We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Annabelle Schneider a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Annabelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is centered around creating spaces that leave people with deeply fulfilling, bonding experiences. My approach to design is rooted in storytelling—through art, spatial design, and the integration of technology, scent, sound, and tactile elements. I strive to choreograph narratives that allow people to interact, reflect, and create their own meaning within these spaces.

Over the years, I’ve worked on a variety of projects, from hospitality and retail design, where strategy and vision were often driven by brands, to temporary installations for music festivals and performance stages. Each project holds significance for me, as they all brought people together and allowed me to use multi-dimensional, multi-sensory design to create environments where stories unfolded, and moments of connection were forged.

I’m particularly passionate about the socio-cultural shifts we’re experiencing and how both physical and virtual spaces can serve as platforms for fostering healthier, more inclusive communities. In an era of crisis and overstimulation, I’m deeply engaged in exploring how spaces can function as cocoon-like environments—places of introspection, healing, and community. The concept of belonging has taken on greater importance today as hyper-connectivity through the internet often leads to feelings of isolation. With authenticity diluted by algorithms, I aim to design spaces that are uniquely tailored to their context and audience. My work asks the question: What do we truly need? How can we create meaningful, even temporary, experiences that enrich our communities?

I am also fascinated by the intersection of technology and design. As someone who resonates with the idea that, “I don’t trust technology, but I love it a lot. If you think technology solves your problems, you don’t understand technology and you don’t understand your problems,” I’m intrigued by how we can ethically and meaningfully blend the virtual world with our physical presence. My debut solo show, presented during NYCxDESIGN, Alcova Miami at Art Basel in 2023, and in 2024 for LA Design Weekend and SWAB Art/Design Convention in Barcelona, has been especially significant for me. This project explores how we can use emerging technology, like Virtual Reality, alongside physical spatial design to create healing spaces that engage all the senses. It tackles questions of how we can coexist with technology while ensuring that these environments are therapeutic and grounding.

For me, this project is about pushing the boundaries of experience design, especially in the context of mental and physical well-being. The journey has only just begun, but it’s one I believe will have a profound and lasting impact.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I specialize in strategic design management and spatial experience design, with over a decade of experience working with global brands to create immersive and impactful brand experiences. My passion for shaping spaces and narratives led me to pursue an AAS and MFA in Interior Design at Parsons School of Design, where I now teach, focusing on the intersection of physical space, technology, and human connection.

I’ve worked with companies like Snarkitecture and Goodrich, shaping hospitality, retail, and art installations. In 2020, I founded my own studio, offering spatial design services for both virtual and physical environments. My work spans engaging brand experiences—events, pop-up stores, performances—to long-term strategic brand repositioning and collaborations with artists. I focus on creating authentic, multi-sensory experiences that foster real connections and community, both online and offline.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend design, art, and technology to craft spaces that are emotionally impactful and aligned with a brand’s vision. Whether in a live setting or a virtual space, my work is about creating environments where meaningful stories unfold and connections are made.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being creative is crafting environments that resonate deeply with the people who experience them and collaborating with those who share or are open to the same passion and vision. There’s something truly fulfilling about working with individuals I connect with—where trust, shared dedication, and a willingness to take risks come together in harmony.

The most rewarding projects are those built on authentic, supportive relationships that inspire mutual growth. Ultimately, creativity for me is about forging meaningful connections—working for the people and with the people, to create something real and lasting.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My work is driven by a mission to create spaces that promote wellness, inclusivity, and a sense of safety, grounding, and belonging. I’m passionate about designing healing environments that can be adapted to specific sites but implemented globally. During the pandemic, I spent two years working night shifts in a hospital, which gave me valuable insight into how spaces affect our most vulnerable populations. This experience has deepened my interest in collaborating with experts, such as neuroscientists and professionals in healing environments, to develop scalable spatial interventions that enhance well-being in our everyday lives.

With the rapid rise of mental health challenges, I believe that everyone could benefit from thoughtfully designed spaces that support healing and balance. My goal is to partner with the right brand to bring these concepts to life, creating environments that nurture both mind and body.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.annabelleschneider.com
• Instagram: annabellesbubble
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

Image Credits

BEING In Bed Images (3) – by Jurate Veceraite
BREATHE WITH ME Renderings (3) by Annabelle Schneider