Award-winning firm Barbour Spangle Design continues its trajectory of growth with the addition of three new designers added to their residential and showroom design teams. Co-founders and partners Christi Barbour and Christi Spangle recently welcomed Erin Schlaeppi, Lead Residential Designer; Marley Rush, Residential Design Assistant; and Kate McKee, Junior Showroom Designer to the staff. All three positions report to Brianne Verstat, the company’s Creative Director who oversees the three design channels—luxury residential, commercial and wholesale/retail showroom—within the company.
With the addition of these three professionals, the firm now includes 14 employees, making it one of the largest interior design practices in the region. Barbour Spangle Design was also recently recognized by the Triad Business Journal as one of the “Fast 50” fastest-growing private companies in the Triad.
Barbour Spangle Design is inspired by practicality, creativity and collaboration to create innovative, thoughtfully designed interiors for residential, commercial and retail merchandising/showroom applications. Their projects include domestic and international residential properties, showroom and retail spaces for premium brands and manufacturers, housing and public gathering spaces for leading educational institutions, and interiors for hospitality, commercial and professional firms.
Schlaeppi has a bachelor of science degree in interior architecture from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Schlaeppi states, “as the lead residential designer I will create an overall design direction and vision for each project based on initial client meetings and knowledge with our amazing design team.” Her key responsibilities are to plan, interpret and manage projects through all phases of development including design concept, documentation, procurement, project management and installation.
Schlaeppi believes in collaboration and feels that it is the key to a successful design. “One of the most appealing aspects of the Barbour Spangle Design team for me was their collaborative culture paired with an extremely diverse range of knowledge and experience. I am able to combine my strongest attributes with those of my team members and know that the end result will always be amazing!” Schlaeppi concludes. Prior to joining Barbour Spangle, Schlaeppi worked for Allen & James Interior Design.
Verstat stated that “Erin’s personal style is the prefect blend of bold color mixed with true southern elegance. Her welcoming, compassionate and kind personality makes you feel like you are lifelong friends. This translates beautifully to our culture, our timeless but unique residential interiors and our desire to create long-lasting client friendships.”
Rush, with a bachelor of science degree in interior design and a minor in business administration from Meredith College, fills the newly created position of design assistant on the residential design team. In this role she supports the senior level residential designers by assisting with construction documents, ordering and pricing samples, scheduling and attending site visits and overseeing the resource library. Rush states, “I have a strong thirst for knowledge and a desire to constantly expand my personal growth in the design world. I also have an outgoing and loving personality which is so important to our team for relationship-building.”
Verstat commented that “as a recent graduate, Marley brings a fresh perspective to all residential projects. Her eagerness to learn and collaborate with our entire organization makes her a fantastic addition. Her contagious laughter always puts you in a better mood.”
McKee, as the junior designer on the showroom team, fills another newly created position at Barbour Spangle Design. She has a bachelor of science degree from University of North Carolina Greensboro, an associate degree in interior design from Randolph Community College and has worked at Kara Cox Interiors as a design assistant. Her primary responsibilities will be to work on showroom design concepts, purchasing, installation, management of installation and supporting the lead designer. McKee offers that her “background in visual merchandising and prop styling supports Barbour Spangle’s continued growth objective for showroom business. My goal is to create residential-feeling spaces in commercial applications.”
Verstat shared that “Kates’s background in visual merchandising and extensive retail knowledge, along with her residential aesthetic, make the perfect combination for the company’s showroom team. Kate’s quick wit and dry sense of humor definitely keep you on your toes and allows her to develop lasting relationships with clients and fellow designers.”
“We are delighted to welcome these three very talented women to our staff,” Barbour concluded. “In all that we do, our goal is to always offer the very best to our clients with fresh new approaches to their design projects. We are sure Marley, Kate and Erin will provide that to everyone with whom they work. We are fortunate to have all three help us consistently achieve our mantra; anything is possible.”
