Q&A with Joanna Yates, Shaw Contract Group "See the Bigger Picture" Winner
"The environmental impact of products continuously drives this industry. The next big thing for carpet is to have an industry standard of striving for the products that are Cradle-to-Cradle certified and recyclable into more carpet."
-- Interior Design, 1/20/2010 12:00:00 AM
Joanna Yates looks out at the New York skyline
In June 2009, Shaw Contract Group unveiled its new website. Shortly thereafter, the “See the Bigger Picture” campaign was launched to promote the new site. Joanna Yates, a designer with Richmond-based KSA Interiors, was randomly selected as the winner of the campaign, winning a seat at the 25th annual Interior DesignHall of Fame gala and a ticket the next night to the magazine’s 2009 Best of Year award celebration. Following her trip to New York, Yates sat down with her Shaw Contract Group benefactors to discuss her trip, goals, and the design industry.
Which designers past & present have had he biggest influence on your career?
Florence Knoll Bassett is my ultimate design icon. She was original, innovative and one dominant, classy lady. She held her own in an industry run by men. Her designs are timeless. I’m simply impressed by innovative design that makes me think, ‘That’s genius, why didn’t I think of that?'
Matt Yates, Joanna Yates, and John Stephens
What is the biggest challenge facing designers today?
Right now, our clients want their projects to be as green as possible without spending additional money. As a designer, it’s a huge challenge to accomplish a green conscious design with diminishing budgets. All we can do is make the best decisions possible and help show our clients where the best opportunities lie.
What is the design community’s biggest opportunity?
Showing our clients that having beautiful and functional spaces is a benefit to all.
Technology continues to become a bigger part of the lives of designers, what technology is the biggest asset to you as a designer?
Manufacturers that have functional, interactive website is huge for me as a designer. Being able to have product brochures, pricelists, AutoCAD blocks and installation pictures at my finger tips helps me tremendously in all phases of a project.
Joanna Yates and her husband, Matt, at the Best of Year Awards; Yates on the Brooklyn Bridge
You just spend three days in the Big Apple. Did you see anything that challenged you to think bigger?
New York has always been an inspirational place for me. The few things that I did see that I hadn’t seen before were all of the fabulous Christmas decorations. Windows, lights, giant Christmas balls—who could as for anything more?
What was your favoriteNew Yorkexperience?
I’d have to say number one on the list was attending the 25th anniversary of the Interior Design Hall of Fame event at the Waldorf-Astoria as Shaw’s guest. There was so much talent in one room and I was so honored to be a part of this celebration of the design industry. Plus, the food and company was amazing!
Joanna Yates and her husband, Matt, at Rockefeller Center
As someone who is at the beginning of their career, what big goal are you shooting for?
I want to be well-rounded and able to say that there isn’t a type of design project I haven’t been a part of. Fortunately, KSA covers a lot of design territory from corporate to high education to independent living.
What big project is in the works for you right now at KSA?
Right now my team is working on a renovation for the Virginia Commonwealth University Library. The space encourages all types of collaborative study with post and beam group areas, lounge seating, banquet seating, and collaborative computer areas using Resolve by Herman Miller. It has tons of potential for fun fabrics and great products.
Yates hulahooping in Washington Square Park
What is on your iPod right now?
It’s mostly packed with cheesy Christmas tunes at the moment, but otherwise I’m really into She & Him and Ingrid Michaelson, with a little Ben Kweller on the side.
What’s the next big thing in carpet?
The environmental impact of products continuously drives this industry. The next big thing for carpet is to have an industry standard of striving for the products that are Cradle-to-Cradle certified and recyclable into more carpet.
What is your favorite Shaw Contract Group product?
Dressed to Kill is still my favorite collection. The colorways are crazy fun and there are so many different things you can do with it. Bloom tile shines in the living room of my apartment.
Joanna Yates and her husband, Matt, at the Hall of Fame gala
Images courtesy of Joanna Yates.
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