We’re in a year long series of interviews highlighting incredible women in our community. The focus of each interview is to have a candid conversation about their home, life, what they value, what feels challenging right now, and most importantly, what is bringing them joy.
Our next interview is with Kirsten Griffin. She’s currently a Job Captain at HKS, Inc. and the Vice-Chair for AIA Dallas Latinos in Architecture (LiA). Kirsten and I got connected through Instagram by a mutual friend/colleague a few years ago AND of course our names are quite close so we’re automatically bonded for life. Quite quickly we had several incredible, genuine, interesting conversations about simplifying life through editing in her home and planning for her future. I’ve always been impressed with her insightful, wise beyond her years questions and ideas about home. I’ve loved getting to know her through our chats about our spaces, the misc. house projects we’re working on/dreaming up, and all things design. I deeply admire her passion for architecture, and her intentional action to make an impact and serve her local architecture community. I love all the commitments she shares with us on Instagram from caring for herself through fitness goals (PS. this girl is strong, don’t mess with her!) and her intentional focus going after her architecture license. And all of which she does while having fun along the way! Recently she’s woven more into her day to day stories about her deaf/hard of hearing and bilateral cochlear implant journey. I value her perspective on this topic that I’m continuing to learn more about. Follow along with her vivaciousness over at @kirsten_ttu on Instagram.
Scroll down to enjoy my interview with Kirsten about all things home and life.
Share a quick snapshot of your last 5 years:
Been a busy 5 years! I Graduated college with my Master degree, got married and started working full time in an architecture firm. We adopted two dogs while living in an apartment, then we bought a house to have backyard space for the pups. Now working on my Architectural Exams and highly involved in the architecture community.
What's your day to day like right now?
Work out in the morning, go work at the office at home or the company office and then spend my evening attending an event or at home studying for my Architectural Exams.
How long have you been in your current home?
2 years! Got it July 2020.
What do you love most about your current home?
The space! Get to have my own office and my own home gym.
What's something you'd love to change/or feels challenging for you in your current home?
The challenge would be the bathrooms, its a late 70's home. So the bathrooms are not a big as the newer homes.
The outdoor patio is the space where I enjoy drinking coffee in the morning or relaxing in the evening when weather is nice.
In the last year, have you spent any time decluttering/editing in your home (if so where/why)?
Yes, the closets. There were a lot of clothes and memorial items that haven't been used in years.
If you have spent time decluttering/editing, what was the result? Was it helpful?
Relief, we have plenty of space. More than we think. Spend less time stressing about the overload of items or looking for something.
What part would you rather do - declutter OR organize (+ why)?
Organize but we have to declutter before organizing. Organizing because you know exactly where everything is rather then looking for awhile to find it.
Where's your favorite spot in your home right now?
The smallest office the house with the little couch in the corner. A small cozy room.
What object in your home means a lot to you?
My small round breakfast table, I sit here almost everyday drinking my coffee. Came from my uncle who passed away recently.
The breakfast nook is my favorite spot I spend a lot of my time.
Tell me something fun or quirky about you I probably don't know...
I’m left handed but I only eat and write with my left hand. And I do everything else with my right side. Can write/draw also with my right hand (not as good as left).
OK, NOW A FEW RAPID-FIRE HOME QUESTIONS!
Light/bright OR dark/moody:
Light/Bright
Open concept OR separated rooms/nooks:
Both! Open concept for social events and then separation for more comfort/cozy.
Color OR neutrals:
Neutrals
Real plants OR faux:
Faux
Listen to music OR read:
Listen to music
Favorite morning or daily ritual:
Getting my day started early and drinking coffee
Morning person OR night person:
Morning, but I still have my days where I don't want to get up.
Favorite piece of furniture in your home:
Breakfast table
Do you dress like the interiors of your home?
Yes, Simple
THANK YOU KIRSTEN for sharing more about your home and life with us! I can’t wait to see what you’re involved with and creating next!
Follow along with Kirsten’s architecture, mentoring and home adventures over on Instagram @kirsten_ttu HERE. Photo Credit: Kirsten Griffin