Ever wondered how the historic charm of Philadelphia's architecture can be preserved while infusing it with modern functionality? Stephanie Hoffmeier of Bellwether Design Build joins us to weave the tale of her ascension from Philadelphia University to becoming a lead architectural designer, bringing with her an infectious passion for design and a rich expertise in construction management. Stephanie illuminates the intricate dance between maintaining the integrity of historic homes and the innovative methods used to renovate them, offering listeners a front-row seat to the world of architectural transformation.
From the cultural tapestry of Puerto Rico to the vibrant essence of Mexico, travel has a profound impact on Stephanie's design philosophy, a topic we explore with delightful anecdotes and professional reflection. We also delve into the influence of personal hobbies like golf on professional creativity, the importance of sustainability in design, and the profound connections built with clients through collaborative projects. Join us as Stephanie candidly shares her insights on the evolving role of women in the industry and the invaluable lessons learned from the field—each story a building block in the grand design of her career.
Ever wondered how the historic charm of Philadelphia's architecture can be preserved while infusing it with modern functionality? Stephanie Hoffmeier of Bellwether Design Build joins us to weave the tale of her ascension from Philadelphia University to becoming a lead architectural designer, bringing with her an infectious passion for design and a rich expertise in construction management. Stephanie illuminates the intricate dance between maintaining the integrity of historic homes and the innovative methods used to renovate them, offering listeners a front-row seat to the world of architectural transformation.
From the cultural tapestry of Puerto Rico to the vibrant essence of Mexico, travel has a profound impact on Stephanie's design philosophy, a topic we explore with delightful anecdotes and professional reflection. We also delve into the influence of personal hobbies like golf on professional creativity, the importance of sustainability in design, and the profound connections built with clients through collaborative projects. Join us as Stephanie candidly shares her insights on the evolving role of women in the industry and the invaluable lessons learned from the field—each story a building block in the grand design of her career.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/mellow-bop License code: DMOG7RNGEPGMIPJH
Lindsay Fluckiger:
Welcome back to another exciting episode of our podcast, tile Trends by Tile Club. Today we have a very special guest with us, stephanie Hoffmeyer, the lead architectural designer at Bellwether Design Build. Stephanie, it's so great to have you on the show today.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
Yeah, thank you for inviting me. I'm excited for today's conversation. Likewise.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
Yeah, thank you for inviting me. I'm excited for today's conversation. Likewise, stephanie, your journey from Philadelphia University to becoming a lead architectural designer at Bellwether Design Build is seriously inspiring. Can you give our listeners a glimpse into your path and how you've carved out your niche in the industry?
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
Yeah, of course. So this is something like I always knew I wanted to do. I grew up exposed to like my childhood home having multiple additions for decks and sheds and you know, throughout the family everyone was doing something. Growing up and I had family members in the industry and it just felt like it fit.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
And you know, when you're in middle school and you're clipping out furniture and magazine clippings and putting mood boards together, like well before Pinterest was a thing I was like, hmm, I could turn this into something where I can make money and like have a career in the future. And it just from literally, I think, middle school on I just knew that's what I wanted to do. And here we are and I picked Philadelphia University for its prestigious five-year architecture program and you know I was like, well, what minor am I going to get into? So I found construction management as a really nice way to kind of tie in and well-round what I'm looking for out of a career. And then I found Bellwether and my last semester in college I started working there as an intern and quickly it turned into my career. And here we are, like going on eight years later.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
That's so inspiring. I love those types of success stories where you've just kind of like worked your way up and it sounds like you ended up in such an amazing position with this company. We love Bellwether. Everything you guys post is beautiful.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
Well, we love your tiles and we can use them in our projects.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
Thank you so much. Well, we'll be definitely diving into more about that. I want to pick your brain about all of your favorites. So can you tell us about being a certified kitchen and bathroom remodeler and how that gives you an edge in the industry?
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
So our company was a part of Nary for quite a long time and through that they offered certifications. So whether you're a project manager or you're a GC or you're a designer, there was different opportunities for you to get certified. And I took the kitchen and bath certification and it was a course where, like, you met weekly and you had to study from books and at the end you were tested and then from there you became certified. So you know, the test included crazy questions like wiring types and, of course, clearances for like how far the teepee holder needs to be up on the wall or like how I don't know just about anything like how far the wall needs to be from the toilet, and that really helped me just solidify these codes that come up in every project and I can just speak to them so easily.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
Yeah, that's great and it sounds like having that background in construction management probably just all like mesh together to really assist with that as well.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
Yeah, and the construction management like what I was exposed to was, you know, there was a class about schedule. There was a class about here's all the things you need to take into consideration. That's not just design driven. So with a design build company that I work for, it's like I can make pretty things, but I need to make pretty things on a budget and on time and then it needs to be constructed on budget and on time. So really, this is the right fit, yeah.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
Awesome. I love it. That's such an interesting journey and path that you've gone down, and then just all of these wonderful things in your life that have kind of come together to lead you exactly where you are today. So, stephanie, we also follow you on Instagram under the handle she designs Philly. What do you love most about the wonderful city of Philadelphia?
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
Oh, everything. I mean I live here, I work here, I went to college here. I grew up in a small town in Lancaster County and Philadelphia has so much culture and opportunity, food. I mean there's so much to do here. You're so close to New York City, You're so close to, you know the shore and you can just with 20 minutes get just about anywhere by going to the airport. So it's a wonderful city. There's a lot to offer, amazing people, amazing food, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
I've been there once and I fell in love. I really, really enjoyed my time.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
Well, that and the homes are so old. I mean I own an 1880s row home and I mean you have to maintain homes of that age, but I bought character that isn't as easy to buy with something new. So it's everywhere.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
Yeah, so, living in a historic city and knowing also that Bellwether is more of a traditional design firm, can you speak to I don't know the passion behind preserving history and maybe some of the difficulties that you might run into as a designer when it comes to preserving those historical homes?
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
Yeah Well, I will say I definitely thrive in the traditional design, but we also have other really talented designers on staff that do the more modern flair or the mid-century homes, which we've also have a ton of in our portfolio. But when I'm taking on the traditional homes, I'm like I'm thinking about okay, well, you know, there's this awesome trim. There's always considerations, where was it ever painted with lead paint? But there's ways to restore. So I don't try to trash everything. I definitely try to say, hey, like what trim can we mimic? Or like find a knife for and cut. So it's the exact same, but newer materials? Or, you know, is there the doors on the inside that we can keep and maybe sand down and refinish? I, you know, if there's a beautiful piece, I'm not going to trash it. I'm definitely going to keep it and try to work it into the design or find a way to repurpose it in another area of the house.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
Yeah, no need to reinvent the wheel. It sounds like they did some amazing things in the past.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
I mean we should honor for sure, absolutely.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
I love that perspective Cool. So, stephanie, I went down the rabbit hole. I looked up your own website and she designs Philly seems to be like your brand and you have some amazing things there at LTK Amazon storefront. And I also saw some really great information on your blog about being 40 under 40. I believe it was in 2020. Can you give us some insight into what that honor was like for you?
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
Yeah, well, I mean, I was younger, obviously at the time and I was like this is pretty cool. I'm in a group. It was through an industry magazine, I believe it was like Pro Remodeler, and they chose 40 people around the country, under 40 years old that are doing amazing things. And you know, I get the magazine and I can see it every year at the office and I'm like look at all these awesome people who are anywhere between their early 20s to 40. And they have all different job titles and they're doing all these awesome things in the industry. And it was such an honor to be recognized for, you know, being a designer and the lead in that regard. So, yeah, I was honored and very surprised.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
Yeah, so cool. I loved it Finding that out about you. So, stephanie, we chat a little bit about kitchen and bath design, um, and I would love to go ahead and dive in and talk about tiles. That's what we're all about. We would love to hear how you weave tiles into your architectural designs. And then, what trends are you currently vibing with?
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
Okay, lots to talk about here. I will start with maybe like what I'm seeing a lot, or maybe what I'm designing a lot. These little handcrafted tiles are just so beautiful and it's so much better than having a factory finish I mean, there's nothing wrong with it. But in these older homes I'm trying to add character. So having this handcrafted look, where there's texture and there's, you know, visual interest, where it's not every single color, is the quite exact same on the tile, I'm really interested in that, whether it's incorporating blues and greens, like we've done together already, or it's an off-white because the client wants something lighter and airier, I'm really trying to incorporate that and as far away as I can get from a three by six subway tile, I will do so.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
Lately I've been, I've been really into like the four by four squares or just slightly larger with the five by five, but a square tile I'm finding ways to incorporate in unique ways. So maybe, like in a more modern setting it's a stacked grid, but maybe in a more traditional setting it's an offset 50% and it just looks really nice. So you'll see that coming up in quite a few of my projects. But otherwise I also am seeing a lot and I'm also incorporating a lot into my projects, like a checkerboard floor, whether it's like a porcelain, you know two-tone, or it's a marble two-tone. A lot of people like it and I think it probably had its time in the past and it's here again.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
A lot of people like it and I think it probably had its time in the past and it's here again and, just like any other trend, things will come and go, but if you use oh, this is like, oh, this looks like Italy, um. And then as far as the ceramic subway tiles, like that Zellie style, um, we carry a lot of those different tiles. My favorite that you should look into if you have it, is the I think it's two and a half by 16 are Lake tiles and they are well.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
I have them installed in my own backsplash and every time people come over they go straight to my kitchen. This is amazing. Where did you get this? I'm like you know where I got this.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
You know, there's a tile that I'm trying so hard to incorporate. It's the Luna tile, the new tile that has that like sort of crest shape. But then there's also the flat one. I love the colors, I just need to find the right project. So, the flat one, I love the colors, I just need to find the right project.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
Yes, oh, it's taken off from the end of last year onto this year. I mean, it's flying off the shelves, the Luna whites, and we're seeing the arc, like you said, with the kind of crest selling a lot, and then the Celadon is just gorgeous with that pop of blue. So, yeah, so fun. I love to hear all of those trends and things that you're vibing with right now. So let's see. So, when you're collaborating with your clients, stephanie, how do you balance their vision with your own creative mojo?
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
That's a great question and I mean, when you're working as a in a design build firm like mine, we tailor a lot to what our homeowners are looking for because they are coming to us for that. You know, outside of that traditional model where you have you hired a designer and then that designer finds a GC and then you have to ultimately find the right price and build it, I feel like with a design build company, you're coming in and it can be a little bit more hands on. So if a homeowner is like you know, I have an idea for a color scheme but I really need the professional's opinion to see it through, that's where I come in and I start with OK, let's see what your inspiration looks like. And then let me ask quite a few questions and get your feedback. We even have lifestyle surveys that we put together for specifically like bath projects or kitchen projects, which you know go down the rabbit hole too, of all these things that they might not have considered.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
From all of that we then say, ok, like as the professional here with our expertise, it seems like and it sounds like you're interested in X, y and Z, and then from there taking their inspiration and taking maybe even our own inspiration. Like, there's times where I'll put together a Pinterest board, even though the owner also put one together, and I'm saying here's what I'm seeing and then here's sort of what you brought to the table. Can we find something that works for your budget, that works for your styles, and move forward in that direction? And there's even times where say you know it's a partnership and the owners together don't have the same style. And there's even times where say you know it's a partnership and the owners together don't have the same style, and that's fun and challenging but you know it happens, that's so interesting.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
So what does one do when that happens? Like you just kind of have to fuse the two together or find a way to make that compliment.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
Yeah, I mean you come from it, from like a marriage counseling standpoint, and you're like, okay, I'm hearing you and I hear you and what I'm seeing is like we can definitely merge these. And really today I don't think there's any rules in design. When it's like you know, one of the partners wants mid-century and the other one wants something that feels way more traditional, there's an opportunity for that like transitional everyone's using this word as pretty much like putting two different styles together and you can do that and you can say, hey, you know, maybe your cabinetry pulls more of that mid-century, modern vibe, but in a traditional sense, maybe we're looking at, you know, like the light fixtures and the plumbing fixtures having more of that traditional profile. It has been done and it will be done again and the situation will definitely come up again. It's just the designer, you know, taking that on.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
Yeah, so walk us through what it means to be an architectural designer, from taking concept to actually, you know, mocking it up, presenting it. What does that entail? Where do you start with that?
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
So we in our process, we have initial design, and then that kind of lends itself into schematic design, and then, once they go into our full design process, that's where we start to develop the construction drawings. So, as an architectural designer, that does mean that I have the degree in architecture, but I'm not a licensed practicing architect, so I can't stamp drawings in that regard. But what I can do is I can draw and I can come up with the designs and put things together. It then just potentially has to go to someone else for stamping, but through that process, you know, we can start with sketches. It's like trace paper, like it's very early on. From that point we start to develop the direction and as you kind of go through these phases of design, you start to go from concept to hypothetical reality, like nothing is set in stone until walls are being built and demo has happened, and even then there's, you know, technically still some time for some changes. But it's really awesome to see the funnel go from concept to reality throughout the process to reality throughout the process.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
That's the fun part. I love it. So we talked a little bit about the preservation of historical homes and things that you're doing to kind of like maintain or see what you can salvage. How important is sustainability in your design approach?
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
It's important to us and it's also really important to our homeowners. But there's also homeowners who come to us and, whether they're doctors or lawyers, and they're just like I, want the lead out of my house and I know my home is old enough to have it. So there's situations where you know we would love to maintain the character of the home, but we can definitely replicate that with new material that doesn't have the lead paint. In other situations, say, there's a 10 year old kitchen but it's just not the owner's taste anymore. We're going to carefully remove that and donate that to Habitat for Humanity and it's a team building opportunity. So even later today, after this call, I'm going to a home where we're going to be soon coming up to demo, but our team is carefully removing the cabinets and donating them and that's a really nice way to honor and not just completely just trash something.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
It's clear that sustainability is important to you guys, and so heartwarming to hear how you all are volunteering your time and also donating those materials to help those in need. So, stephanie, on a lighter note, how do you balance design and your career with your personal interests like golfing and good food and traveling?
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
It's so funny. When I got married, I told my husband as a joke I was like not into golf yet and I was joking and I said, well, now you're not going to have any free time because I'm going to learn to golf and I'm just going to go with you and I'm laughing because I'm obsessed with it now and it's something we can do together and I actually golf with some of my coworkers, so that's pretty cool too and it's just like my thing. I mean, everyone's got their one thing that helps them relax, and for me it's being able to walk the golf course and just be in a beautiful environment and be outside and get some exercise and clear my head so that I can come back and design and be outside and get some exercise and clear my head so that I can come back and design, you know, and be creative.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
Yeah, that's great Balancing that career and like getting a break self-care, so, so important. So you mentioned enjoying good food and travel. Can you tell us one of your favorite places to vacation or visit?
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
Oh, we've spent quite a bit of time in Puerto Rico and in Mexico recently, just for the culture.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
My husband is from Puerto Rico, a lot of my friends are also from Puerto Rico, so it was really awesome to see sort of their culture and potentially even where they grew up. And you know, just honeymooning in Mexico was nice. I would say like we just chose a place. I think next on our bucket list is probably going to Italy. If I have my way, it might happen sooner than later, but you know, architecture being a background, there's so much history over there and I would love to see it in person instead of in a textbook.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
You know I was going to ask. So when you're traveling I know how I am working in tile all day, every day, and I love it I can't help but notice, oh, the tile work. Oh, they need to work on that, or oh, my gosh, I love that. So when you are traveling, do you? Are you kind of soaking in the elements and kind of going, oh, I'm taking this idea back to, yeah.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
It's a blessing and a curse, because I feel like I'm such a critic and you know, there's a time and a place to provide feedback and you'll see stuff that you're like why did they do that? And then you're also going to see stuff where you're like that was genius. I want to incorporate a similar idea. Or this light is beautiful, so it's just, it's every day. It doesn't even matter if I'm traveling. It's like I go to a restaurant and I'm like I'm going to remember this. Or you know, I'm driving down the street and I'm like I really liked their curb appeal, like I want to incorporate that. So I mean, every designer listening to this is going to be like yep, that resonates.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
Yes, ah, so fun and probably a little exhausting, but that's, that's a really cool. I'm excited for your travels to Italy and then seeing what inspiration comes from that.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
Well, maybe it's some of the tile, so stay tuned?
Lindsay Fluckiger:
Oh, yes, for sure. So let's see here. Stephanie, can you share any memorable experiences or lessons that you've learned throughout your career that have had a significant impact on your approach to architectural design or as a woman in design period?
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
Yeah, Well, I mean there's definitely an opportunity for just empowering people and women in the industry, because there's this sort of persona that there isn't as many women in the industry as men, and I mean that's true, but it doesn't have to feel that way If you can keep the word out and say, you know like, work with me here and just continue to grow women in the industry. But in terms of lessons learned, I mean, we all have them, everyone's making mistakes, but you learn from them and you continue to grow. And this is so cliche, but it's like measured twice cut once. I remember and I'm so so.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
Unfortunately it happened recently, like five, six years ago we misordered some windows and they're still sitting in the basement of our office and last week I specked out the wrong windows, but it was only two, which is good, but it just. It happens every so often and you're like I could have done better and you just learn from it and maybe I forgot what I've learned from six years ago. But measure twice cut once. I may know it's cliche, but the more you can triple check, quadruple check, whatever you need to do to get it right, you're going to save time and money. But you know, we're also in an industry where we're going to figure it out and if it does, if there is a mistake, we all know how to fix it.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
The problem solving know-how that it takes to work in your line and industry. It blows my mind. We as a team are working on designing our booth for a trade show and it has consumed our lives. Just measurements and, okay, this wall is wet and how deep, and then these tiles are. It has been crazy, and we do have a design team helping us and things like that, but I can only imagine that little small taste for me, what you're having to do all day, every day. Of course, there has to be room for error and grace when we fall right Like it's all good, that's awesome, well, good deal. So I want to hear all about exciting projects that you have coming up. Tell our listeners what's kind of on your plate for 2024 and what you're most excited for us to follow along with.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
Oh, I'm excited about so many different things. We have projects all over the greater Philadelphia area you know between that traditional design and even some more modern flair.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
You know we have a few additions coming up that are pretty unique, with roof decks and pilot houses, and then there's some whole home renovations that completely transform layouts and flow of spaces and upgrade the spaces for like modern technology. So you know, a lot of the times we're coming in and there's appliances that are 30 years old and we're like, all right, it's time, even though that's a sub zero, and it might be time for that one to get updated. So lots of major renovations. I'm even doing a project right now that we have.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
The owners were living in a row home for 30 some years and then their neighbors sold but they bought it and now we're making it one big house and that is a huge undertaking because you can imagine that is three floors of brick that we have to support with some major engineering. So we have, you know, huge steel beams and columns and a lot of masonry and excavation going on. I think I worked on that project in design for probably two years and the construction is probably a year. So I mean it's a big job, but you really get to know your client after three years and it's awesome to see them come back into the space after so long and get to enjoy it.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
That's so cool. I'm excited to see them come back into the space after so long and get to enjoy it. That's so cool. I'm excited to see that. So are we going to be following along with this, or?
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
are you?
Lindsay Fluckiger:
already in the works of posting.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
Definitely already in the works. It's in construction already, so we're well past the design phase. But I mean, even what was it like? Last week or two weeks ago I did a job site, just kind of walk through, and I was like I think we need a skylight. Like, design's not completely over yet, I think we can make a few adjustments. And the clients were like, yes, that sounds awesome. So you know, obviously there's a change order for that, but we'll get that in the works for you and we'll give you a skylight where there wasn't one. And, of course, in the city, all you want is natural light and luckily for us, it. All you want is natural light and luckily for us, it's our first floor addition, so we're getting the light into the middle of the home, which is really the darkest space in a real home. I'm excited about that one. Follow along to see how that one goes.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
So fun. Ah, I love seeing your passion shine through, like it's so clear that you love what you do, and it's so refreshing to talk to somebody that's like in love with their job and these opportunities that come your way to be creative and and do what you love. So some final words, stephanie, as we wrap up our podcast today. First and foremost, such a treat to talk to you and get to know you. I feel like thank you being your face for years and seeing your beautiful designs, but to actually like meet you and get to know a little bit more about you and and your passion is is really cool. So last question for you what advice do you have for anyone in design looking to pursue their passion and just create something different? What would you say to them?
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
That's such a good question and I'm a little stumped, but I feel like if I could go back and do it all over again, it's just being able to absorb everything around you and sort of digest it to create your own like personality. Within the design field, I feel like, you know, there's Studio McGee, there's Joanna Gaines, like there's all these amazing women that have come up and have become so popular in the industry, and it's like, don't let that intimidate you. You can still be amazing, even if it's just in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh or wherever it may be. But I think it's just taking the opportunity to just learn as much as you can. You know, do all that continuous education and those opportunities, opportunities read.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
I've done so much reading over the last year, even just for, like, career development. Like you know, currently I'm reading like what is that book? You can tell I'm currently not reading it. I guess that well, but atomic habits I think that's what it's called and it's like just learning as much as you possibly can before you know you can't use those practices anymore. So I would say, just absorb it, learn, read and take every opportunity as it comes.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
Awesome Wise words, very inspiring. I love that you highlighted. You know you don't have to be no and no like shade to Joanna Gaines. I think she's incredible. I'm obsessed with her love, everything she does. But you don't have to be a Joanna Gaines to be successful and to find your own way. I think that's important for women to hear, especially in. You know, living in a world where social media just bombards you every day, tells you you're not enough, tells you you can do better, should be better, and we have to kind of carve out our own way and follow our own path while learning from what others have done.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
Absolutely, and it's like find your. If you create a personality that a client's going to gravitate towards, that's all you need. You don't need to be what everyone else is. So you know it's so hard to put yourself out there. I've definitely even learned from that, like putting your face on Instagram in a reel that's being pushed to thousands of people. I'm like I don't know, it took me a long time to get there. But once you do put yourself out there, people start to get a sense of who you are, and I think that's really important, and you don't need a TV show to do that.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
Yeah, incredible.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
Love all of it, thanks again, stephanie, for joining.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
I'm honored. Thank you Seriously. It's such a pleasure. We're definitely going to shout it out. I have all the links here where people can find your personal site and as well as bellwether design, build um and follow along on your incredible journey and design. Yeah.
Stephanie Hoffmeier:
Awesome.
Lindsay Fluckiger:
Well, thank you. Thanks so much. I'm going to. I think I have an outro. Let me read that real fast. That's a wrap for today's episode of tile trends. A huge thank you to Stephanie Hoffmeyer for sharing her insights and inspiration with us. Until next time, keep dreaming big and tile on. All right, I'm going to stop recording.