Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Meats.
Hi Andrea, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion for art and design began as a little girl. From a very young age, I was introduced to paint, ceramic classes, ballet and jazz. I loved designing and redecorating my bedroom a million times and would spend my allowance on paint, wall coverings and other bedroom accessories.
I went to school at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. I got an internship in an amazing architecture firm while I was still in School: Lawrence Group, St. Louis. I started gaining experience in commercial design and took on residential projects just for fun, to help family and friends. As we moved to Colorado, I continued to grow in my career as a commercial designer. Every time things got hard I just keep trusting myself and kept moving forward.
After having children, I decided to be a stay at home mom. I started painting again and that is when I opened my design firm. Now, based in Durango, Colorado and with 10+ years of experience specializing in healthcare, education, hospitality and residential interiors for young families, I’ve had the privilege to work closely with our clients, architects, GC’s and suppliers and experience so many transformations.
My passion is to transform the lives of my clients with beautiful and heartfelt interiors that reflect their story, personality and uniqueness. Interiors that promote healing, growth, and emotional well-being; and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with every single one of my clients and team.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all, but absolutely rewarding. The first story that comes to mind is when I was in University. I am originally from El Salvador, so my first language is Spanish. I went to school at a CIDA Interior Design Accredited School, which means that the first two years of school are Architecture related. You don’t get to Interior Design until the third year. I was already dealing with a cultural shock by moving to a different country, an exciting, but also challenging season in my life. Taking classes in English was so hard for me, and I almost quit school. Talking and thinking in English all day was giving me headaches and making school even harder. I remember vividly the first semester when we were asked to get our architectural scales out, the metric system is so different that I was at a complete loss. There was a part of me that kept thinking: “why am I even doing this?, Is this even worth it?” but I kept on going, I kept telling myself: “I just need to get through this semester, just one more”. I stopped thinking about the 4 years and focused on one semester at a time. Little by little, I continued on, until I got to the Interior Design part of my major, the exciting part! That part of my life taught me what I now tell my children all the time “You can do anything you want to, you just need to try”.
Another challenging time was when I became a mother. A part of me knew that I wanted to be at home with my babies, but the other part was continuing to crave my carrier growth as a designer. When I finally made the decision to be a “stay at home mom”. It took a lot of work and courage for me to walk away from something I worked so hard to achieve, but being at home with my children at this season in my life has been so fulfilling and rewarding and I would make the same decision over and over again any time. Then, I slowly started doing design consulting and little by little my design studio started to grow. It allowed me with the opportunity to be present with my kiddos, while continuing my passion of transforming lives through my craft; and for that I am absolutely grateful. I must say I am not doing this along! Without all the support from my husband, friends and community I wouldn’t be here today and I am so grateful for this!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a full service commercial and residential interior design firm that emphasizes in designs inspired by nature and rooted in family, community and your story. Design is more than just creating beautiful spaces and We don’t just design for the eye, we design for your soul; We work hand-in-hand with each family and commercial client to understand your unique style, personality and goals and bring the warmth, joy, and essence of your story. With over a decade of expertise specializing in healthcare, education, hospitality and residential interiors for young families, We design spaces that promote healing, growth, and emotional well-being.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Believe in yourself, you can do anything if you work hard, find the right guidance and continue to love to learn and grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aminteriordesignhouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.m.interiordesignhouse/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreameats
Image Credits
Rebecca Bonner, Vic Moss and AM Interior Design.
