May 22, 2024 • 24 mins
Links:
Follow Stephanie on Instagram: / shedesignsphilly
Visit Stephanie's Website: https://www.shedesignsphilly.com/
Follow Bellwether Design Build: / bellwetherdesignbuildsc
Visit Bellwether Design Build Website: https://www.bellwethersc.com/
Ever wondered how the historic charm of Philadelphia's architecture can be preserved while infusing it with modern functionality? Stephanie Hoffmeier of Bellwether Design Build joins us to weave the tale of her ascension from Philadelphia University to becoming a lead architectural designer, bringing with her an infectious passion for design and a rich expertise in construction management. Stephanie illuminates the intricate dance between maintaining the integrity of historic homes and the innovative methods used to renovate them, offering listeners a front-row seat to the world of architectural transformation.
From the cultural tapestry of Puerto Rico to the vibrant essence of Mexico, travel has a profound impact on Stephanie's design philosophy, a topic we explore with delightful anecdotes and professional reflection. We also delve into the influence of personal hobbies like golf on professional creativity, the importance of sustainability in design, and the profound connections built with clients through collaborative projects. Join us as Stephanie candidly shares her insights on the evolving role of women in the industry and the invaluable lessons learned from the field—each story a building block in the grand design of her career.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Lindsay Fluckiger (00:03):
Welcome back to another exciting episode of
our podcast, tile Trends by TileClub.
Today we have a very specialguest with us, stephanie
Hoffmeyer, the leadarchitectural designer at
Bellwether Design Build.
Stephanie, it's so great tohave you on the show today.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (00:20):
Yeah, thank you for inviting me.
I'm excited for today'sconversation.
Likewise.
Lindsay Fluckiger (00:24):
Yeah, thank you for inviting me.
I'm excited for today'sconversation.
Likewise, stephanie, yourjourney from Philadelphia
University to becoming a leadarchitectural designer at
Bellwether Design Build isseriously inspiring.
Can you give our listeners aglimpse into your path and how
you've carved out your niche inthe industry?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (00:41):
Yeah, of course.
So this is something like Ialways knew I wanted to do.
I grew up exposed to like mychildhood home having multiple
additions for decks and shedsand you know, throughout the
family everyone was doingsomething.
Growing up and I had familymembers in the industry and it
just felt like it fit.
(01:03):
And you know, when you're inmiddle school and you're
clipping out furniture andmagazine clippings and putting
mood boards together, like wellbefore Pinterest was a thing I
was like, hmm, I could turn thisinto something where I can make
money and like have a career inthe future.
And it just from literally, Ithink, middle school on I just
knew that's what I wanted to do.
(01:23):
And here we are and I pickedPhiladelphia University for its
prestigious five-yeararchitecture program and you
know I was like, well, whatminor am I going to get into?
So I found constructionmanagement as a really nice way
to kind of tie in and well-roundwhat I'm looking for out of a
career.
And then I found Bellwether andmy last semester in college I
started working there as anintern and quickly it turned
(01:46):
into my career.
And here we are, like going oneight years later.
Lindsay Fluckiger (01:50):
That's so inspiring.
I love those types of successstories where you've just kind
of like worked your way up andit sounds like you ended up in
such an amazing position withthis company.
We love Bellwether.
Everything you guys post isbeautiful.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (02:04):
Well, we love your tiles and we can use
them in our projects.
Lindsay Fluckiger (02:07):
Thank you so much.
Well, we'll be definitelydiving into more about that.
I want to pick your brain aboutall of your favorites.
So can you tell us about beinga certified kitchen and bathroom
remodeler and how that givesyou an edge in the industry?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (02:21):
So our company was a part of Nary for
quite a long time and throughthat they offered certifications
.
So whether you're a projectmanager or you're a GC or you're
a designer, there was differentopportunities for you to get
certified.
And I took the kitchen and bathcertification and it was a
course where, like, you metweekly and you had to study from
(02:42):
books and at the end you weretested and then from there you
became certified.
So you know, the test includedcrazy questions like wiring
types and, of course, clearancesfor like how far the teepee
holder needs to be up on thewall or like how I don't know
just about anything like how farthe wall needs to be from the
toilet, and that really helpedme just solidify these codes
(03:05):
that come up in every projectand I can just speak to them so
easily.
Lindsay Fluckiger (03:08):
Yeah, that's great and it sounds like having
that background in constructionmanagement probably just all
like mesh together to reallyassist with that as well.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (03:19):
Yeah, and the construction management like
what I was exposed to was, youknow, there was a class about
schedule.
There was a class about here'sall the things you need to take
into consideration.
That's not just design driven.
So with a design build companythat I work for, it's like I can
make pretty things, but I needto make pretty things on a
budget and on time and then itneeds to be constructed on
budget and on time.
(03:39):
So really, this is the rightfit, yeah.
Lindsay Fluckiger (03:42):
Awesome.
I love it.
That's such an interestingjourney and path that you've
gone down, and then just all ofthese wonderful things in your
life that have kind of cometogether to lead you exactly
where you are today.
So, stephanie, we also followyou on Instagram under the
handle she designs Philly.
What do you love most about thewonderful city of Philadelphia?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (04:05):
Oh, everything.
I mean I live here, I work here, I went to college here.
I grew up in a small town inLancaster County and
Philadelphia has so much cultureand opportunity, food.
I mean there's so much to dohere.
You're so close to New YorkCity, You're so close to, you
know the shore and you can justwith 20 minutes get just about
(04:26):
anywhere by going to the airport.
So it's a wonderful city.
There's a lot to offer, amazingpeople, amazing food, and I
wouldn't have it any other way.
Lindsay Fluckiger (04:36):
I've been there once and I fell in love.
I really, really enjoyed mytime.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (04:40):
Well, that and the homes are so old.
I mean I own an 1880s row homeand I mean you have to maintain
homes of that age, but I boughtcharacter that isn't as easy to
buy with something new.
So it's everywhere.
Lindsay Fluckiger (04:56):
Yeah, so, living in a historic city and
knowing also that Bellwether ismore of a traditional design
firm, can you speak to I don'tknow the passion behind
preserving history and maybesome of the difficulties that
you might run into as a designerwhen it comes to preserving
(05:19):
those historical homes?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (05:20):
Yeah Well, I will say I definitely thrive
in the traditional design, butwe also have other really
talented designers on staff thatdo the more modern flair or the
mid-century homes, which we'vealso have a ton of in our
portfolio.
But when I'm taking on thetraditional homes, I'm like I'm
thinking about okay, well, youknow, there's this awesome trim.
There's always considerations,where was it ever painted with
(05:42):
lead paint?
But there's ways to restore.
So I don't try to trasheverything.
I definitely try to say, hey,like what trim can we mimic?
Or like find a knife for andcut.
So it's the exact same, butnewer materials?
Or, you know, is there thedoors on the inside that we can
keep and maybe sand down andrefinish?
I, you know, if there's abeautiful piece, I'm not going
(06:06):
to trash it.
I'm definitely going to keep itand try to work it into the
design or find a way torepurpose it in another area of
the house.
Lindsay Fluckiger (06:13):
Yeah, no need to reinvent the wheel.
It sounds like they did someamazing things in the past.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (06:20):
I mean we should honor for sure,
absolutely.
Lindsay Fluckiger (06:22):
I love that perspective Cool.
So, stephanie, I went down therabbit hole.
I looked up your own websiteand she designs Philly seems to
be like your brand and you havesome amazing things there at LTK
Amazon storefront.
And I also saw some reallygreat information on your blog
about being 40 under 40.
(06:43):
I believe it was in 2020.
Can you give us some insightinto what that honor was like
for you?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (06:51):
Yeah, well, I mean, I was younger,
obviously at the time and I waslike this is pretty cool.
I'm in a group.
It was through an industrymagazine, I believe it was like
Pro Remodeler, and they chose 40people around the country,
under 40 years old that aredoing amazing things.
And you know, I get themagazine and I can see it every
year at the office and I'm likelook at all these awesome people
(07:12):
who are anywhere between theirearly 20s to 40.
And they have all different jobtitles and they're doing all
these awesome things in theindustry.
And it was such an honor to berecognized for, you know, being
a designer and the lead in thatregard.
So, yeah, I was honored andvery surprised.
Lindsay Fluckiger (07:32):
Yeah, so cool .
I loved it Finding that outabout you.
So, stephanie, we chat a littlebit about kitchen and bath
design, um, and I would love togo ahead and dive in and talk
about tiles.
That's what we're all about.
We would love to hear how youweave tiles into your
architectural designs.
And then, what trends are youcurrently vibing with?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (07:54):
Okay, lots to talk about here.
I will start with maybe likewhat I'm seeing a lot, or maybe
what I'm designing a lot.
These little handcrafted tilesare just so beautiful and it's
so much better than having afactory finish I mean, there's
nothing wrong with it.
But in these older homes I'mtrying to add character.
So having this handcrafted look, where there's texture and
(08:15):
there's, you know, visualinterest, where it's not every
single color, is the quite exactsame on the tile, I'm really
interested in that, whether it'sincorporating blues and greens,
like we've done togetheralready, or it's an off-white
because the client wantssomething lighter and airier,
I'm really trying to incorporatethat and as far away as I can
get from a three by six subwaytile, I will do so.
(08:39):
Lately I've been, I've beenreally into like the four by
four squares or just slightlylarger with the five by five,
but a square tile I'm findingways to incorporate in unique
ways.
So maybe, like in a more modernsetting it's a stacked grid,
but maybe in a more traditionalsetting it's an offset 50% and
it just looks really nice.
So you'll see that coming up inquite a few of my projects.
(09:03):
But otherwise I also am seeinga lot and I'm also incorporating
a lot into my projects, like acheckerboard floor, whether it's
like a porcelain, you knowtwo-tone, or it's a marble
two-tone.
A lot of people like it and Ithink it probably had its time
in the past and it's here again.
Lindsay Fluckiger (09:32):
A lot of people like it and I think it
probably had its time in thepast and it's here again and,
just like any other trend,things will come and go, but if
you use oh, this is like, oh,this looks like Italy, um.
And then as far as the ceramicsubway tiles, like that Zellie
style, um, we carry a lot ofthose different tiles.
My favorite that you shouldlook into if you have it, is the
I think it's two and a half by16 are Lake tiles and they are
(10:00):
well.
I have them installed in my ownbacksplash and every time people
come over they go straight tomy kitchen.
This is amazing.
Where did you get this?
I'm like you know where I gotthis.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (10:05):
You know, there's a tile that I'm trying
so hard to incorporate.
It's the Luna tile, the newtile that has that like sort of
crest shape.
But then there's also the flatone.
I love the colors, I just needto find the right project.
So, the flat one, I love thecolors, I just need to find the
right project.
Lindsay Fluckiger (10:19):
Yes, oh, it's taken off from the end of last
year onto this year.
I mean, it's flying off theshelves, the Luna whites, and
we're seeing the arc, like yousaid, with the kind of crest
selling a lot, and then theCeladon is just gorgeous with
that pop of blue.
So, yeah, so fun.
I love to hear all of thosetrends and things that you're
(10:44):
vibing with right now.
So let's see.
So, when you're collaboratingwith your clients, stephanie,
how do you balance their visionwith your own creative mojo?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (10:54):
That's a great question and I mean, when
you're working as a in a designbuild firm like mine, we tailor
a lot to what our homeowners arelooking for because they are
coming to us for that.
You know, outside of thattraditional model where you have
you hired a designer and thenthat designer finds a GC and
then you have to ultimately findthe right price and build it, I
(11:14):
feel like with a design buildcompany, you're coming in and it
can be a little bit more handson.
So if a homeowner is like youknow, I have an idea for a color
scheme but I really need theprofessional's opinion to see it
through, that's where I come inand I start with OK, let's see
what your inspiration looks like.
And then let me ask quite a fewquestions and get your feedback
(11:48):
.
We even have lifestyle surveysthat we put together for
specifically like bath projectsor kitchen projects, which you
know go down the rabbit hole too, of all these things that they
might not have considered.
From all of that we then say, ok, like as the professional here
with our expertise, it seemslike and it sounds like you're
interested in X, y and Z, andthen from there taking their
inspiration and taking maybeeven our own inspiration.
Like, there's times where I'llput together a Pinterest board,
even though the owner also putone together, and I'm saying
here's what I'm seeing and thenhere's sort of what you brought
(12:08):
to the table.
Can we find something thatworks for your budget, that
works for your styles, and moveforward in that direction?
And there's even times wheresay you know it's a partnership
and the owners together don'thave the same style.
And there's even times wheresay you know it's a partnership
and the owners together don'thave the same style, and that's
fun and challenging but you knowit happens, that's so
interesting.
Lindsay Fluckiger (12:28):
So what does one do when that happens?
Like you just kind of have tofuse the two together or find a
way to make that compliment.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (12:36):
Yeah, I mean you come from it, from like
a marriage counselingstandpoint, and you're like,
okay, I'm hearing you and I hearyou and what I'm seeing is like
we can definitely merge these.
And really today I don't thinkthere's any rules in design.
When it's like you know, one ofthe partners wants mid-century
and the other one wantssomething that feels way more
traditional, there's anopportunity for that like
(12:58):
transitional everyone's usingthis word as pretty much like
putting two different stylestogether and you can do that and
you can say, hey, you know,maybe your cabinetry pulls more
of that mid-century, modern vibe, but in a traditional sense,
maybe we're looking at, you know, like the light fixtures and
the plumbing fixtures havingmore of that traditional profile
.
It has been done and it will bedone again and the situation
(13:20):
will definitely come up again.
It's just the designer, youknow, taking that on.
Lindsay Fluckiger (13:24):
Yeah, so walk us through what it means to be
an architectural designer, fromtaking concept to actually, you
know, mocking it up, presentingit.
What does that entail?
Where do you start with that?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (13:38):
So we in our process, we have initial
design, and then that kind oflends itself into schematic
design, and then, once they gointo our full design process,
that's where we start to developthe construction drawings.
So, as an architecturaldesigner, that does mean that I
have the degree in architecture,but I'm not a licensed
practicing architect, so I can'tstamp drawings in that regard.
(13:58):
But what I can do is I can drawand I can come up with the
designs and put things together.
It then just potentially has togo to someone else for stamping
, but through that process, youknow, we can start with sketches
.
It's like trace paper, likeit's very early on.
From that point we start todevelop the direction and as you
kind of go through these phasesof design, you start to go from
(14:19):
concept to hypothetical reality, like nothing is set in stone
until walls are being built anddemo has happened, and even then
there's, you know, technicallystill some time for some changes
.
But it's really awesome to seethe funnel go from concept to
reality throughout the processto reality throughout the
(14:43):
process.
Lindsay Fluckiger (14:43):
That's the fun part.
I love it.
So we talked a little bit aboutthe preservation of historical
homes and things that you'redoing to kind of like maintain
or see what you can salvage.
How important is sustainabilityin your design approach?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (14:53):
It's important to us and it's also
really important to ourhomeowners.
But there's also homeowners whocome to us and, whether they're
doctors or lawyers, and they'rejust like I, want the lead out
of my house and I know my homeis old enough to have it.
So there's situations where youknow we would love to maintain
the character of the home, butwe can definitely replicate that
with new material that doesn'thave the lead paint.
(15:15):
In other situations, say,there's a 10 year old kitchen
but it's just not the owner'staste anymore.
We're going to carefully removethat and donate that to Habitat
for Humanity and it's a teambuilding opportunity.
So even later today, after thiscall, I'm going to a home where
we're going to be soon comingup to demo, but our team is
carefully removing the cabinetsand donating them and that's a
(15:38):
really nice way to honor and notjust completely just trash
something.
Lindsay Fluckiger (15:43):
It's clear that sustainability is important
to you guys, and soheartwarming to hear how you all
are volunteering your time andalso donating those materials to
help those in need.
So, stephanie, on a lighternote, how do you balance design
and your career with yourpersonal interests like golfing
and good food and traveling?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (16:06):
It's so funny.
When I got married, I told myhusband as a joke I was like not
into golf yet and I was jokingand I said, well, now you're not
going to have any free timebecause I'm going to learn to
golf and I'm just going to gowith you and I'm laughing
because I'm obsessed with it nowand it's something we can do
together and I actually golfwith some of my coworkers, so
(16:27):
that's pretty cool too and it'sjust like my thing.
I mean, everyone's got theirone thing that helps them relax,
and for me it's being able towalk the golf course and just be
in a beautiful environment andbe outside and get some exercise
and clear my head so that I cancome back and design and be
outside and get some exerciseand clear my head so that I can
come back and design, you know,and be creative.
Lindsay Fluckiger (16:48):
Yeah, that's great Balancing that career and
like getting a break self-care,so, so important.
So you mentioned enjoying goodfood and travel.
Can you tell us one of yourfavorite places to vacation or
visit?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (17:01):
Oh, we've spent quite a bit of time in
Puerto Rico and in Mexicorecently, just for the culture.
My husband is from Puerto Rico,a lot of my friends are also
from Puerto Rico, so it wasreally awesome to see sort of
their culture and potentiallyeven where they grew up.
And you know, just honeymooningin Mexico was nice.
I would say like we just chosea place.
(17:21):
I think next on our bucket listis probably going to Italy.
If I have my way, it mighthappen sooner than later, but
you know, architecture being abackground, there's so much
history over there and I wouldlove to see it in person instead
of in a textbook.
Lindsay Fluckiger (17:36):
You know I was going to ask.
So when you're traveling I knowhow I am working in tile all
day, every day, and I love it Ican't help but notice, oh, the
tile work.
Oh, they need to work on that,or oh, my gosh, I love that.
So when you are traveling, doyou?
Are you kind of soaking in theelements and kind of going, oh,
I'm taking this idea back to,yeah.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (18:04):
It's a blessing and a curse, because I
feel like I'm such a critic andyou know, there's a time and a
place to provide feedback andyou'll see stuff that you're
like why did they do that?
And then you're also going tosee stuff where you're like that
was genius.
I want to incorporate a similaridea.
Or this light is beautiful, soit's just, it's every day.
It doesn't even matter if I'mtraveling.
It's like I go to a restaurantand I'm like I'm going to
(18:28):
remember this.
Or you know, I'm driving downthe street and I'm like I really
liked their curb appeal, like Iwant to incorporate that.
So I mean, every designerlistening to this is going to be
like yep, that resonates.
Lindsay Fluckiger (18:35):
Yes, ah, so fun and probably a little
exhausting, but that's, that's areally cool.
I'm excited for your travels toItaly and then seeing what
inspiration comes from that.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (18:46):
Well, maybe it's some of the tile, so stay
tuned?
Lindsay Fluckiger (18:49):
Oh, yes, for sure.
So let's see here.
Stephanie, can you share anymemorable experiences or lessons
that you've learned throughoutyour career that have had a
significant impact on yourapproach to architectural design
or as a woman in design period?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (19:07):
Yeah, Well, I mean there's definitely an
opportunity for just empoweringpeople and women in the industry
, because there's this sort ofpersona that there isn't as many
women in the industry as men,and I mean that's true, but it
doesn't have to feel that way Ifyou can keep the word out and
say, you know like, work with mehere and just continue to grow
(19:28):
women in the industry.
But in terms of lessons learned, I mean, we all have them,
everyone's making mistakes, butyou learn from them and you
continue to grow.
And this is so cliche, but it'slike measured twice cut once.
I remember and I'm so so.
Unfortunately it happenedrecently, like five, six years
ago we misordered some windowsand they're still sitting in the
(19:50):
basement of our office and lastweek I specked out the wrong
windows, but it was only two,which is good, but it just.
It happens every so often andyou're like I could have done
better and you just learn fromit and maybe I forgot what I've
learned from six years ago.
But measure twice cut once.
I may know it's cliche, but themore you can triple check,
(20:13):
quadruple check, whatever youneed to do to get it right,
you're going to save time andmoney.
But you know, we're also in anindustry where we're going to
figure it out and if it does, ifthere is a mistake, we all know
how to fix it.
Lindsay Fluckiger (20:26):
The problem solving know-how that it takes
to work in your line andindustry.
It blows my mind.
We as a team are working ondesigning our booth for a trade
show and it has consumed ourlives.
Just measurements and, okay,this wall is wet and how deep,
and then these tiles are.
It has been crazy, and we dohave a design team helping us
(20:48):
and things like that, but I canonly imagine that little small
taste for me, what you're havingto do all day, every day.
Of course, there has to be roomfor error and grace when we
fall right Like it's all good,that's awesome, well, good deal.
So I want to hear all aboutexciting projects that you have
coming up.
(21:08):
Tell our listeners what's kindof on your plate for 2024 and
what you're most excited for usto follow along with.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (21:16):
Oh, I'm excited about so many different
things.
We have projects all over thegreater Philadelphia area you
know between that traditionaldesign and even some more modern
flair.
You know we have a few additionscoming up that are pretty
unique, with roof decks andpilot houses, and then there's
some whole home renovations thatcompletely transform layouts
(21:37):
and flow of spaces and upgradethe spaces for like modern
technology.
So you know, a lot of the timeswe're coming in and there's
appliances that are 30 years oldand we're like, all right, it's
time, even though that's a subzero, and it might be time for
that one to get updated.
So lots of major renovations.
(21:57):
I'm even doing a project rightnow that we have.
The owners were living in a rowhome for 30 some years and then
their neighbors sold but theybought it and now we're making
it one big house and that is ahuge undertaking because you can
imagine that is three floors ofbrick that we have to support
with some major engineering.
(22:18):
So we have, you know, hugesteel beams and columns and a
lot of masonry and excavationgoing on.
I think I worked on thatproject in design for probably
two years and the constructionis probably a year.
So I mean it's a big job, butyou really get to know your
client after three years andit's awesome to see them come
(22:40):
back into the space after solong and get to enjoy it.
Lindsay Fluckiger (22:44):
That's so cool.
I'm excited to see them comeback into the space after so
long and get to enjoy it.
That's so cool.
I'm excited to see that.
So are we going to be followingalong with this, or?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (22:49):
are you?
Lindsay Fluckiger (22:49):
already in the works of posting.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (22:51):
Definitely already in the works.
It's in construction already,so we're well past the design
phase.
But I mean, even what was itlike?
Last week or two weeks ago Idid a job site, just kind of
walk through, and I was like Ithink we need a skylight.
Like, design's not completelyover yet, I think we can make a
few adjustments.
And the clients were like, yes,that sounds awesome.
So you know, obviously there'sa change order for that, but
(23:13):
we'll get that in the works foryou and we'll give you a
skylight where there wasn't one.
And, of course, in the city,all you want is natural light
and luckily for us, it.
All you want is natural lightand luckily for us, it's our
first floor addition, so we'regetting the light into the
middle of the home, which isreally the darkest space in a
real home.
I'm excited about that one.
Follow along to see how thatone goes.
Lindsay Fluckiger (23:32):
So fun.
Ah, I love seeing your passionshine through, like it's so
clear that you love what you do,and it's so refreshing to talk
to somebody that's like in lovewith their job and these
opportunities that come your wayto be creative and and do what
you love.
So some final words, stephanie,as we wrap up our podcast today
.
First and foremost, such atreat to talk to you and get to
(23:54):
know you.
I feel like thank you beingyour face for years and seeing
your beautiful designs, but toactually like meet you and get
to know a little bit more aboutyou and and your passion is is
really cool.
So last question for you whatadvice do you have for anyone in
design looking to pursue theirpassion and just create
(24:17):
something different?
What would you say to them?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (24:19):
That's such a good question and I'm a
little stumped, but I feel likeif I could go back and do it all
over again, it's just beingable to absorb everything around
you and sort of digest it tocreate your own like personality
.
Within the design field, I feellike, you know, there's Studio
(24:40):
McGee, there's Joanna Gaines,like there's all these amazing
women that have come up and havebecome so popular in the
industry, and it's like, don'tlet that intimidate you.
You can still be amazing, evenif it's just in Philadelphia or
Pittsburgh or wherever it may be.
But I think it's just takingthe opportunity to just learn as
much as you can.
You know, do all thatcontinuous education and those
(25:02):
opportunities, opportunitiesread.
I've done so much reading overthe last year, even just for,
like, career development.
Like you know, currently I'mreading like what is that book?
You can tell I'm currently notreading it.
I guess that well, but atomichabits I think that's what it's
called and it's like justlearning as much as you possibly
can before you know you can'tuse those practices anymore.
(25:24):
So I would say, just absorb it,learn, read and take every
opportunity as it comes.
Lindsay Fluckiger (25:33):
Awesome Wise words, very inspiring.
I love that you highlighted.
You know you don't have to beno and no like shade to Joanna
Gaines.
I think she's incredible.
I'm obsessed with her love,everything she does.
But you don't have to be aJoanna Gaines to be successful
and to find your own way.
I think that's important forwomen to hear, especially in.
You know, living in a worldwhere social media just bombards
(25:56):
you every day, tells you you'renot enough, tells you you can
do better, should be better, andwe have to kind of carve out
our own way and follow our ownpath while learning from what
others have done.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (26:08):
Absolutely, and it's like find your.
If you create a personalitythat a client's going to
gravitate towards, that's allyou need.
You don't need to be whateveryone else is.
So you know it's so hard to putyourself out there.
I've definitely even learnedfrom that, like putting your
face on Instagram in a reelthat's being pushed to thousands
of people.
I'm like I don't know, it tookme a long time to get there.
(26:30):
But once you do put yourselfout there, people start to get a
sense of who you are, and Ithink that's really important,
and you don't need a TV show todo that.
Lindsay Fluckiger (26:39):
Yeah, incredible.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (26:45):
Love all of it, thanks again, stephanie,
for joining.
Lindsay Fluckiger (26:46):
I'm honored.
Thank you Seriously.
It's such a pleasure.
We're definitely going to shoutit out.
I have all the links here wherepeople can find your personal
site and as well as bellwetherdesign, build um and follow
along on your incredible journeyand design.
Yeah.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (26:59):
Awesome.
Lindsay Fluckiger (27:00):
Well, thank you.
Thanks so much.
I'm going to.
I think I have an outro.
Let me read that real fast.
That's a wrap for today'sepisode of tile trends.
A huge thank you to StephanieHoffmeyer for sharing her
insights and inspiration with us.
Until next time, keep dreamingbig and tile on.
All right, I'm going to stoprecording.
Welcome back to another exciting episode of
our podcast, tile Trends by TileClub.
Today we have a very specialguest with us, stephanie
Hoffmeyer, the leadarchitectural designer at
Bellwether Design Build.
Stephanie, it's so great tohave you on the show today.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (00:20):
Yeah, thank you for inviting me.
I'm excited for today'sconversation.
Likewise.
Lindsay Fluckiger (00:24):
Yeah, thank you for inviting me.
I'm excited for today'sconversation.
Likewise, stephanie, yourjourney from Philadelphia
University to becoming a leadarchitectural designer at
Bellwether Design Build isseriously inspiring.
Can you give our listeners aglimpse into your path and how
you've carved out your niche inthe industry?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (00:41):
Yeah, of course.
So this is something like Ialways knew I wanted to do.
I grew up exposed to like mychildhood home having multiple
additions for decks and shedsand you know, throughout the
family everyone was doingsomething.
Growing up and I had familymembers in the industry and it
just felt like it fit.
(01:03):
And you know, when you're inmiddle school and you're
clipping out furniture andmagazine clippings and putting
mood boards together, like wellbefore Pinterest was a thing I
was like, hmm, I could turn thisinto something where I can make
money and like have a career inthe future.
And it just from literally, Ithink, middle school on I just
knew that's what I wanted to do.
(01:23):
And here we are and I pickedPhiladelphia University for its
prestigious five-yeararchitecture program and you
know I was like, well, whatminor am I going to get into?
So I found constructionmanagement as a really nice way
to kind of tie in and well-roundwhat I'm looking for out of a
career.
And then I found Bellwether andmy last semester in college I
started working there as anintern and quickly it turned
(01:46):
into my career.
And here we are, like going oneight years later.
Lindsay Fluckiger (01:50):
That's so inspiring.
I love those types of successstories where you've just kind
of like worked your way up andit sounds like you ended up in
such an amazing position withthis company.
We love Bellwether.
Everything you guys post isbeautiful.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (02:04):
Well, we love your tiles and we can use
them in our projects.
Lindsay Fluckiger (02:07):
Thank you so much.
Well, we'll be definitelydiving into more about that.
I want to pick your brain aboutall of your favorites.
So can you tell us about beinga certified kitchen and bathroom
remodeler and how that givesyou an edge in the industry?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (02:21):
So our company was a part of Nary for
quite a long time and throughthat they offered certifications
.
So whether you're a projectmanager or you're a GC or you're
a designer, there was differentopportunities for you to get
certified.
And I took the kitchen and bathcertification and it was a
course where, like, you metweekly and you had to study from
(02:42):
books and at the end you weretested and then from there you
became certified.
So you know, the test includedcrazy questions like wiring
types and, of course, clearancesfor like how far the teepee
holder needs to be up on thewall or like how I don't know
just about anything like how farthe wall needs to be from the
toilet, and that really helpedme just solidify these codes
(03:05):
that come up in every projectand I can just speak to them so
easily.
Lindsay Fluckiger (03:08):
Yeah, that's great and it sounds like having
that background in constructionmanagement probably just all
like mesh together to reallyassist with that as well.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (03:19):
Yeah, and the construction management like
what I was exposed to was, youknow, there was a class about
schedule.
There was a class about here'sall the things you need to take
into consideration.
That's not just design driven.
So with a design build companythat I work for, it's like I can
make pretty things, but I needto make pretty things on a
budget and on time and then itneeds to be constructed on
budget and on time.
(03:39):
So really, this is the rightfit, yeah.
Lindsay Fluckiger (03:42):
Awesome.
I love it.
That's such an interestingjourney and path that you've
gone down, and then just all ofthese wonderful things in your
life that have kind of cometogether to lead you exactly
where you are today.
So, stephanie, we also followyou on Instagram under the
handle she designs Philly.
What do you love most about thewonderful city of Philadelphia?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (04:05):
Oh, everything.
I mean I live here, I work here, I went to college here.
I grew up in a small town inLancaster County and
Philadelphia has so much cultureand opportunity, food.
I mean there's so much to dohere.
You're so close to New YorkCity, You're so close to, you
know the shore and you can justwith 20 minutes get just about
(04:26):
anywhere by going to the airport.
So it's a wonderful city.
There's a lot to offer, amazingpeople, amazing food, and I
wouldn't have it any other way.
Lindsay Fluckiger (04:36):
I've been there once and I fell in love.
I really, really enjoyed mytime.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (04:40):
Well, that and the homes are so old.
I mean I own an 1880s row homeand I mean you have to maintain
homes of that age, but I boughtcharacter that isn't as easy to
buy with something new.
So it's everywhere.
Lindsay Fluckiger (04:56):
Yeah, so, living in a historic city and
knowing also that Bellwether ismore of a traditional design
firm, can you speak to I don'tknow the passion behind
preserving history and maybesome of the difficulties that
you might run into as a designerwhen it comes to preserving
(05:19):
those historical homes?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (05:20):
Yeah Well, I will say I definitely thrive
in the traditional design, butwe also have other really
talented designers on staff thatdo the more modern flair or the
mid-century homes, which we'vealso have a ton of in our
portfolio.
But when I'm taking on thetraditional homes, I'm like I'm
thinking about okay, well, youknow, there's this awesome trim.
There's always considerations,where was it ever painted with
(05:42):
lead paint?
But there's ways to restore.
So I don't try to trasheverything.
I definitely try to say, hey,like what trim can we mimic?
Or like find a knife for andcut.
So it's the exact same, butnewer materials?
Or, you know, is there thedoors on the inside that we can
keep and maybe sand down andrefinish?
I, you know, if there's abeautiful piece, I'm not going
(06:06):
to trash it.
I'm definitely going to keep itand try to work it into the
design or find a way torepurpose it in another area of
the house.
Lindsay Fluckiger (06:13):
Yeah, no need to reinvent the wheel.
It sounds like they did someamazing things in the past.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (06:20):
I mean we should honor for sure,
absolutely.
Lindsay Fluckiger (06:22):
I love that perspective Cool.
So, stephanie, I went down therabbit hole.
I looked up your own websiteand she designs Philly seems to
be like your brand and you havesome amazing things there at LTK
Amazon storefront.
And I also saw some reallygreat information on your blog
about being 40 under 40.
(06:43):
I believe it was in 2020.
Can you give us some insightinto what that honor was like
for you?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (06:51):
Yeah, well, I mean, I was younger,
obviously at the time and I waslike this is pretty cool.
I'm in a group.
It was through an industrymagazine, I believe it was like
Pro Remodeler, and they chose 40people around the country,
under 40 years old that aredoing amazing things.
And you know, I get themagazine and I can see it every
year at the office and I'm likelook at all these awesome people
(07:12):
who are anywhere between theirearly 20s to 40.
And they have all different jobtitles and they're doing all
these awesome things in theindustry.
And it was such an honor to berecognized for, you know, being
a designer and the lead in thatregard.
So, yeah, I was honored andvery surprised.
Lindsay Fluckiger (07:32):
Yeah, so cool .
I loved it Finding that outabout you.
So, stephanie, we chat a littlebit about kitchen and bath
design, um, and I would love togo ahead and dive in and talk
about tiles.
That's what we're all about.
We would love to hear how youweave tiles into your
architectural designs.
And then, what trends are youcurrently vibing with?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (07:54):
Okay, lots to talk about here.
I will start with maybe likewhat I'm seeing a lot, or maybe
what I'm designing a lot.
These little handcrafted tilesare just so beautiful and it's
so much better than having afactory finish I mean, there's
nothing wrong with it.
But in these older homes I'mtrying to add character.
So having this handcrafted look, where there's texture and
(08:15):
there's, you know, visualinterest, where it's not every
single color, is the quite exactsame on the tile, I'm really
interested in that, whether it'sincorporating blues and greens,
like we've done togetheralready, or it's an off-white
because the client wantssomething lighter and airier,
I'm really trying to incorporatethat and as far away as I can
get from a three by six subwaytile, I will do so.
(08:39):
Lately I've been, I've beenreally into like the four by
four squares or just slightlylarger with the five by five,
but a square tile I'm findingways to incorporate in unique
ways.
So maybe, like in a more modernsetting it's a stacked grid,
but maybe in a more traditionalsetting it's an offset 50% and
it just looks really nice.
So you'll see that coming up inquite a few of my projects.
(09:03):
But otherwise I also am seeinga lot and I'm also incorporating
a lot into my projects, like acheckerboard floor, whether it's
like a porcelain, you knowtwo-tone, or it's a marble
two-tone.
A lot of people like it and Ithink it probably had its time
in the past and it's here again.
Lindsay Fluckiger (09:32):
A lot of people like it and I think it
probably had its time in thepast and it's here again and,
just like any other trend,things will come and go, but if
you use oh, this is like, oh,this looks like Italy, um.
And then as far as the ceramicsubway tiles, like that Zellie
style, um, we carry a lot ofthose different tiles.
My favorite that you shouldlook into if you have it, is the
I think it's two and a half by16 are Lake tiles and they are
(10:00):
well.
I have them installed in my ownbacksplash and every time people
come over they go straight tomy kitchen.
This is amazing.
Where did you get this?
I'm like you know where I gotthis.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (10:05):
You know, there's a tile that I'm trying
so hard to incorporate.
It's the Luna tile, the newtile that has that like sort of
crest shape.
But then there's also the flatone.
I love the colors, I just needto find the right project.
So, the flat one, I love thecolors, I just need to find the
right project.
Lindsay Fluckiger (10:19):
Yes, oh, it's taken off from the end of last
year onto this year.
I mean, it's flying off theshelves, the Luna whites, and
we're seeing the arc, like yousaid, with the kind of crest
selling a lot, and then theCeladon is just gorgeous with
that pop of blue.
So, yeah, so fun.
I love to hear all of thosetrends and things that you're
(10:44):
vibing with right now.
So let's see.
So, when you're collaboratingwith your clients, stephanie,
how do you balance their visionwith your own creative mojo?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (10:54):
That's a great question and I mean, when
you're working as a in a designbuild firm like mine, we tailor
a lot to what our homeowners arelooking for because they are
coming to us for that.
You know, outside of thattraditional model where you have
you hired a designer and thenthat designer finds a GC and
then you have to ultimately findthe right price and build it, I
(11:14):
feel like with a design buildcompany, you're coming in and it
can be a little bit more handson.
So if a homeowner is like youknow, I have an idea for a color
scheme but I really need theprofessional's opinion to see it
through, that's where I come inand I start with OK, let's see
what your inspiration looks like.
And then let me ask quite a fewquestions and get your feedback
(11:48):
.
We even have lifestyle surveysthat we put together for
specifically like bath projectsor kitchen projects, which you
know go down the rabbit hole too, of all these things that they
might not have considered.
From all of that we then say, ok, like as the professional here
with our expertise, it seemslike and it sounds like you're
interested in X, y and Z, andthen from there taking their
inspiration and taking maybeeven our own inspiration.
Like, there's times where I'llput together a Pinterest board,
even though the owner also putone together, and I'm saying
here's what I'm seeing and thenhere's sort of what you brought
(12:08):
to the table.
Can we find something thatworks for your budget, that
works for your styles, and moveforward in that direction?
And there's even times wheresay you know it's a partnership
and the owners together don'thave the same style.
And there's even times wheresay you know it's a partnership
and the owners together don'thave the same style, and that's
fun and challenging but you knowit happens, that's so
interesting.
Lindsay Fluckiger (12:28):
So what does one do when that happens?
Like you just kind of have tofuse the two together or find a
way to make that compliment.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (12:36):
Yeah, I mean you come from it, from like
a marriage counselingstandpoint, and you're like,
okay, I'm hearing you and I hearyou and what I'm seeing is like
we can definitely merge these.
And really today I don't thinkthere's any rules in design.
When it's like you know, one ofthe partners wants mid-century
and the other one wantssomething that feels way more
traditional, there's anopportunity for that like
(12:58):
transitional everyone's usingthis word as pretty much like
putting two different stylestogether and you can do that and
you can say, hey, you know,maybe your cabinetry pulls more
of that mid-century, modern vibe, but in a traditional sense,
maybe we're looking at, you know, like the light fixtures and
the plumbing fixtures havingmore of that traditional profile
.
It has been done and it will bedone again and the situation
(13:20):
will definitely come up again.
It's just the designer, youknow, taking that on.
Lindsay Fluckiger (13:24):
Yeah, so walk us through what it means to be
an architectural designer, fromtaking concept to actually, you
know, mocking it up, presentingit.
What does that entail?
Where do you start with that?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (13:38):
So we in our process, we have initial
design, and then that kind oflends itself into schematic
design, and then, once they gointo our full design process,
that's where we start to developthe construction drawings.
So, as an architecturaldesigner, that does mean that I
have the degree in architecture,but I'm not a licensed
practicing architect, so I can'tstamp drawings in that regard.
(13:58):
But what I can do is I can drawand I can come up with the
designs and put things together.
It then just potentially has togo to someone else for stamping
, but through that process, youknow, we can start with sketches
.
It's like trace paper, likeit's very early on.
From that point we start todevelop the direction and as you
kind of go through these phasesof design, you start to go from
(14:19):
concept to hypothetical reality, like nothing is set in stone
until walls are being built anddemo has happened, and even then
there's, you know, technicallystill some time for some changes
.
But it's really awesome to seethe funnel go from concept to
reality throughout the processto reality throughout the
(14:43):
process.
Lindsay Fluckiger (14:43):
That's the fun part.
I love it.
So we talked a little bit aboutthe preservation of historical
homes and things that you'redoing to kind of like maintain
or see what you can salvage.
How important is sustainabilityin your design approach?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (14:53):
It's important to us and it's also
really important to ourhomeowners.
But there's also homeowners whocome to us and, whether they're
doctors or lawyers, and they'rejust like I, want the lead out
of my house and I know my homeis old enough to have it.
So there's situations where youknow we would love to maintain
the character of the home, butwe can definitely replicate that
with new material that doesn'thave the lead paint.
(15:15):
In other situations, say,there's a 10 year old kitchen
but it's just not the owner'staste anymore.
We're going to carefully removethat and donate that to Habitat
for Humanity and it's a teambuilding opportunity.
So even later today, after thiscall, I'm going to a home where
we're going to be soon comingup to demo, but our team is
carefully removing the cabinetsand donating them and that's a
(15:38):
really nice way to honor and notjust completely just trash
something.
Lindsay Fluckiger (15:43):
It's clear that sustainability is important
to you guys, and soheartwarming to hear how you all
are volunteering your time andalso donating those materials to
help those in need.
So, stephanie, on a lighternote, how do you balance design
and your career with yourpersonal interests like golfing
and good food and traveling?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (16:06):
It's so funny.
When I got married, I told myhusband as a joke I was like not
into golf yet and I was jokingand I said, well, now you're not
going to have any free timebecause I'm going to learn to
golf and I'm just going to gowith you and I'm laughing
because I'm obsessed with it nowand it's something we can do
together and I actually golfwith some of my coworkers, so
(16:27):
that's pretty cool too and it'sjust like my thing.
I mean, everyone's got theirone thing that helps them relax,
and for me it's being able towalk the golf course and just be
in a beautiful environment andbe outside and get some exercise
and clear my head so that I cancome back and design and be
outside and get some exerciseand clear my head so that I can
come back and design, you know,and be creative.
Lindsay Fluckiger (16:48):
Yeah, that's great Balancing that career and
like getting a break self-care,so, so important.
So you mentioned enjoying goodfood and travel.
Can you tell us one of yourfavorite places to vacation or
visit?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (17:01):
Oh, we've spent quite a bit of time in
Puerto Rico and in Mexicorecently, just for the culture.
My husband is from Puerto Rico,a lot of my friends are also
from Puerto Rico, so it wasreally awesome to see sort of
their culture and potentiallyeven where they grew up.
And you know, just honeymooningin Mexico was nice.
I would say like we just chosea place.
(17:21):
I think next on our bucket listis probably going to Italy.
If I have my way, it mighthappen sooner than later, but
you know, architecture being abackground, there's so much
history over there and I wouldlove to see it in person instead
of in a textbook.
Lindsay Fluckiger (17:36):
You know I was going to ask.
So when you're traveling I knowhow I am working in tile all
day, every day, and I love it Ican't help but notice, oh, the
tile work.
Oh, they need to work on that,or oh, my gosh, I love that.
So when you are traveling, doyou?
Are you kind of soaking in theelements and kind of going, oh,
I'm taking this idea back to,yeah.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (18:04):
It's a blessing and a curse, because I
feel like I'm such a critic andyou know, there's a time and a
place to provide feedback andyou'll see stuff that you're
like why did they do that?
And then you're also going tosee stuff where you're like that
was genius.
I want to incorporate a similaridea.
Or this light is beautiful, soit's just, it's every day.
It doesn't even matter if I'mtraveling.
It's like I go to a restaurantand I'm like I'm going to
(18:28):
remember this.
Or you know, I'm driving downthe street and I'm like I really
liked their curb appeal, like Iwant to incorporate that.
So I mean, every designerlistening to this is going to be
like yep, that resonates.
Lindsay Fluckiger (18:35):
Yes, ah, so fun and probably a little
exhausting, but that's, that's areally cool.
I'm excited for your travels toItaly and then seeing what
inspiration comes from that.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (18:46):
Well, maybe it's some of the tile, so stay
tuned?
Lindsay Fluckiger (18:49):
Oh, yes, for sure.
So let's see here.
Stephanie, can you share anymemorable experiences or lessons
that you've learned throughoutyour career that have had a
significant impact on yourapproach to architectural design
or as a woman in design period?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (19:07):
Yeah, Well, I mean there's definitely an
opportunity for just empoweringpeople and women in the industry
, because there's this sort ofpersona that there isn't as many
women in the industry as men,and I mean that's true, but it
doesn't have to feel that way Ifyou can keep the word out and
say, you know like, work with mehere and just continue to grow
(19:28):
women in the industry.
But in terms of lessons learned, I mean, we all have them,
everyone's making mistakes, butyou learn from them and you
continue to grow.
And this is so cliche, but it'slike measured twice cut once.
I remember and I'm so so.
Unfortunately it happenedrecently, like five, six years
ago we misordered some windowsand they're still sitting in the
(19:50):
basement of our office and lastweek I specked out the wrong
windows, but it was only two,which is good, but it just.
It happens every so often andyou're like I could have done
better and you just learn fromit and maybe I forgot what I've
learned from six years ago.
But measure twice cut once.
I may know it's cliche, but themore you can triple check,
(20:13):
quadruple check, whatever youneed to do to get it right,
you're going to save time andmoney.
But you know, we're also in anindustry where we're going to
figure it out and if it does, ifthere is a mistake, we all know
how to fix it.
Lindsay Fluckiger (20:26):
The problem solving know-how that it takes
to work in your line andindustry.
It blows my mind.
We as a team are working ondesigning our booth for a trade
show and it has consumed ourlives.
Just measurements and, okay,this wall is wet and how deep,
and then these tiles are.
It has been crazy, and we dohave a design team helping us
(20:48):
and things like that, but I canonly imagine that little small
taste for me, what you're havingto do all day, every day.
Of course, there has to be roomfor error and grace when we
fall right Like it's all good,that's awesome, well, good deal.
So I want to hear all aboutexciting projects that you have
coming up.
(21:08):
Tell our listeners what's kindof on your plate for 2024 and
what you're most excited for usto follow along with.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (21:16):
Oh, I'm excited about so many different
things.
We have projects all over thegreater Philadelphia area you
know between that traditionaldesign and even some more modern
flair.
You know we have a few additionscoming up that are pretty
unique, with roof decks andpilot houses, and then there's
some whole home renovations thatcompletely transform layouts
(21:37):
and flow of spaces and upgradethe spaces for like modern
technology.
So you know, a lot of the timeswe're coming in and there's
appliances that are 30 years oldand we're like, all right, it's
time, even though that's a subzero, and it might be time for
that one to get updated.
So lots of major renovations.
(21:57):
I'm even doing a project rightnow that we have.
The owners were living in a rowhome for 30 some years and then
their neighbors sold but theybought it and now we're making
it one big house and that is ahuge undertaking because you can
imagine that is three floors ofbrick that we have to support
with some major engineering.
(22:18):
So we have, you know, hugesteel beams and columns and a
lot of masonry and excavationgoing on.
I think I worked on thatproject in design for probably
two years and the constructionis probably a year.
So I mean it's a big job, butyou really get to know your
client after three years andit's awesome to see them come
(22:40):
back into the space after solong and get to enjoy it.
Lindsay Fluckiger (22:44):
That's so cool.
I'm excited to see them comeback into the space after so
long and get to enjoy it.
That's so cool.
I'm excited to see that.
So are we going to be followingalong with this, or?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (22:49):
are you?
Lindsay Fluckiger (22:49):
already in the works of posting.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (22:51):
Definitely already in the works.
It's in construction already,so we're well past the design
phase.
But I mean, even what was itlike?
Last week or two weeks ago Idid a job site, just kind of
walk through, and I was like Ithink we need a skylight.
Like, design's not completelyover yet, I think we can make a
few adjustments.
And the clients were like, yes,that sounds awesome.
So you know, obviously there'sa change order for that, but
(23:13):
we'll get that in the works foryou and we'll give you a
skylight where there wasn't one.
And, of course, in the city,all you want is natural light
and luckily for us, it.
All you want is natural lightand luckily for us, it's our
first floor addition, so we'regetting the light into the
middle of the home, which isreally the darkest space in a
real home.
I'm excited about that one.
Follow along to see how thatone goes.
Lindsay Fluckiger (23:32):
So fun.
Ah, I love seeing your passionshine through, like it's so
clear that you love what you do,and it's so refreshing to talk
to somebody that's like in lovewith their job and these
opportunities that come your wayto be creative and and do what
you love.
So some final words, stephanie,as we wrap up our podcast today
.
First and foremost, such atreat to talk to you and get to
(23:54):
know you.
I feel like thank you beingyour face for years and seeing
your beautiful designs, but toactually like meet you and get
to know a little bit more aboutyou and and your passion is is
really cool.
So last question for you whatadvice do you have for anyone in
design looking to pursue theirpassion and just create
(24:17):
something different?
What would you say to them?
Stephanie Hoffmeier (24:19):
That's such a good question and I'm a
little stumped, but I feel likeif I could go back and do it all
over again, it's just beingable to absorb everything around
you and sort of digest it tocreate your own like personality
.
Within the design field, I feellike, you know, there's Studio
(24:40):
McGee, there's Joanna Gaines,like there's all these amazing
women that have come up and havebecome so popular in the
industry, and it's like, don'tlet that intimidate you.
You can still be amazing, evenif it's just in Philadelphia or
Pittsburgh or wherever it may be.
But I think it's just takingthe opportunity to just learn as
much as you can.
You know, do all thatcontinuous education and those
(25:02):
opportunities, opportunitiesread.
I've done so much reading overthe last year, even just for,
like, career development.
Like you know, currently I'mreading like what is that book?
You can tell I'm currently notreading it.
I guess that well, but atomichabits I think that's what it's
called and it's like justlearning as much as you possibly
can before you know you can'tuse those practices anymore.
(25:24):
So I would say, just absorb it,learn, read and take every
opportunity as it comes.
Lindsay Fluckiger (25:33):
Awesome Wise words, very inspiring.
I love that you highlighted.
You know you don't have to beno and no like shade to Joanna
Gaines.
I think she's incredible.
I'm obsessed with her love,everything she does.
But you don't have to be aJoanna Gaines to be successful
and to find your own way.
I think that's important forwomen to hear, especially in.
You know, living in a worldwhere social media just bombards
(25:56):
you every day, tells you you'renot enough, tells you you can
do better, should be better, andwe have to kind of carve out
our own way and follow our ownpath while learning from what
others have done.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (26:08):
Absolutely, and it's like find your.
If you create a personalitythat a client's going to
gravitate towards, that's allyou need.
You don't need to be whateveryone else is.
So you know it's so hard to putyourself out there.
I've definitely even learnedfrom that, like putting your
face on Instagram in a reelthat's being pushed to thousands
of people.
I'm like I don't know, it tookme a long time to get there.
(26:30):
But once you do put yourselfout there, people start to get a
sense of who you are, and Ithink that's really important,
and you don't need a TV show todo that.
Lindsay Fluckiger (26:39):
Yeah, incredible.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (26:45):
Love all of it, thanks again, stephanie,
for joining.
Lindsay Fluckiger (26:46):
I'm honored.
Thank you Seriously.
It's such a pleasure.
We're definitely going to shoutit out.
I have all the links here wherepeople can find your personal
site and as well as bellwetherdesign, build um and follow
along on your incredible journeyand design.
Yeah.
Stephanie Hoffmeier (26:59):
Awesome.
Lindsay Fluckiger (27:00):
Well, thank you.
Thanks so much.
I'm going to.
I think I have an outro.
Let me read that real fast.
That's a wrap for today'sepisode of tile trends.
A huge thank you to StephanieHoffmeyer for sharing her
insights and inspiration with us.
Until next time, keep dreamingbig and tile on.
All right, I'm going to stoprecording.
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