Fearless Narratives: Navigating the World of Interior Design — A Conversation with Madelynn Ringo, Founder of Ringo Studio
Interior design is a dynamic field where creativity and innovation shape the spaces we live and work in. In this ever-evolving industry, emerging designers and professionals face exciting opportunities to redefine traditional roles and approaches. Madelynn Ringo, the visionary founder of Ringo Studio, offers a unique perspective on navigating this vibrant world.
Join us as we delve into a conversation from the “Fearless Narratives” podcast where Madelynn talks with Courtlyn Jones, the visionary founder and CEO of The Design Database, a prominent online community dedicated to empowering female and non-binary creatives, about her journey, valuable insights, and the transformative power of design.
Discover how she and her team are breaking boundaries, crafting immersive experiences, and reshaping the way we perceive interior design in the modern age.
Courtlyn (Host): Joining us today is Madelynn Ringo, the visionary behind Ringo Studio, a Brooklyn-based architectural design firm known for crafting immersive retail experiences for renowned brands like Our Place, Bala, Glossier, Studs, and even the transformation of healthcare clinics for Modern Age, New York’s premier aging wellness destination. Welcome, Madelynn. How are you doing today?
Madelynn: I’m doing well and thrilled to be here with you.
Courtlyn (Host): Fantastic! Let’s dive into your fascinating journey. How did you find your way into the world of creativity and design?
Madelynn: Well, my creative journey began early on, nurtured by my artist mother and countless visits to art galleries and museums. I initially explored art and graphic design during my formative years. However, my path shifted towards architecture when I attended the University of Kentucky. Those four years ignited my passion for shaping spaces and infusing them with abstract narratives. What I loved most was the multidisciplinary nature of architecture, where I had to delve deep into various domains, whether it was winemaking for a winery project or something entirely different. After graduating, I ventured to New York, gaining experience at different design firms, including prominent ones like OMA and SO-IL, each offering unique insights into the architectural world. My stint at Andre Balazs Properties, a boutique hotel developer, was particularly enlightening, as it allowed me to see design through the lens of customer experience, from check-in to that drink at the bar. Afterward, I pursued my graduate degree at Yale University, a transformative period where I found my design voice. Returning to New York, I embarked on an unexpected adventure by joining Glossier’s in-house team, a departure from traditional architecture as it encompassed marketing, product design, and brand thinking. It was here that I realized how multidimensional design conversations could be. After a few years, I took the leap and founded Ringo Studio, drawing from these diverse experiences to offer a unique blend of interior design, creative direction, and brand translation between digital and physical realms.
Courtlyn (Host): It’s fascinating to hear about your journey and the way you draw inspiration. Where do you find the motivation and creativity to create such unique designs?
Madelynn: Inspiration is a constant pursuit for me. Once you’re immersed in the design world, it becomes a natural part of your thought process. This mindset has intensified as I’ve transitioned from being solely a designer to a business owner. I feel like my brain is always in “gathering mode.” It can be as simple as strolling through Manhattan, especially in areas like Soho, where I absorb the creativity of this vibrant city. New York is brimming with innovative designers and architects who continually reinvent and surprise us. Inspiration can strike anywhere, even from a single color in a fashion store’s scarf, influencing the palette of our next project. Additionally, travel is a wellspring of inspiration. For instance, I recently had the opportunity to attend Art Basel in Miami, a trip that opened my eyes to a world of art and design. The design show at Design Miami was particularly inspiring, brimming with incredible objects, designer collaborations, and brand showcases. I returned home bursting with ideas, trying to capture the moments while staying present in the experience. As designers working with consumer brands, we also draw inspiration from our own consumer experiences. We analyze how other brands make us feel and what sets them apart. It could be the way they communicate on social media or the personalized touch at a hotel or restaurant. We consider the entire 360-degree experience, from sound and scent to playlists and special touches. So, inspiration often arises from our everyday encounters. It’s essential to keep our heads up, as we’ve been immersed in building projects and working with clients. We entered this industry because of the inspiration we received from the world around us. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that we, as designers and leaders, continue to explore, observe, and engage with other industries as they evolve.
Courtlyn (Host): Many creatives, often without even realizing it, infuse their personality into their designs. I’ve experienced this myself. Do you think your personality or essence is evident in your client designs?
Madelynn: Yes, definitely. At Ringo Studio, we’re known for crafting bold, colorful, and playful sculptural environments. Clients often come to us because they see this common thread running through our projects. While each design caters to the specific brand’s identity, it retains a provocative essence with bold colors, intriguing textures, and a willingness to take design risks. Our individual creative agendas undoubtedly shine through.
However, as the leader of our team, I strive to ensure that we maintain a well-rounded approach. Our team members bring diverse interests and skill sets to the table. It’s the fusion of these unique qualities that results in distinctive designs. When we initiate a project, especially with brands targeting a specific customer demographic, our first priority is to understand that customer thoroughly. We delve into their preferences, interests, and lifestyle, seeking inspiration from their world. This customer-focused approach guides our design process.
So, in essence, our creative essence shines through in each project, subtly infusing our favorite elements, such as curves and vibrant colors. It’s all part of the fun in the design process.
Courtlyn (Host): I can definitely see how your warm and vibrant personality reflects in your designs. Now, let’s discuss the challenges in the design industry.
Madelynn: Absolutely. In the design industry, challenges come in various forms. As a business owner, I face a unique set of challenges that extend beyond design itself. One of the challenges we often encounter at Ringo Studio is working with young brands. These brands typically have big ambitions but conservative budgets, making it challenging to create impactful designs within budget constraints.
Designers always desire larger budgets, but the reality is that we often need to make a significant impact with limited resources. Finding cost-effective yet innovative materials and collaborating with fabrication partners willing to work on smaller projects becomes essential.
Another challenge is dealing with fast-paced projects, especially in the retail sector. Retail projects often need to meet specific timelines, dictated by the retail calendar. These tight schedules can be a challenge, particularly when working with new clients who may require more time to finalize their vision.
Overall, the design industry presents a mix of creative and logistical challenges, which we strive to navigate successfully.
Courtlyn (Host): Absolutely, I’ve encountered my fair share of challenging projects and clients, but it’s essential to push through and keep moving forward. On a brighter note, could you share some of your favorite recent projects?
Madelynn: Certainly, it’s difficult to pick just one favorite, so I’ll highlight three recent projects that have been particularly exciting for us. First, we’re currently working on a project with a brand called Contact Sports. What makes this project truly unique is its focus on creating a new and innovative shopping experience for sex toys. The entire process has been both amusing and entirely new for our team. From the design conversations to thinking about the customer’s intimate shopping needs, it’s been a remarkable journey.
Courtlyn (Host): That’s certainly a distinctive project.
Madelynn: Yes, it’s challenged us in unexpected ways and brought our team closer together. Moreover, it’s intriguing to work on a subject that’s often considered taboo and explore how design can transform the shopping experience for such intimate products.
Another recent project we completed was with the brand Our Place. We just finished a store on Melrose Ave in Los Angeles. What made this project special was how well the client knew their brand. They were deeply connected to their brand’s story, mission, and colors, which they held dear to their hearts. Collaborating with them and translating their vision into a physical retail space was a rewarding experience. We aimed to create a shopping environment that felt like stepping into your coolest friend’s home, emphasizing inclusivity and the joy of sharing meals. This project challenged us to extensively use ceramic tiles in unconventional ways, allowing us to delve into the material’s intricacies and details.
Courtlyn (Host): It sounds like a project that was deeply rooted in the brand’s identity and values.
Madelynn: Absolutely, and it was a learning experience in material usage and color coordination. Each project has its unique lessons that we carry forward to our future work.
Lastly, we’re excited about our first international project in Toronto for the brand Relative Space. They specialize in wood flooring showrooms, which is different from our typical D2C brand clients. Relative Space offers a retail experience where customers come to their showroom, learn about the product and brand, and make informed decisions. It’s our first international venture, breaking new boundaries and expanding our horizons.
Courtlyn (Host): That’s a significant milestone, going international.
Madelynn: Definitely, it’s a milestone for us, and it presented us with new challenges to overcome. We’re currently handling three projects, but the number of projects we take on can vary from year to year. It’s a delicate balance between growing the business and maintaining the high standards we’ve set for ourselves. Our approach involves diving into each project wholeheartedly, and adding too many projects to the mix can affect the quality of our work. So, it typically ranges between five to seven projects a year, and it evolves as our team grows and matures.
Courtlyn (Host): Could you give us an idea of the typical timeline for completing a project?
Madelynn: Yes, project timelines can vary, but in general, retail projects tend to move quickly. We usually have around three months for the design phase, followed by approximately 10 weeks for construction and fabrication once the design is finalized. However, unexpected situations can arise, like the permitting process, which can extend the project’s timeline significantly. Retail projects often have specific deadlines, such as product launches or holiday seasons, so they are designed to align with these events. So, on average, our projects typically span between three to six months from start to finish.
Courtlyn (Host): Understood. Thank you for that. Now, can you share the most memorable moment of your career so far?
Madelynn: It’s challenging to pinpoint a single “best” moment, but I’d like to emphasize that building a business like Ringo Studio is a journey filled with countless small but impactful moments. These moments are like small stepping stones that have contributed to our growth, and each one is special in its own way.
For instance, receiving emails from young designers inquiring about joining Ringo Studio has always been heartwarming. It’s exciting to see that people are interested in being part of what we’re creating. Other significant moments include receiving recognition and nominations for awards, which have been cause for celebration within our team.
However, it’s equally rewarding to witness the growth and development of our team members, seeing them find their design voice, excel in presentations, or create remarkable design concepts. These moments reinforce that Ringo Studio is more than just an idea; it’s a collective passion that extends beyond myself.
I believe we experience around ten of these meaningful moments every week as we continue to grow, test our boundaries, and build our business together.
Courtlyn (Host): Given your journey so far, where do you see your career heading in the future?
Madelynn: Looking ahead, I envision our future career milestones involving projects that challenge us in new and exciting ways. While we have gained confidence and expertise in retail projects, I’m eager to take on endeavors that are different and perhaps beyond our comfort zone.
For instance, working on projects with hotel brands or other industries would be a significant milestone. These types of projects would require us to adapt and apply our design skills to new contexts, which is both exciting and challenging.
Additionally, I’m intrigued by the potential of incorporating emerging design tools, such as generative AI, into our design process. While it might seem intimidating, I believe it’s essential to stay at the forefront of these technological advancements and explore how they can enhance our design capabilities.
Courtlyn (Host): Do you have any advice for those in the early stages of their interior design careers?
Madelynn: Absolutely. My advice is to recognize the expanded possibilities available now compared to just a few years ago. When you graduate from design programs, consider how you can leverage your design skills to create a unique career path. You don’t have to follow the traditional office route. You could explore in-house roles with brands, delve into advanced technologies beyond what you learned in school, or even use your skills to start your own company or brand. The opportunities for architects and interior designers today are incredibly diverse and exciting, unlike when I graduated. So, my advice is to think creatively and explore unconventional avenues.
Courtlyn (Host): That’s excellent advice. Lastly, how can our audience connect with you or view your work?
Madelynn: To learn more about Ringo Studio and view our portfolio, visit our website at Ringo-Studio.com. I’m pretty active on Instagram, where I share our latest projects and insights. You can reach out to me via direct message there. Unfortunately, I’m not on TikTok, and I’m only occasionally on Reels. If you prefer email, you can contact us at info@ringo-studio.com. And for those in the Williamsburg area, we’ve recently started working from an office at the William Vale Hotel, so feel free to drop by for a coffee if you’re nearby.
Courtlyn (Host): Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today, Madelynn.
Madelynn: You’re welcome! It’s been a pleasure. Thanks for having me.
Listen to the full interviews of our female creatives from The Design Database community on our “Fearless Narratives” podcast available everywhere podcasts are distributed.
