Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to MOLLY BRYANT. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, MOLLY thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Any advice for creating a more inclusive workplace?

Listen and be the change you wish to see. As a NCIDQ certified commercial interior designer, I have worked with various companies on their space programming and design efforts, whether they are preparing a move to a new space or their existing space is no longer functioning and needs a refresh. The first rule is to conduct design research by engaging the users of that space and listening to them before putting pen to paper for space planning and design.

To foster a positive and inclusive company culture ownership and leadership teams must invite a sample pool representing all people and groups that make up the company to this discussion. Qualitative information is collected on how workers use and engage the space on an individual and team level, uncovering what special criteria should be incorporated into the design program for workers to perform their responsibilities at their best. Our studio collects this information through questionnaires, focus groups, and visioning workshops.

This is never a one-size-fits-all approach to creating the perfect workplace, there are many components and scenarios to consider. Even when companies design spaces to cater to all preferences, if leadership does not practice and demonstrate the use of these spaces, staff will not feel invited to leave their desk and engage with these elements designed to support this inclusivity. Leading by example applies to all aspects of workplace inclusion programs. The strength of DEI is only as strong as those who actively practice and adopt the company’s philosophy.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

In 2022 I launched Studio M Co., a boutique-style commercial interior design firm. Ever since childhood I was intrigued by spaces and loved drawing and art. I began my higher education on a graphic design path and after my first year, I took an Architecture studio that introduced me to the Interior Design major. After graduating I worked as an interior designer at a commercial architecture firm that focused on hotels and specialty retail. The 2008 recession hit and I decided to pursue a Master’s degree. I went back to school while continuing to work part-time and earned a MFA degree in Design Research. It was during this time that I was able to hone the skills that help with conducting user group programming workshops. After graduating, I continued to work at the hospitality firm for a few more years until I went to a larger firm to pursue interior design for the workplace and sports markets. I was always interested in creating a business of my own and 2022 seemed like the right time to launch.

At Studio M Co. we act as a conduit to design with our clients to uncover design problems and extract their project goals. We apply design skills to create and communicate a vision tangibly. Design has a transformative power, including its power to influence and enhance elements of our daily lives. We want to help our clients be the best version of themselves through design.

Intentionally planned interiors are not a luxury but a necessity, and we are here to shed light on the possibilities, broaden perspectives, and elevate expectations.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

To make people happy. The final result of a project always feels like giving a gift. To see clients happy and excited when using their new space is great. The aftermath of a space transformation can rub off onto many other areas of people’s lives in positive ways.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I don’t believe non-creatives exist. Everyone has some form of creativity within them, we all can form unique ideas.

People working in a traditionally deemed creative field can be misunderstood regarding the time associated with harnessing creativity, especially with modern technology and AI. These tools are great, but they are just that, tools, not complete solutions that replicate the full life cycle of creative thought. However, today our timelines and deadlines are expedited at a record pace where full creative potential can become sacrificed. No magic button can churn out the ideas developed in our minds. Creativity is an iterative process and generating new creative concepts takes time.

“Have you ever tried to have an idea, any idea at all, with a gun to your head? This is the daily reality for the creative drone.” The fast-paced, high-stress agency life is captured so well in this quote from “A short Lesson In Perspective” from the personal journal of Linds Redding, the former Saatchi & Saatchi and BBDO art director who died from cancer in 2012, aged 52. It is a wonderful entry and a great reminder to slow down and not let life’s precious moments pass you by because you are stuck in your studio burning the midnight oil. So to the ‘non-creatives’ out there, give us an extra inch of time and we will deliver you a creative mile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://studiomco.com
• Instagram: studiomco
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-bryant-a821b668/

Image Credits

Emily Bolt Photography