T&T: So! You're an interior designer. What is your favorite part about your job?

Nan: Three big elements that I love about my role as a designer:

Variety. Day-in and day-out, it’s always something different. No two jobs or clients are the same.

Graphic communication. It’s key to selling your idea to the client. Successful construction and/or installation depends on it. I love the challenge of coming up with efficient ways of explaining my ideas visually.

The reward of seeing the fruition of my work and ideas come to life. Knowing my ideas and work will be experienced by others; and the impact they will make is the icing on the cake.

Is this what you've always wanted to do? If not, what did you dream about growing up to be one day?

I’ve been designing and creating for as long as I can remember. My favorite toys weren’t toys, they were art supplies. As a child I drew floor plans and elevations long before I knew what they were. I would create life-size construction paper furniture and holiday décor, tacking it to my walls. In middle school, I had a magazine subscription to Domino design magazine. Once I came to the realization that I could grow up to be an interior designer, that was my goal. I’m lucky to have always known what I wanted to be when I grew up. I’m even luckier that I’ve been given the support, tools, experience, and education to live up to my dream.

What's your education background?

In 2017, I received a Bachelor of Interior Design with a Minor in Architecture from the best university in the state of Texas... I’m obviously referring to Texas Tech University.

Did you work anywhere else before joining Thiel & Thiel?

I came here from a healthcare architecture and design firm. I heard of Thiel & Thiel from a dear friend. As soon as I did my social media stalking of the firm, I knew this is was something I wanted to be a part of.

What have you enjoyed the most about T&T so far?

The authenticity and the work environment. The Thiel & Thiel team is genuine and passionate about their work, their projects, their clients and their teammates. It is very fulfilling and inspiring to work in an environment where everyone cheers for each other, creativity is encouraged, and design matters.

What's the biggest misconception out there about designers that just drives you nuts?

Oh wow! That’s hard to pick just one ...

1) Interior designers just pick out paint and furniture ... FALSE! Even if that was all we did, have you ever looked at a paint fandeck?! The possibilities are endless! Same with furniture, there’s more than meets the eye.

2) Interior design and interior architecture are the same as interior decorating. ALSO FALSE!

3) Flip flops are appropriate job-site/construction site footwear ... FALSE! Thanks HGTV!

Who are your design heroes?

In no specific order: Dorothy Draper, Jonathan Adler, Alexander Gerard, Charles and Ray Eames, Josef Hoffmann, and Louis Sullivan.

What kind of styles or aesthetics do you want to see more (or less) of in the next wave of interiors trends? Anything in particular you can't stand or can't get enough of?

I could see less of: the farmhouse-style trend, shiplap, monotone grey palettes, mauve and equine photography wall art. I would love to see more: brass, cane furniture, velvet, greige neutrals, Memphis-style influences, and of course, mid-century modern and Danish style furniture.

What do you read / watch / seek out in order to stay on top of your profession? Any industry magazines, conferences, etc.?

I’m addicted to Pinterest; who isn’t these days? I also have found more inspiration on Instagram lately. My favorite design blogs are DesignMilk, Officelovin, and the Building Design + Construction, and Styled by Emily Henderson.

How would you describe your personal design style?

When it comes to my personal style, it is impossible for me to stay in one lane; I guess you could label it as “eclectic”. I love mixing and matching things together that would seem to most as unconventional. Good design, to me, is something that sparks my curiosity or makes think “I never would’ve thought that would work but, here it is working!” It is important to me that spaces feel personal, unique and authentic. I prefer quality vintage furniture and décor over the mass produced. Bonus fact: I’m also determined to incorporate leopard print into as many rooms of my home as possible. It’s 2019…. leopard print is a neutral.

Have you traveled anywhere lately?

Alaska, Montreal, Arizona, Seattle, and Austin. I had a great summer!

Favorite Saturday Night Live skits. Go:

• The Californians
• The Target Lady
• Garth & Kat on Weekend Update
• Brian Fellow’s Safari Planet

What are you listening to on repeat?

Leon Bridges, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Tyler Childers, Greta Van Fleet, Lizzo, The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Kacey Musgraves, and Ed Sheeran to name a few.

How do you stay organized?

It’s important for me to write things down and to take time to create a game-plan for myself. I am loving this Scrum strategy that I have been learning at Thiel & Thiel!

What does your workspace look like?

I tend to be more of a” piler” than a “filer” but, I prefer tidy piles. I get overwhelmed when things start to look the tornado pigs set up shop at my desk. What are tornado pigs you ask? When I was a kiddo, I coined the term by combining the metaphors “It looks like a pig-sty in here!” and “It looks like a tornado in here” to create the ultra-messy “tornado pigs”. Clever, I know.

Do you have a mantra or favorite quote?

“You have to go wholeheartedly into anything in order to achieve anything worth having.”- Frank Lloyd Wright

“From a tiny spark may burst a mighty flame.” - Dante

Rank the most popular holiday drinks from best to absolute worst:

1. Pumpkin Chai Latte (way better than your PSL)

2. Wassail (A trend of me liking my drinks to taste like holiday baking spices)

3–36 [...]

37. Pumpkin Spice Latte (disgusting…even it wants to be a pumpkin chai latte)

38. Getting hit by a car

39. Eggnog

How do you sign off with your emails?

I find myself saying “Thanks for your help!” at the end of practically every email.

If you woke up tomorrow and decided you wanted to do something completely different with 100% conviction besides being a talented designer, what would it be?

A ranch manager. I took animal science for one of my science credits while at Texas Tech. I loved every second of it. I could look at a cow and tell you what breed and crossbreed it was. In my second life, I wouldn’t mind being a ranch manager and working with animals. For now, I will stick to designing, I enjoy getting manicures.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Diagnosing myself and others on WebMD (editor's note: lol, don't do this), speaking in front of large crowds, my green thumb, dramatic karaoke performances, and my wicked craft skills are just a few. I love a good craft project. I’ve hand-sewn and handmade about 90% of all of the ornaments on my Christmas tree.

What's something surprising about you that nobody would ever expect?

My name is simply "Nan" and it’s not short for anything. This always shocks people. It’s only three letters long but…..it’s actually only two.