Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jennifer Ridel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jennifer, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Endlessly and often, my curiosity is the primary driver for keeping my creativity flowing. There’s always a story- whether we’re in Beverly Hills, Silverlake or far flung corners of the world, I very much want to know more. I tend to research spiral and deep dive into the history of the spaces, places and the people that occupy them-kind of like anthro treasure-hunting, really. Growing up in a city like Los Angeles has facilitated my exposure via the multi-cultured villages throughout the city and quite literally, the people from all over, which of course, pushed me to travel and explore a number of pockets, globally.
My creativity is further propelled through actual materials and methodologies I come across. Often times, when I know what I have to work with, my wheels really get spinning. I go kind of hard on old-school craftsmanship but also innovative and sustainable materials & an anti-waste approach.
Hello: there’s textiles made from pineapple fiber, cactus, mushroom & even a new eco-foam made from seaweed. Investing in well-made, quality furnishings vs ‘fast fashion’ furnishings that end up in a landfill, is a direction I encourage. Inspiration and movement for me also comes from Art, music, fashion, fonts, food, tones/colors, found-objects or wild ass wallpaper- you never know with me. I make ‘vibe sets’ -a tactile mood board of sorts, when imagining a space; it can include elements from all of the above, so we get the look and feeling going.
Once I know what I have to work with, it generally directs me to create something of purpose and use with. While I experiment with some wild stuff creatively, it’s not always something that will ‘sell’ or have some mass appeal- it’s a personal and professional exercise with what is possible or maybe, likely. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I’m dedicated to my work, but I do like to have fun with even the most banal of tasks when I can!
Both my Interior Architecture & Design work and my Product designs are very much influenced, if not born entirely from all of these things.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Foundation Studio was founded by yours truly, in 2012; I’d practiced within multiple disciplines in the A + D space for a good bit before my firm was founded. Areas of practice include: Interior Architecture and Design, Façade Improvements, Landscaping and Furniture/Product Design for Residential, Hospitality and Workplace projects. I do take on a handful of Consulting contracts, from Business Development to Art Consulting to Design Development, Schematic and Conceptual Design, test-fits and the like. I’ve been known to be a bit of a ‘secret weapon’ to activate and educate for emerging and established firms alike.
I enjoy moving into the different spaces of my skillsets-it keeps me motivated and I definitely do not get bored! I’m personally motivated by total and truly holistic design. The actual design aside, everything from energy & space/flow/use efficiencies to the toothbrush, the uniforms, packaging, the art, the actual maintenance of the space and its contents. It makes for a stellar final result when a full-circle, long-term and thoughtful view is the approach.
The new Studio and Office location is in Beverly Hills at Wilshire & Beverly Drive- it’s a gorgeous, light-filled space with great energy and much to explore. I’m working on a few Events and Collaborations for the near future, to create a more active and engaged space, so do get on our email list to get the heads-up!
Feel free to reach out for a chat or an appointment at the Studio- we’d love to discuss the possibilities with you.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Creative talent is inherent, but develops and grows over time-you can’t be stagnant. Evolution and learning is key for setting yourself apart from the pack. Keep learning, refining and growing.
With that, yes, you have to get technical- long gone are the days of being a ‘decorator’- draping fabric, tossing pillows. This part of the practice is so far from glamorous or even fun- it can occupy more of your time than the actual ‘design’ work itself. Learn about the mechanics of business operations as well. This could apply to multiple creatives, whether you’re a painter or a coder. Ongoing Education, yes. Internships 10,000% yes.
Study Psychology. Know yourself, check yourself. Biggest regret, was not studying Psychology in-depth- its truly an underrated area of learning, when you’re working so closely and intimately, really, with people. Creative talent be damned. Its first and foremost, it almost always starts and finishes with People and Process.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
Clients that are open and trusting to what will be provided for them are the dream clients! I have so many resources available from product to specialists, and literally, anything is possible. Why be basic or safe with everything? I do like to push the limits a bit and I’m not talking about capital outlay necessarily. Again, the resources in my arsenal are where it’s at-there’s real magic that comes in at many price points- I’m not one for cookie cutter and phoning it in-I actually care.
A lot.
I want them to have what’s now and what’s next, so they don’t look at their places and spaces 5 years later and feel like things are dated and tired. I tend to go above and beyond.
Putting it out there- a kind and well-mannered client always gets the extra mile and love delivered!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.foundationstudiola.com
- Instagram: @foundation.studio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foundation-studio
Image Credits
Foundation Studio Beverly Hills
