No.8 | DAY IN THE LIFE AT BRIGHT DESIGNLAB

Interior design is a field that’s easily glamorized (my favorite first reaction is always that our job must be so FUN!). Still, like any creative profession, there is a lot of “invisible work” behind the scenes. We are on a constant mission to create complex interior spaces as layered and textured as the lives of clients that inhabit them. This entails compiling and managing all the details ranging from the obvious - paint color selection, furniture layout, art, tile selection, lighting, window coverings, and hardware, to the more involved - the critical details of reimagining functional space and adhering to budgets and timelines which are specific to each project. We are collaborators, artists, project managers, and dream makers. Our one constant as designers is that there’s always a problem to solve. Every day at Bright, we become innovators, using our creativity to develop aesthetic forms within function.

Here’s a look at what it’s like to be a fly on the wall at Bright Designlab.

It’s 8:30 am on a Monday, and I’m sitting at my computer with my morning cup of coffee. Our calendars at Bright are usually scheduled (and frankly, jam-packed) two weeks in advance - the nature of running 20 projects at a time -  so each week, we inevitably hit the ground running  - and we take time to map out what each day holds for us.

At 9 am, we’re kicking off the week with our management review of project budgets via Zoom. Our Design Team pops in to join us at 10 am for “Team Sync” - a time to connect and give an overview of our weekly goals and hours for each project. I’m buzzing off the new energy of a fresh week, and there’s something especially motivating about seeing your teammate’s smiling faces, all excited to tackle the week together.

Pre-pandemic, lunch was a time to connect -  soup days were a thing; Working hybrid means we’re all drifting with the tide and rarely all in the office together. Hopefully, soup lunches and team retreats will weave their way back into our lives soon enough. In the meantime, our breakfast team meetings and quarterly happy hours will have to do.

The rest of the week, we’ll be in a constant state of change - back and forth from WFH to the studio for in-person client meetings, client and contractor meetings on Zoom, and site meetings to check the health of our projects, which are always in various states of construction. We currently have 20 projects that ebb and flow between 5 of us, with teams of two or three designers on each.

On any given day, here is a sampling of tasks from our to-do list:

• Taking a field trip to pick out marble slabs for a kitchen or bath (or a custom piece of furniture!)

• Looking at plumbing at Chown (a crowd favorite!)

• Bringing decorative lighting to a site and talking through placement with electricians

• Approving (or rejecting!) drawdowns for paint colors on-site

• Supervising a counter templating

• Selecting a stain for the floor (harder than one might imagine!)

• Placing hardware on cabinetry

• Directing a full home furniture installation

• Staging a home for a photoshoot

• Measuring a space or existing furniture to weave into a new plan 

• Engaging in team charrettes where we solve puzzles within the projects together and look to each other for new ideas and sourcing

The list is, quite frankly, endless, and that’s all part of the fun. During that time, I am also working on the backend proposals, reviewing accounting, payroll, taxes, incoming prospects, social media, and making sure our beloved plants are watered! 

Since our projects often continue for years, there is really no concise daily wrap-up, but we do encourage getting to the end of a task list and closing things down at the end of the day to cultivate a healthy work-life balance. Our team doesn’t often work overtime– that’s quite unusual for our field! As a business owner, it’s key to have an evening workday shutdown ritual or a set of tasks performed at the end of every work session to help our brains and bodies to unplug. I know that the act of putting down the pen and shutting my laptop and not giving in to the temptation to reopen it means I’ll experience more restful off-time, which sets me up to focus more deeply when I’m in work mode.

As interior designers, we’re responsible for all aspects of a project, from researching and planning to selecting and procuring materials, all the way to installation and follow-up. Every step is carefully thought out and executed to ensure the project meets its goals. We thrive on listening to our client’s stories as inspiration for our design. We strive to create comprehensive designs that feel collected, a curated evolution of our client’s lives so that it doesn’t feel like everything was purchased all at once. We work as a team to create robust and tailored interiors with complex layering of materials and functions. A day in the life goes beyond “decorating” and making rooms pretty. It requires skill, attention to detail, and a balanced understanding of architecture, engineering, building codes, and the unique needs of our clients, to design interiors that enhance lifestyles and inspire meaningful moments.

No. 7 | Interior Designer or Interior Decorator

We love that the digital age has brought us inside each other's homes through photos and videos in ways prior generations haven't had access to. But with the rise of self-proclaimed home decorators and DIY remodels on social media, how can you know if you're hiring someone you can trust to execute a comprehensive design vision? There's no shortage of options, so we want to help you make a thoughtful hiring decision you can feel confident in. 

People often assume the terms interior designer and interior decorator are interchangeable, but there is a distinction between designers and decorators. Let's break it down.

Higher Education and Credentials

A defining characteristic of interior design is that it requires formal training, ideally completed in an accredited four-year program. After extensive coursework on space planning, interior architecture, codes, art history, furniture design, color study, fabrics, computer-aided design, and Construction Documentation (to name a few!), designers will receive their higher education degree. Some coursework also includes the business aspect of design, including budgets, which is a critical aspect of each project.

Some states have laws that require interior designers to be licensed or registered, documenting their training. All of the Designers at Bright Designlab are formally educated in Interior Design. A couple of rockstar designers at Bright have obtained their NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) certification, including our Principal Designer, Alissa Pulcrano and Interior Designer, Erica Parrish. This deserves some hype because it means they've passed the rigorous exam that tests their competency in building systems, codes, construction standards, contract administration, design application, project coordination, and professional practice.

Aesthetics and Decorative Details

Interior decorators focus on furnishing and enhancing a space with decorative elements that fulfill an aesthetic goal. Decorators will work with your existing space, embellishing it by guiding color schemes, furniture, and art decisions. Because they aren't involved in renovations or structural changes, there is no licensure requirement to practice as a decorator. Both designers and decorators partner with upholsterers, furniture companies, and other industry professionals that provide home decor services. 

While both have their place, it's essential that the questions about experience and training are asked prior to embarking on a Client-Designer relationship. Some decorators have adopted the Interior Designer title, so it is important not to rely on this alone. Ensure you're aware of their experience level, the team they work with, and the process when there is so much at stake in a comprehensive remodel.

What's the Difference?

The roles of designers and decorators do overlap, but there are certain services designers offer that distinguish them in function and experience. Interior design is defined by The University of Iowa's School of Applied Human Sciences as "a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment." 

Think of a designer's purpose as a more in-depth overhaul, able to address full interior planning through a comprehensive process, while a decorator serves to assist you in carrying out your design inspirations with more of a surface-level revamp. Designers are in communication with the architects, contractors, structural engineers, and developers on a project to reimagine interior layouts and create a functional space from "full gut" to finish. Interior decorators don't create new interior spaces but can still make a huge impact by outfitting a space stylistically and choosing furniture, wall coverings, accessories, and rugs.

What Do You Want to Accomplish?

Choosing the right professional depends on more than just the job title and will come down to how the skills of the individual professional can meet your needs and budget. Hiring a designer is best if you're considering a remodel while bringing in a decorator would be a great fit for a room makeover. 

It's a good idea to look at the professional's portfolio you're looking to hire, contact their references and read their reviews, and have questions prepared for your consultation. Whether you partner with a designer or a decorator, hiring a professional to help you update your home will revitalize your space in a way that positively enriches your environment and daily life.  

No. 6 | The Power of Photography and Craftsmanship in Interior Design

When everything falls into place with interior design, the outcome effortlessly captivates and calms all who step into the space. As artists, we look to nature as an infinite source of inspiration, and intentional design reminds us of the timeless beauty nature provides. The culmination of a finished product opens the door to a simpler and more fulfilling way of life, where new purpose is inspired by your refreshed environment.

THERE’S MORE TO THE STORY

Historically, it was said that originality may be the art of concealing your sources; in contrast, in the age of media, there is an endless reward in celebrating them. It's no secret that our collaboration with the artisans whose work contributes to making our plans come together is key to making a project happen. The planning, decisions, and detailing we undergo requires perspective from an array of experienced craftspeople, and we'd like to give you a glimpse of those who make our Design Process possible.

DESIGN IS NEVER A SOLO ACT

The local artisans we partner with bring skills and techniques that are integral to executing our project vision. Their abilities represent the trades that preserve the type of human craftsmanship that a machine can't replace. The general contractors and subcontractors provide us with organization and structure, helping us find the most efficient way to accomplish a build. The photographer captures the essence of the space, creating imagery pleasing to the eye. There are whole teams of people we work with that aren't always seen but never go unnoticed. 

While the designers at Bright are hard at work documenting your spaces, the selected General Contractor engages their trusted local subcontractors to accomplish our vision for reimagining your space. The distinct expertise of stonecutters, tile installers, cabinetmakers, metalsmiths, carpenters, and decorative painters, to name a few, are the craftspeople that actualize our design. Cultivating relationships with our providers is a rewarding part of each project. We're grateful for our partnerships with the local subcontractors we've gotten to know personally and can rely on to produce high-quality work. Too many collaborators to name in one blog post, but we look forward to the slow but important unveiling of these sources over the year as we highlight them on social media, strengthening our network and creating lasting relationships. 

IMPORTANCE OF HIGH-QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHS

There's something exhilarating and almost therapeutic about experiencing good design. Photography is one of the most critical aspects of sharing the fulfillment of an interior project –  it's the medium through which most people experience our work, whether on our website, social media, or print. Interior photography is a skilled art that conveys emotion through imagery. 

Investing in specialized photography that represents the soul of your brand serves to authentically communicate your brand's story and elevate the beautiful results of your hard work. The right photographer will mindfully frame photos to capture the curated furniture, textures, and color palette of a room to flawlessly present the artful concept of your design with every shot. Our go-to photographer George Barberis is particularly well-versed in the field and equally sensitive as a human; the symbiotic nature of our work together relies on being shot at the right time of year and with careful styling. 

We also collaborate on smaller shoots with Crosby Dove, who has a keen eye for framing the space, always knowing what angles and lighting will bring forth the important details. We are truly inspired by both photographers’ work ethic and talent, and without them, our projects wouldn’t portray the depth of the emotion that goes into each space. 

We give thanks not only to our team, who design each project with passion and intent but to every person whose craft helps to propel Bright Designlab and makes every project possible. Without them, we would not be able to do what we do best, creating a space that breathes life into tired spaces, uplifts the soul, and creates a timeless space for our beloved clients to reside, retreat and relax.

No. 5 | The Design Process

A room is never stagnant; in truth, it's always full of life – as a sanctuary, a place to relax, unwind, study and focus or spend time with loved ones. Good design has the ability to improve a space by making it better suited for its purpose. Great design ensures that everything has a place and a further defined purpose. The balance of time and creativity is essential in making our client's visions come to life, and it's all wrapped up in our rigorous design process. One of the most important questions we are asked is how we will navigate the process and guide our clients through each step. 

PROGRAMMING: NEEDS & DREAMS

There are many components in making your vision a reality. After gathering information through conversations, a site visit, and carefully crafted questionnaires, we delve intuitively into your heart's deepest desires. This kicks off Programming and Concept development. Research, ideation, and concept development are great tools, but nothing compares to the stories you share - those that give a sense of how you live and the goals you would like to achieve during this collaboration. Where our clients come from, their experiences, and where they are going give rich life to every project we design. 

SCHEMATIC DESIGN: BRINGING FUNCTION INTO YOUR SPACE 

As we dig into our client's minds during this first phase, we conceive the story, develop the conceptual language that will drive all design decisions, and begin the preliminary schematic drawings – where the way you live informs the space planning and layouts that we present as options. Our solutions often have no wrong answer; however, there is always one option that will naturally feel "right."

While still very early in the process, this is the time when your ideas and visions are birthed. This is where we seek to challenge you most, offering an opportunity to step into discomfort for innovative styles and ideas. In some ways, we reinvent the wheel every time in search of the unprecedented. Dynamic human relationships are the foundation of our work, and our role is to draw out the emotions, stories, and desires from the deep well that is our clients' minds - a unique challenge to every design puzzle.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT: THE FUN PART

The progression of interior design has been immaculate over the years, from traditional 2D sketches and hand-built models to elaborate 3D model renderings. These new and improved tools have significantly impacted how we can share our concepts with clients — giving a deeper understanding and true visualization of the expected outcomes.

Upon assessing the design, we let the creative juices flow, immersing ourselves in the project, and cultivating every detail. Weaving creative detail and function into your space, we dive into what distinctive finishes and fixtures will bring cohesiveness to your sacred spaces and help bind one part of your home to the other. This time in the process is dynamic and fun, where new materials, colors, and details come into play, and the design is made "real." It is what one may think of when they envision the design process. The preliminary construction drawings and 3d renderings are excellent tools to help create expectations of what the final design will look like, identify any challenges, and help with the final decision-making and approvals before final documentation begins. 

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION: THE DETAILS

Once the material and design decisions are approved, there is an intense period of heads down at the drawing board where the well-thought-out ideas are translated into working drawings that will compile your Bid Set. This is a critical step where every material must be accounted for so each trade can provide pricing to the General Contractor accurately. This is the map for the contractor to execute the design.

CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION: REALIZATION OF DESIGN

The General Contractors we work with are meticulous in their work, giving rise to various details. The documents, desired timelines, and specifications are delivered to them upon approval. Taking pride in managing our projects onsite, we work closely to ensure everything proceeds according to plan and guarantee our contractors have what they need to construct your place efficiently and with careful craftsmanship.

FF&E: ROUNDING OUT THE STORY

Ideally, our collaboration also includes Furniture and Fixtures - this phase includes anything that isn't nailed down. Your art collection, vintage pieces from family, and anything nostalgic help to weave your life story. We catalog these items, space plan, and select new pieces to complement and balance each space. Our goal is to make your home an extension of you, to wow your every morning (and your guests, too), but to do so in a way that feels real. Our designs are not about pretension but about creating an environment for living and embracing your everyday as well as the celebrations.

No. 4 | A Day in the Life: Alissa Pulcrano

BEEPBEEPBEEPBEEP

It’s 6AM on a Monday, and I’m ready to take the week by storm. I’ve yet to master the 6AM “that girl” morning routine (if it even exists); instead, I’ve come to believe (and strive to put into practice) that each day requires its own rhythm. On a daily basis, I seek to maintain inspiration through life’s little pleasantries. Here’s a peek into what that looks like.

BEFORE THE GOING GETS ME

After a cold rinse to wake me up, I head to my potions cabinet – and let me tell you, I have become the Queen of Potions (Super You, Ritual vitamins…. Spirulina, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Adaptogens, you name it…). My inner coffeeholic faded long ago, and these days I’m much more interested in organic caffeine for fuel. Shortly thereafter, I head out to Hyatt Training (shoutout to the best personal trainer in town, Jeremy!) for fifty minutes of strength training until I’m whisked away into another day in Design wonderland.

Like any true artist, I am aptly drawn where the wind takes me. But I’m finding that these small (and somewhat literal) doses of morning rituals establish a healthy foundation for the creative journey ahead. By now it’s 9 AM, and, ideally, I’ve cleared my head with my commute to work on foot from Slabtown to our beautiful, historic space of 12 years in the Pearl. But since it’s often sticky (or sketchy!) and – rarely in between in Portland – I opt for the Lyft or my cherished partner-turned-chauffeur, a pandemic-relationship evolution perk!

GETTING SETTLED IN

Another Monday ritual is our Team Sync, ideally in the studio (but sometimes virtual), we gather for some morning breathwork before the metaphorical tennis match begins (design speak for project planning). I review my mile long To-Do, and often take a few minutes to inspire my senses by rooting around in the materials room – pet a fuzzy bouclé, lay out a wild paint palette, take mental inventory of the latest and our ever growing collection of organic, hand-hewn tiles. All this, of course, is interspersed with the bailiwick of what we really "do" as Interior Designers: manifesting environments that embody, reflect and enhance a client's life through excellent design. 

Our clients and their bright-eyed excitement fuel me always. My *seriously* amazing and diverse team of creative women, who show up every week to create complex projects, offer me endless inspiration. Their verve is contagious (the good kind of bug!) as it drives us to the creative process – but really, it’s the stories behind the designs that make this calling ultimately fulfilling.

Portland sunset, as seen from my sofa

Bright’s Design Director, Katie, grabbing some BTS images from one of our projects

WHAT IT ALL COMES DOWN TO

When the bell rings on Friday, I look forward to recalibrating and finding rest at home. After some personal reflection and planning for the week ahead, I make my journey home to watch the sunset.

It’s 7PM. I’m sitting on my vintage yellow sofa with a gimlet. I’m with my person. There’s good music playing, and we watch the boats float by on the river. Water and the long gaze give me pause. 

At the close of each week, I am fascinated by the passage of time, and the countless curiosities, wonders, wins and challenges it brings. When it boils down, our craft and creative process require surrender much more than they do control. My continued mission for myself and Bright is that what we imbue in our designs continues to recognize and celebrate the utter beauty and merriment found in each precious moment. 

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No. 3 | Illuminating: Architecture that Inspires

When Bright Designlab was conceived in 2009, we knew that Portland – with its rich culture of creativity and diversity – was ripe and ready to offer the influx of burgeoning creatives a deep well of inspiration. For over a decade, the Bright team has lived and thrived within the heart of this beloved city; it seems everywhere you turn, you can expect to be captured by highly curated galleries, innovative restaurants, myriad lofts, and an array of one-of-a-kind business ventures – some unique only to Portland. Of course, the designer in me deeply appreciates the thoughtfully executed architecture that this town holds – interesting structures, both historic and new, stir our imaginations, and help elevate the designs we create. Here we highlight a few of the architectural buildings that illuminate our minds to the possibility of design.

Photo: Beam Development

SLATE | WORKS PROGRESS ARCHITECTURE

Architectural design has the capability to ignite our sensory experiences and bring strong emotion to the forefront of our minds. Portland’s Slate offers us just that – with its strong lean into cubism, dynamic curb appeal, and a serious juxtaposition of textures. Local architecture firm Works Progress Architecture crafted the Slate residential building along with Beam Development and UDP, which was carefully executed in 2016, a design that reflects the eclectic nature of PDX’s Burnside Bridgehead neighborhood. The buildings' jagged, yet clean, edges result in a structure that is “particular and universal at the same time,” they say. “It’s the embo­diment of a progressively adaptive and evolving district; the facades create a framework of activities — episodic views that collage to form a hive of activity." Fortunately for me, that hive is where I find rest, introspection, and renewal over the last 6 years– it’s my own home.

SKYLAB ARCHITECTURE

A band of makers — curious, industrious and experimental – Portland’s Skylab Architecture seeks to explore, curate and innovate. For over two decades have been forging a path in Portland’s design world that gives a platform for new and forward thinking; I’ve always been drawn to their keen ability to bring the unseen imagination of space and futuristic design to life. Speaking to architecture is critical in the design process for us; the way a space looks, feels, sounds, and smells transforms the way we approach our work.

Photo: Base Design + Architecture

BASE DESIGN + ARCHITECTURE

Base Design + Architecture is a brigade of artists that offers pockets of inspiration and wonder. Their minimalist style and understanding of light are gateways to creative thrills for our team of designers. Base’s impressive portfolio speaks to their high level of conceptual and simplistic design. We love the way that we can now spot a signature Base structure, they have a fine skill of impressing their signature mark without ever replicating.

ANACAPA ARCHITECTURE

With stunning, show-stopping portfolio images, Anacapa Architecture creates structures so much more fascinating than what meets the eye. Their design approach focuses on experimentation and the effects that our built world has on the natural environment. Their minimalistic, but intricate homes and offices focus on wellbeing, community, and function – an ethos that every good designer ought to embrace. Much like my own, Anacapa’s roots stretch all the way from Santa Barbara to the Oregon coast. Community lives at the center of all they do, and we’re continually inspired by their work.

Photo: Anacapa Architecture / Interiors JHID

INSPIRATION OF OUR OWN

Every space tells a story when woven through the work of architects and interior designers. Our most successful projects are ones born out of a collective mind inspired by thoughtful architecture. Throughout the years we’ve learned that collaborating on beautifully designed spaces frees us to complement each other’s strengths and keep the vision a priority. Tell us your story, we will listen.

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No. 2 | Unveiling: The Future of Bright Designlab

A karaoke star, a cycling babe, and spreadsheet queen walk into a conference room; I’ll let your imagination take it from there. Nobody, especially me, wants to work with a team that falls flat on personality. Luckily, unraveling from the design-work grind into Bright’s weekly team brainstorming session is anything but lackluster. From New York restaurants to athletic footwear and business development, it’s my pleasure to introduce to you the dazzling design minds that comprise the heart of our firm.

THE COMMUNITY BEHIND THE CRAFT

Katie Dahl

Bachelor’s from FIT, impressive design history in NYC, Bright’s right-hand woman (side note: Katie is left-handed!) since 2108. As our longest-standing designer, we’re grateful for her keen wisdom, innovative creativity, and love for the outdoors. Katie’s got the critical eye that every accomplished designer needs and the fiery drive to get the job done. She’s got high standards but doesn’t take herself too seriously when off the clock – on the weekends, you can find Katie cooking up a storm, camping with her favorite people, or headlining her own karaoke set at (undisclosed location).

Stacy Day

Mama bear to more than just her own , Stacy brings the compassion of a good friend and the conviction of a queen to the Bright team. With 20+ years of a wickedly impressive sales and design-adjacent career and an unyielding ability to care for her family, she embodies impeccable thoughtfulness and proactivity in all she puts her mind to. For Bright, all things (literally) come together with her organizational wizardry, drool-worthy recipes, and killer dance moves.

Laura van der Spek

Laura’s got that forthcoming sincerity you can’t get enough of. Her unrelenting curiosity and desire to understand life, work, and the like are both inspiring and grounding. She’s the type of woman who has a wide variety of interests that she actually invests time and energy in. Before joining Bright, she embarked on a diverse professional journey – working for her family’s business, followed by fifteen years in coffee, and eventually landing a lead designer role with Timothy Corrigan. Laura enjoys the simplicity of the mundane – after hours, you can find her climbing mountains, tackling crosswords, and making her own clothing.

Erica Parrish

NCIQQ + Well AP Certified

After completing her degree in Interior Design at the University of Alabama, and a Master’s in Architecture at U of O, Erica  joined our team in 2021 – bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and smack dab in the middle of a global pandemic. Her resilience, ninja-like critical thinking, and passion for learning are essential to the heartbeat of our team.  Before her Bright calling, Erica worked with several architecture firms and honed her innate ability to suss out details and compile a mean Construction Doc.  She’s young, experienced, and ready to tackle any project with integrity and grace, while keeping us on our toes and organized. In her “spare” time you can find her reading cookbooks, hosting supper clubs, and spending time with her friends and family. 

Maya Matthews

Maya embodies a buzzing, people-centered enthusiasm that helps drive our team toward compassion. She is curious, playful, open-minded, sensitive, and fiercely independent – which lends a particular nuance to her creative work. With a developed affection for how sustainable, social, and cultural structures blend with design, she loves engaging with clients and learning about what they’re drawn to. Prior to her work with Bright, Maya worked as a showroom assistant with Fully, an ergonomic furniture company. There, she helped clients find balance through aesthetics and healthy living. Her strong intuition, as well as her natural way with people, problem-solving, (and plants!) encapsulate just who she is and how she infuses her robust personality into her design work.  

ONWARD WE GO

For so long, I’ve envisioned Bright Designlab as a collective of designers teeming with inspiration, creativity, and integrity. Vision-casting doesn’t always go as planned. It can be met with unexpected hurdles and challenges, yes, but sometimes, the harvest is more plentiful than anticipated. In my case, the result has been sheer intrigue of the new tomorrow mixed with bubbling curiosity and excitement. The outcome of it all: a more actualized Bright Designlab. It is with this strong brigade of talented women that we look forward to more thoughtful, innovative design.

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Photos by George Barberis

No. 1 | On Reemerging

Reflections 

Two years is a lot of time to reflect. For some, maybe a bit too much – anxiety, loneliness, tragic headlines, civil unrest, and more have weighed on our minds. I, too, have experienced the sometimes-dark moments of introspection, at the three decades traversing the winding course of my career and the future of Bright Designlab. I, like many, have looked deeply into and questioned the meaning of the fabric that I am woven into. But as the dust begins to settle around all that a pandemic challenged me with, I am hopeful. The Bright Designlab team has evolved once again, remarkably stronger, and is empowered with a team of new designers, save two. We’re eager to be ushered into this new season as a firm. We are ready.

Reentry

As artists, we are beckoned to create experiences that break the mold of traditional interior design. As a leader, I am equally called into the stories living behind those designs. Keeping that in mind, we sought to rebuild a team of designers with careful intention. Detail, technicality, people who are truly engaged in the process – all valuable and necessary traits. Yet, this time, our focus was more on establishing a collective of women with similar goals: empathy and storytelling through design. 

In between design work, we’re working on building an ethos of trust, curiosity, and play. As I look at our new team, I see these remarkable, sensitive, intelligent individuals who offer unique perspectives on design and the world at large. Dedicated to compassion, communication, and transparency, we are entering a new era that compels me to be a better human and a more effective leader. As we settle into this new season, we are excited to unfold the magic and introduce you to each individual on our Design team!

The Road Ahead

Personal connection has become challenging – painful almost – at times. Technology, isolation, and pandemic have left us longing for meaningful exchange with the world and with our clients. For twelve years, Bright Designlab has remained committed to the city of Portland in all its vibrancy. As we reenter the homes and lives of our clients, we’re eager to share our thoughtfully innovative designs more widely. Interior design is much more than what meets the eye. Our women-led team is focused not only on elevating the everyday lives of our clients but on keeping each distinctive, individual narrative at the forefront of our processes. Tell us your story; we will listen.

– Alissa