Great leadership means letting people fly: Design leadership with Kristy Swann of HLGstudio

What makes a great leader in the interior design industry? How can design leaders create a workplace culture where people feel empowered to speak up, take risks, and grow?

In this episode of the Imagine a Place podcast, host Maria VanDeman sits down with Kristy Swann, Associate Principal at HLGstudio in Atlanta, Georgia, to explore design leadership, mentorship, and the importance of building trust within creative teams.

Kristy reflects on her career journey in architecture and interior design and how her experiences have shaped her approach to leading others. From navigating the transition from designer to leader to managing across generations, she shares why great leadership isn't about having all the answers or controlling every detail. It's about empowering people, giving them ownership, and encouraging them to spread their wings, even when that means pursuing opportunities elsewhere.

Together, Maria and Kristy discuss mentorship in interior design, creating a positive workplace culture, supporting career growth, and finding joy both inside and outside of work. Because building a fulfilling career in design doesn't always mean following a straight path. Sometimes, it means having the courage to create your own.

Key Insights

1. Great leaders know when to step back and let others grow. Kristy believes leadership is about trusting your team, giving people ownership of their work, and empowering them to succeed in their own way.

2. Every career move plays a role in getting you where you are today. Kristy's journey wasn't a straight line, but each experience, challenge, and unexpected opportunity helped shape her career and the leader she's become.

3. The best ideas don't always come from the top. Whether you're an intern or a principal, everyone deserves a seat at the table and the confidence to share their perspective.

4. Trust is the foundation of a strong team. Creating a culture where people feel comfortable speaking up, sharing ideas, and having honest conversations allows everyone to do their best work.

5. Finding joy in your career is just as important as finding success. Kristy encourages designers to explore different paths, discover what excites them, and remember that there's more to life than work.

Learn More about Kristy Swann
Kristy Swann is an Associate Principal at HLGstudio in Atlanta, Georgia, with over 15 years of experience in architecture and interior design. With degrees in Architecture and Interior Architecture, she has worked across hospitality, residential, commercial, education, and workplace design. Specializing in workplace environments, Kristy brings a thoughtful approach to creating spaces that balance functionality, comfort, and meaningful details. Passionate about collaboration and mentorship, she believes in empowering emerging designers, fostering creativity, and creating environments that positively impact people's everyday experiences. Connect with Kristy on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Maria VanDeman
Maria VanDeman is the Director of Design Strategy at OFS, where she brings together design, strategy, and storytelling to create spaces that support people and inspire connection. With more than 17 years of experience in the commercial design industry, Maria has built a career spanning interior design, strategic sales, thought leadership, and advocacy for equity in the workplace. As the host of the Imagine a Place Podcast and the author of Design Your World, she is passionate about elevating the design profession and inspiring the next generation of creatives. Recognized with the 2022 HiP Leadership Award from Interior Design magazine, Maria is known for her thoughtful leadership, commitment to mentorship, and belief in the power of design to positively shape the human experience. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.

Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.

Read More about Maria in the Imagine a Place Journal

Learn more about Imagine a Place
Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives. Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.

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