Meet Stacey Brown | Architect, Interior Designer & Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stacey Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stacey, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I have found that work life balance is the most important when it comes to productivity and happiness. In the beginning of my career my life revolved around work, I always made myself available. No matter what time of the day if I saw and email that needed my attention I responded, even on weekends. As years went by, I found that I was unhappy, burned out and didn’t have much of a personal life. What personal life it did have involved hanging out with my coworkers.

At a certain point I realized I need to make a change. I learned how to create boundaries and found a hobby. With these new boundaries I started having a cut off time, made myself unavailable, and made time for myself. With a new hobby I met new friends outside of work which was helpful in the sense that when I left work, I no longer thought or talked about work. Essentially, it was out of site out of mind.

In the end I was happier, healthier, less stressed, and found a happy balance between the two. Fast forward years later I still stand by the importance of a good work life balance.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
By day I’m working as an architect and interior designer, by night I’m working as a freelance graphic designer.

What sets me apart from others in my career is that I am able to practice architecture and interior design as well as have my own small business. There are others in my industry that practice architecture and interiors however there aren’t many, most people stick to one or the other and they don’t have business of their own.

Although I have a degree in architecture and that’s all I knew how to practice, when I was given the opportunity to work on an interiors project I leaped at the opportunity. Interior designers work and think differently than architects so there was a bit of learning curve. Once I got the key principles and practices down I was all set. I went on to working at one of the top luxury hospitality interior design firms in the world.

How did I get to where I am today? Hard work and lots of late nights! In the beginning of my career work was my life. I guess that paid off in a way.

I have always been disciplined and strive to keep learning and improving. I’m excited to see what I can accomplish in the future both professionally and with my business. What I am learning is that there is always something that you can improve upon. An while it may be challenging to balance it all, sometimes you can take that much needed break and always remember keep going. Keep going and don’t give up because the late nights will pay off in the end.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta has plenty of places to visit and things to do. If my bestfriend were visiting we would:

Bowling and drinks at Bowlero in Atlantic Station.
Tuesday dinner at Superica for Tacos and Margaritas
The James Room or Tribeca on a Wednesday night
Rock Steady Thursday night
Spend Friday night in Inman park. Barcelona for dinner and maybe Charr for more drinks.
Saturday cook brunch at home and then bikes and Playa Bowls on the beltline.
Sunday time to relax and order take out!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would say without my friends, family, and mentor I wouldn’t be where I am today. A special shoutout to Renee and Ashia. Renee, who started out as my boss and has grown to be a mentor and friend. Ashia, who started out as a coworker and is now like family. I have definitely leaned on these two women throughout the years. Whether it was about my career, life, or I needed dating advise they have always been there to lend an ear and give me guidance and I want to let them know that I appreciate them.

Website: stansdesign.com

Instagram: _stansdesign