22:01.546 --> 00:22:18.718 The owners were living in a row home for 30 some years and then their neighbors sold but they bought it and now we're making it one big house and that is a huge undertaking because you can imagine that is three floors of brick that we have to support with some major engineering. 00:22:18.718 --> 00:22:26.269 So we have, you know, huge steel beams and columns and a lot of masonry and excavation going on. 00:22:26.269 --> 00:22:32.522 I think I worked on that project in design for probably two years and the construction is probably a year. 00:22:32.522 --> 00:22:43.228 So I mean it's a big job, but you really get to know your client after three years and it's awesome to see them come back into the space after so long and get to enjoy it. 00:22:44.414 --> 00:22:44.695 That's so cool. 00:22:44.695 --> 00:22:46.463 I'm excited to see them come back into the space after so long and get to enjoy it. 00:22:46.463 --> 00:22:46.805 That's so cool. 00:22:46.805 --> 00:22:47.287 I'm excited to see that. 00:22:47.287 --> 00:22:49.015 So are we going to be following along with this, or? 00:22:49.316 --> 00:22:49.556 are you? 00:22:49.615 --> 00:22:51.161 already in the works of posting. 00:22:51.863 --> 00:22:53.006 Definitely already in the works. 00:22:53.006 --> 00:22:56.305 It's in construction already, so we're well past the

design phase. 00:22:56.305 --> 00:22:58.392 But I mean, even what was it like? 00:22:58.392 --> 00:23:03.824 Last week or two weeks ago I did a job site, just kind of walk through, and I was like I think we need a skylight. 00:23:03.824 --> 00:23:07.549 Like, design's not completely over yet, I think we can make a few adjustments. 00:23:07.549 --> 00:23:10.582 And the clients were like, yes, that sounds awesome. 00:23:10.582 --> 00:23:16.635 So you know, obviously there's a change order for that, but we'll get that in the works for you and we'll give you a skylight where there wasn't one. 00:23:16.635 --> 00:23:18.977 And, of course, in the city, all you want is natural light and luckily for us, it. 00:23:18.977 --> 00:23:28.164 All you want is natural light and luckily for us, it's our first floor addition, so we're getting the light into the middle of the home, which is really the darkest space in a real home. 00:23:28.164 --> 00:23:29.885 I'm excited about that one. 00:23:29.885 --> 00:23:31.528 Follow along to see how that one goes. 00:23:32.048 --> 00:23:32.868 So fun. 00:23:32.868 --> 00:23:46.261 Ah, I love seeing your passion shine through, like it's so clear that you love what you do, and it's so refreshing to talk to somebody that's like in love with their job and these opportunities that come your way to be creative and and do what you love. 00:23:46.261 --> 00:23:50.955 So some final words, stephanie, as we wrap up our podcast today. 00:23:50.955 --> 00:23:54.724 First and foremost, such a treat to talk to you and get to know you. 00:23:54.724 --> 00:24:04.836 I feel like thank you being your face for years and seeing your beautiful designs, but to actually like meet you and get to know a little bit more about you and and your passion is is really cool. 00:24:04.836 --> 00:24:18.105 So last question for you what advice do you have for anyone in design looking to pursue their passion and just create something different? 00:24:18.105 --> 00:24:19.107 What would you say to them? 00:24:19.855 --> 00:24:35.824 That's such a good question and I'm a little stumped, but I feel like if I could go back and do it all over again, it's just being able to absorb everything around you and sort of digest it to create your own like personality. 00:24:35.824 --> 00:24:49.665 Within the design field, I feel like, you know, there's Studio McGee, there's Joanna Gaines, like there's all these amazing women that have come up and have become so popular in the industry, and it's like, don't let that intimidate you. 00:24:49.665 --> 00:24:55.184 You can still be amazing, even if it's just in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh or wherever it may be. 00:24:55.184 --> 00:24:59.307 But I think it's just taking the opportunity to just learn as much as you can. 00:24:59.307 --> 00:25:03.942 You know, do all that continuous education and those opportunities, opportunities read. 00:25:04.484 --> 00:25:08.845 I've done so much reading over the last year, even just for, like, career development. 00:25:08.845 --> 00:25:11.839 Like you know, currently I'm reading like what is that book? 00:25:11.839 --> 00:25:13.945 You can tell I'm currently not reading it. 00:25:13.945 --> 00:25:24.366 I guess that well, but atomic habits I think that's what it's called and it's like just learning as much as you possibly can before you know you can't use those practices anymore. 00:25:24.366 --> 00:25:31.328 So I would say, just absorb it, learn, read and take every opportunity as it comes. 00:25:33.134 --> 00:25:35.820 Awesome Wise words, very inspiring. 00:25:35.820 --> 00:25:37.865 I love that you highlighted. 00:25:37.865 --> 00:25:42.041 You know you don't have to be no and no like shade to Joanna Gaines. 00:25:42.041 --> 00:25:43.125 I think she's incredible. 00:25:43.125 --> 00:25:45.336 I'm obsessed with her love, everything she does. 00:25:45.336 --> 00:25:49.916 But you don't have to be a Joanna Gaines to be successful and to find your own way. 00:25:49.916 --> 00:25:53.084 I think that's important for women to hear, especially in. 00:25:53.084 --> 00:26:08.009 You know, living in a world where social media just bombards you every day, tells you you're not enough, tells you you can do better, should be better, and we have to kind of carve out our own way and follow our own path while learning from what others have done. 00:26:08.755 --> 00:26:10.599 Absolutely, and it's like find your. 00:26:10.599 --> 00:26:15.818 If you create a personality that a client's going to gravitate towards, that's all you need. 00:26:15.818 --> 00:26:18.705 You don't need to be what everyone else is. 00:26:18.705 --> 00:26:21.719 So you know it's so hard to put yourself out there. 00:26:21.719 --> 00:26:27.494 I've definitely even learned from that, like putting your face on Instagram in a reel that's being pushed to thousands of people. 00:26:27.494 --> 00:26:30.561 I'm like I don't know, it took me a long time to get there. 00:26:30.561 --> 00:26:39.080 But once you do put yourself out there, people start to get a sense of who you are, and I think that's really important, and you don't need a TV show to do that. 00:26:39.101 --> 00:26:41.567 Yeah, incredible. 00:26:45.494 --> 00:26:46.617 Love all of it, thanks again, stephanie, for joining. 00:26:46.637 --> 00:26:46.898 I'm honored. 00:26:46.898 --> 00:26:47.420 Thank you Seriously. 00:26:47.420 --> 00:26:48.041 It's such a pleasure. 00:26:48.041 --> 00:26:49.526 We're definitely going to shout it out. 00:26:49.526 --> 00:26:58.682 I have all the links here where people can find your personal site and as well as bellwether design, build um and follow along on your incredible journey and design. 00:26:58.682 --> 00:26:58.782 Yeah. 00:26:59.424 --> 00:27:00.145 Awesome. 00:27:00.186 --> 00:27:00.688 Well, thank you. 00:27:00.688 --> 00:27:02.137 Thanks so much. 00:27:02.137 --> 00:27:02.599 I'm going to. 00:27:02.599 --> 00:27:04.204 I think I have an outro. 00:27:04.204 --> 00:27:05.897 Let me read that real fast. 00:27:05.897 --> 00:27:10.086 That's a wrap for today's episode of tile trends. 00:27:10.086 --> 00:27:14.790 A huge thank you to Stephanie Hoffmeyer for sharing her insights and inspiration with us. 00:27:14.790 --> 00:27:18.200 Until next time, keep dreaming big and tile on. 00:27:18.200 --> 00:27:21.527 All right, I'm going to stop recording.