BETSY HUGHES
INTERVIEWER: KRISHNA BHAGAT
ISSUE: SPRING 2023
Interior design was not always the plan for Hughes. She arrived at Florida State as a freshman with no set plan except to meet new people and learn from them.
While Betsy knew about the industry through a close family friend, it had only been a consideration once she had talked to her sorority sister studying interior design.
Betsy was hesitant about the career path, but she trusted her sorority sister's advice and has now been making an impact in the industry for 28 years.
THE EXPERIENCE CEMENTED US TOGETHER
11fiftynine is an interior design firm that has worked across 5 of the 7 continents, with project types covering hospitality, residential, and workspace. The Atlanta, Georgia-based firm is co-founded by Betsy Hughes and Katie Sargent.
Before 11fiftynines, Betsy and Katie worked on a few projects together that forged and cemented their friendship. After a challenging year, they both knew they wanted to work together and start their own firm.
Of the Pantheon of careers, interior design can be seen as silly because we are not saving and changing lives, but it can still be grueling. It is tough work.
The amount of work that goes into designing can quickly become an unpleasant experience. The best project is when all members of the project, the architect, owner, purchasing agents, and designers, get along and work towards the greater good of the project.
A project is only good if everyone gets along. You give what you get, so you must show up at the table with a smile and solutions and hope for the best.
THE BEST PROJECTS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH AESTHETICS, BUDGET, PRIDE, AND PUBLICITY.
somebody who comes to the table with solutions, not problems."
- BETSY HUGHES
"Be
HOW THE INDUSTRY NEEDS TO CHANGE
Interior design is supported and tends to draw many women of childbearing age. However, this industry is birthed out of architecture, an "old fashion male driven business," and it can be challenging to have a family.
That needs to be fixed.
As a women business owner, Betsy Hughes would like to change for others. With kids at home herself, Hughes admits that the work-life balance is challenging. Even with a great support system, it can be really messy at times. It is a tug and pull of being a parent and a business owner.
RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS
What is the typical length of a project at 11fiftynine?
In the USA, when building something out from the ground, the average is three years. An overseas new build takes about five years.
Are there any mistakes you've made in the last two years?
You make mistakes every day.
What do you like to do for fun outside the office?
Read, play tennis, and attend kid's soccer practices.
Where do you go for inspiration?
The patents answer is travel, but recently been looking at set design.
What is your favorite material or product right now?
Anything tile because it is colorful and impactful.
THANK YOU!
