Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Schultz.
Lindsey, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up as the daughter of two very creative, forward-thinking, problem-solving parents. My mother, who was a middle school biology teacher and later a middle school counselor, is a very talented artist and highly skilled communicator. My father, a Zoologist, has an educational background in Architecture and put himself through his post-grad in Zoology while working as a carpenter apprentice in Chicago during the late 1950’s early 1960’s. He went on to be the director of St.Paul’s Como Zoo for 25 years.
My mom was always the organizational one and the visionary of how to transform any space she could, and my dad the big-ideas guy, with notable leadership skills. It is such a blessing to be the child of two such amazing people…they are the ones that armed me with the core skills I needed to be who I am today. And subsequently made it very difficult for me to decide which creative path in life I would follow.
I started my undergrad at Arizona State with a vision of becoming a photographer for National Geographic. Then, through my creative writing, sought to mold public perspectives through the world of Advertising. Both inspired me greatly and moved me deeply, but never fit me like the perfect glove I sought. After a post-grad year working in advertising — the notions of Culinary School started swimming in my mind — childhood memories of my Dad and me in the kitchen, winging recipes based one whatever we had on hand. But no, the logistics of that life as a profession were not what I sought. However, the aspects of what the culinary institution brings to life, to house and home was very much a part of what I was seeking.
The self-reflection that lead me to return to school so that I could receive my post-grad degree in Interior Design from Harrington Institute in Chicago, said there is no greater way to bring together all creative avenues than within the home — a place where you gather with those you love and trust the most…the people with whom you feel the most at ease to be your truest self. I realized I wanted to be the one to help foster those personally creative moments within other people. To inspire them to re-balance their lives and spend more time doing what they love in the presence of family and friends.
Before opening my own studio, I was fortunate enough to have already spent 6 1/2 years working as Senior Designer for another prominent local Interior Designer. There I gained immense knowledge on the business side of this industry and the operation tactics behind a successful Interior Design company. It was an invaluable time in my life and my growing career.
Has it been a smooth road?
Starting your own company is never smooth, or easy. It is a big, scary endeavor. One where the faith you have in yourself needs to be the strongest it has ever been. For me, it was all that much scarier because I was three months away from becoming a brand-new, first-time mom when I did it. Giving up the security you have when working for someone else takes a lot of examination. Up until that particular point in time, I hadn’t really planned on ever captaining my own ship. But a series of events and the strong desire to ultimately be the one in control of how I maintained my life’s balance as a career woman, mother, and wife changed my thinking and gave me the courage to take the leap. Fast forward seven years…I couldn’t be happier. My family and friends are my world. So, it has been very important to me to set and maintain that culture within my own company.
Moving your company beyond a one-person operation and growing it into a team can be a very daunting next step for some small business owners. I know it was for me. It is very exciting when your company begins to grow and you no longer have enough time in the day or week to complete the mountain of work in front of you and you realize you need to hire some help. But as a fresh, small business, the thought of parting with your hard-earned profits is very much a struggle. As well as working to find the right person/ people that can successfully ambassador your brand and help you move your company forward. As the Principle of a small design studio, it is not just about finding people I can trust to execute the tasks I delegate — but those that mesh on a more personal level. Though laid back, I can moody and dramatic. I wear my heart on my sleeve and have a very distinct way I want things done. I am an organizational and detail-driven maniac. But I want humor and fun through it all.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Lindsey Schultz Design is a boutique studio that designs high-end residential projects full of luxurious finishes and custom, one-of-a-kind, interior architectural details, furnishings, and lighting. I kind of like to think of us as California Cool and New York Chic got together and moved to the desert. Living with laughter and love is the essence behind our approach. And truly the heart of our brand. Our projects always have a very fun vibe. Life can be so serious, the design doesn’t have to be.
Our projects are predominantly residential and consist of new construction and full-scale renovations. We are a full-service studio taking the design process from the very early conceptual stages, through space planning, all FF&E specifications, construction document sets, full furnishings, art, and accessories. We have also enjoyed doing several commercial projects for the businesses of our current residential clients.
A high percentage of our clientele have young children and pets so we have really honed-in on creating homes that live well without sacrificing high style and luxury. It always pains me when clients feel they can’t have something nice because they envision their kids or dogs destroying it. So, it is up to me to show them how far the industry has come. And that high-quality and luxury can exist in and withstand, the demands of a high-traffic home.
Combining patterns, elements, and textures in unexpected and unconventional ways, we are known for our bold, design with abandon mentality. We love taking chances and always challenge and encourage our clients to do the same. There is something so inexplicably rewarding when you allow yourself to step outside of your norm, explore different ideas, and find that you come out at the end as a more fulfilled and joyful person.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
The Phoenix Metropolitan area is brimming with opportunities in the Interior Design industry. Design for new construction is still going strong, but the renovation sector is huge. We have an enormous inventory of outdated real estate in highly desirable communities throughout The Valley. We are also a city of foodies, with one of the best restaurant scenes you could imagine, making restaurant design a large sector of our local industry. All of that though brings a high-level of saturation and competition to the local Interior Design field. If you are a young designer, just out of school, I highly recommend spending time working for a more established designer before venturing out on your own.
Contact Info:
- Address: 20707 N. Pima Rd #120
Scottsdale, AZ 85255 - Website: lindseyschultzdesign.com
- Phone: 602-796-3366
- Email: lindsey@lindseyschultzdesign.com
- Instagram: lindseyschultzdesign
- Facebook: LindseySchultzDesgin
Image Credit:
Garrett Cook, Chase Kunkel, Audrey Gallinger
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