We love that within the Forge community you can find a variety of people from different companies with different job titles- that’s what makes the Forge family so unique. Claire Scherzer is a Forge member who works as an Interior Designer for Ellis Architects. We asked her more about her company and how the pandemic has affected her job.

Tell us more about Ellis Architects and your job position!

 

Ellis Architects is a full service architectural and interior design firm, founded in 1992. We serve a variety of educational, residential, commercial, civic, religious and healthcare clients located throughout the state.  

 

 

 

As a Registered Senior Interior Designer with our team, I strive to create interior environments that address the well-being, health and safety of client needs, while making informed decisions about style and aesthetics that are cohesive and timeless. I work collaboratively with our project team from the early conceptual phase through the completion of the built environment and the client’s occupancy.

 

 

What is your favorite aspect of being an Interior Designer?

 

Our firm is fortunate that we serve a variety of project types, so no two projects are the same. Having the trust of our clients to turn their ideas, visions and dreams into the reality of a built environment provides great satisfaction and is my favorite aspect of being an Interior Designer. No matter the circumstances, the opportunity to design interior spaces that ultimately lead to the success of our clients is positively rewarding. 

 

 

 

 

 

How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your business? 

 

Among the many things this current pandemic has taught us, is that interior design matters. Many of the industries that we work within on a daily basis: hospitality, education, hospitals, residential, retail and commercial spaces are all witnessing first-hand the need for their interior environments to be modified quickly to better protect the health, safety, and welfare of its occupants. 

 

As a design professional, we are used to putting the needs of our clients first. With our “new normal”, our learned attributes of understanding, patience, and problem-solving have become critical to our path forward. Some projects have been placed on hold due to the unknown, so we have to be sensitive with our client communication and understand their challenges. Developments in virtual technology have allowed us to continue review meetings. The introduction of new materials and products currently in development that increase safety for end-users is at the forefront of all discussions. Easy to clean materials, antimicrobial finishes, touchless anything are now a must for heavy traffic areas! 

 

It has certainly been a challenge as we navigate through unchartered waters, but striving to use our creative talents to discover the best solutions is what we do! 

 

 

Why did you decide to choose Forge as a coworking space? 

 

Forge checked off so many of the needs for our firm including convenient location for our Birmingham team members, a collaborative working environment, and so many wonderful amenities. Of course, who wouldn’t love the many dining options available with just a quick walk downstairs to the Pizitz Food Hall! 

 

Be sure to check out the work of Ellis Architects Inc. on Instagram and Facebook.