Meet Adrienne Qasabian

Hi Adrienne, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
That was a really tough one for me to learn, and I had to learn it early on in my career. Working in the hospitality industry and development, I have been the only woman seated at the table more times than I can count. Often times, it’s been a struggle to have my voice heard, and it does take tenacity and really healthy confidence in your own ability to be command the room. You just have to ignore the naysayers, speak up, and push forward. Ultimately, your work and professionalism will speak for itself.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As an interior architect, I love that I get to shape the actual spaces that people live, work and socialize in. I really enjoy the process of building the shell of the space and then adding layers to it with furniture and décor. I’m really fortunate that the skillset I’ve learned as a designer can be applied in so many different ways. I’m really excited about this new furniture line I’ve been working on. It’s a culmination of so many years of learning and a true expression of my brand. It’s been a true labor of love!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Hands down, number one is to study your craft. Design is such a nuanced process. There are so many ways of approaching it, and the more tools and skills you have at your disposal, the smoother and more refined your process becomes. Work with people you admire and adopt the practices that resonate most with you.

As far as running a business goes – if you don’t know how to do something yourself, ask around. Do a lot of research. Again, there are so many ways of approaching something. Don’t copy and paste someone else’s path, Ask as many questions as you can. Be curious and absorb, and then forge your own path forward.

And lastly, be patient with yourself. I wish someone had told me when I was first starting my career to pace myself. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. It takes decades to build a successful career, brand, company, whatever it is. If you want it to have substance and longevity, it’s going to take a while. In that sense, Give yourself some room and allow whatever it is to take shape. In that sense, I am just getting started!

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always looking for opportunities to collaborate! I’d love to lend my design eye to other brands – be it furniture, accessories, products. Even property development or retail projects.

I also think designers collaborating is totally underrated and underexplored. I recently collaborated with another design firm YSG Studio in Australia on a hospitality project and it was such an incredible experience!

If it involves design, I’m open to having a conversation with anyone. You can email me directly at [email protected].