STAFF CHAT
Welcome Interior Designer Emily Giannone, AIA to the studio. We sat down with her to discuss her design interests and approach.
Emily Giannone brings to the firm 11 years of experience in both architecture and interior design. A collaborative, efficient designer with a positive attitude, Emily is known for delivering thoughtful, eye-catching multi-family amenity spaces that tell a story.
Why were you attracted to smbw?
In this next chapter of my career, I wanted to work at a small, local firm with big ideas and beautiful designs. believe I’ve found that at smbw. So many great Richmond spaces have been designed by smbw and I want to be a part of contributing to and influencing the fabric of the city. I'd describe smbw's brand as fresh, modern, design-forward, client-centric, and thoughtful.
What design skills are you known for?
I am equal parts creative and technical – I love all aspects of design, from the initial puzzle of putting together the space plan to pulling together a concept and finishes and figuring out how to document and build the vision. I believe I have a great design eye, and the technical skills to figure out how to make it work.
What professional growth opportunities are you hoping for at smbw?
Since my work and professional contacts have been concentrated in DC, I really haven’t broken into the Richmond design and real estate scene yet. With my move to smbw, I am looking forward to getting to work on local projects and getting to know local developers, clients, consultants, and other design professionals in the area. I’m also excited about expanding my knowledgebase both in interior design and architecture, and learning about new typologies.
What drives you professionally?
I want to create beautiful spaces, no matter the client or the budget. love a challenge and want to see each project and team succeed.
What aspects of design most interest you?
Most of all, I love seeing my designs become a reality and enhancing them through art and FF&E.
“I want to create beautiful spaces, no matter the client or the budget. I love a challenge and want to see each project and team succeed.”
What are your top project experiences?
Reverb
Located in DC's Shaw neighborhood, Reverb is a 313 unit apartment building with amenity spaces that are infused with rich hues, bold patterns, and dramatic lighting to create a moody and glamorous experience. I worked on Reverb at Hickok Cole from start to finish, and it was incredibly rewarding to see the project finally wrap up construction. I loved leaning into the furniture and accessories selections; our client was on board with pushing the envelop and taking risks, so we had a lot of fun putting together the FF&E package. The project went so smoothly, and the client went out of her way to tell my directors how happy she was working with me.
Cortland Rosslyn
This 27-story, 449-unit tower in downtown Rosslyn is the largest building at the new Highlands development. Unique, show-stopping amenities are spread across 4 floors and target multiple demographics, from families to young professionals. Rich leathers, subtle plaids, and vintage brass tones are found throughout. I worked on this project at Hickok Cole.
The Earl Comprised of two distinctly different buildings, The Earl seeks to attract young professionals and right sizers in this 333 unit luxury apartment community. Though the amenities are shared, each has been thoughtfully programmed and designed for the intended demographics. The first building targets the younger demographic with more social and entertainment focused amenities, while the second offers quieter coworking spaces and an intimate fitness center. I worked on the project in its entirety at Hickok Cole and I'm incredibly proud of how it turned out. The Earl ended up winning the 2022 Brightest Idea Award and Best Multifamily (IIDA VA/WV).
The Sessions Hotel
The Sessions Hotel is a music-themed boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Bristol, Virginia. Through a carefully considered design that took into account the historic preservation of three buildings, the hotel features 70 guest rooms, a restaurant with outdoor dining, an outdoor music venue, and a day spa. It was a little surreal staying at the hotel years after had stopped working on the project. I worked on The Sessions Hotel during SD/DDs at Architectural Partners.
What are your professional long-term goals?
My goals are constantly evolving. One day, I’d love to be a design director as I enjoy leading people and cultivating a team of talented designers. I never want to be excluded from the design of a project, but I’d love to step back and mentor younger designers and let their ideas flourish. For now though, I enjoy being in the thick of it.
What design values do you bring to the studio?
I think it's essential to prioritize a project's concept and weave its story through each phase of design.
What are your personal passions or obsessions?
I love art, so I am collecting pieces that bring me joy, whether it’s something I found at a local art show or a drawing by one of my sons. It’s a goal of mine to build an art collection that has meaning or a story behind each piece.
What are you reading or listening to?
Anything true crime for podcasts, and thrillers or beach reads for books.
Quirky habits or pet peeves?
I’m picky about candle scents, and I can’t stand the smell of cinnamon, specifically the fake kind that is everywhere during the fall season. I’m also an iced-coffee all-year-round person.
Where can we find you on the weekends?
Enjoying Idle Hands pastries at Scuffletown Park with my family, letting my kids burn some energy off at one of the children’s museums, or having a beer at the Richmond Kickers.
Emily Giannone, AIA Interior Designer
