Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Halas. She shares her story with us below:
Hello, thank you for sharing my story!
Prior to starting Valerie Halas Design, I began my career working at small boutique architecture studios, designing for fashion and lifestyle brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan as well as high-end residential projects in NYC. I found that I really enjoyed designing residences, and my passion for it landed me a commission to design an age-in-place home using sustainable design principles for a retired couple in western Pennsylvania as well as a residential renovation and addition for NASA space engineers living in Westlake, OH.
My interest in sustainable design prompted me to collaborate on designing a primary school complex in Tanzania with the Africa Schoolhouse Foundation, a Not-for-Profit. I was asked to oversee construction of the school complex using off-the-grid construction methods. This experience transformed how I saw the world and piqued my interest in how social dynamics are influenced by the built enviroment, leading to me obtaining a master’s degree with research focused on this subject matter.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My biggest obstacle was determining how I would re-enter the workforce after taking time off to raise my two children, one with special needs. Was I going to work for an architectural design firm? How would I manage my need for a flexible schedule? Then fate connected me with Julie Chambers, owner of Chambers Music Studio in Bexley, for whom I designed a new community music studio. Starting out on my own came at the perfect time in my life; as my child with special needs was about to enter kindergarten and I felt ready to begin this next chapter of my life as both a mom and business owner. Since designing the music studio in 2020, I formed Valerie Halas Design, LLC in 2021 and have been designing residential interior renovations and additions in the Bexley, Dublin, and Upper Arlington suburbs of Columbus, Ohio.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Valerie Halas Design?
Valerie Halas Design is a woman-owned, full-service residential design studio based in Bexley, Ohio. I design interior renovations and additions and leverage over 20 years of experience working in Columbus, NYC, Chicago, and across the globe. I am known for my attention to detail, excellent communication, collaboration, and design skills. My goal is ensuring that clients enjoy the design process.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Brene Brown podcasts Dare To Lead and Unlocking Us are nourishment for my soul. I love to unlearn and relearn ways to be a better leader and human. Priya Parker’s book The Art of Gathering is another favorite. I love the critical thinking component of her book; considering how we meet and why it matters, has really honed my design skills in creating intentional physical spaces.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.valeriehalasdesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehalasdesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valeriehalasdesign1
Chamber Music Studio After
Before
Bexlex Tesla Solar Pavilion
Before
After Porch Addition
Before
Kitchen Renovation After
Before
After House Addition
Image Credits
Valerie Halas
