S. Tipton Studio and their founder, Sandy, engage projects with zeal, acumen and a passion for perfection... and it’s working.

LinkedIn Newsletter: Sandy Tipton?

This design of this interview series highlights seasoned leaders and executives focused on making an impact on their businesses, their employees, their clients, and the community.?

It features insights and experiences from business owners, community leaders, and subject matter experts - each working to amplify impact and transform the future of culture, leadership, strategic growth, and vision.?

I had the chance to connect with Sandy Tipton, Principal at S. Tipton Studio and renowned interior designer.?

As a native Texan with deep roots in Austin, Sandy decided to make it home in 2000 drawn to the city's creative culture, history, and natural beauty. In 2009, she founded S. Tipton Studio with a clear vision: to build a team of designers who share her commitment to client-centered design while providing depth of design expertise. Collaborating closely with their clients, the S. Tipton Studio team designs spaces that become catalysts for their client’s success in the city's ever-evolving landscape.

Q: Tell me about your business and what separates you from your competition?

Each person on our team knows we are committed to them as humans first.

A: Our absolute commitment to our studio’s values which cultivates a great environment for our teammates to thrive professionally and personally. Each person on our team knows we are committed to them as humans first. By putting them first, we’ve created a culture that leads to our clients feeling valued and prioritized.

Q: Who or what has influenced your leadership ethos?

A: After earning my Interior Design degree, I took a break from pursuing design. Instead, I spent the first six years of my career mentoring college women and supporting their spiritual growth while working with an international campus ministry. This period was transformative. It allowed me to grow my leadership skills and learn what it means to truly support others on their personal journeys, … and I got to travel to some amazing places around the world, which was pretty great!

Q: How do you build culture, relationships, and teams inside and outside of your organization?

It's a powerful practice where teammates cheer on their teammates who've been amazing in some way, supported them, or embodied our values.

A: This is what we're all about! We know that valuing relationships and living our values is the secret sauce for our team's success on every level. Each person on our team knows they are truly valuable and an essential part of the team's fabric. We make it a point to give shout-outs every week. It's a powerful practice where teammates cheer on their teammates who've been amazing in some way, supported them, or embodied our values. Shout-outs go out to the entire team, including our admin staff. We also make sure to schedule a lot of fun both in and outside of the studio!

Q: You are very intentional with the hiring process. I would love to learn more about hiring for your own team and others.?

A: We've all experienced the pain of making "bad" hires. It’s painful! It's often due to a lack of cultural alignment rather than capability. So, we’ve worked really hard to refine our interview process to uncover how well candidates align with our values. It's important to note that an organization must first define its values to effectively hire based on them—this is a crucial step. One thing that we do during our interviews is ask about a candidate's previous manager. We dig into what aspects worked well for them and what ways their previous manager could have improved. This can be incredibly enlightening. Ultimately, our goal is to bring on people who are a great fit for the team we've built and the type of work we do. We want them to be genuinely content and thrive.

Q: What are you expecting out of 2023 and how will that impact your business?

A: It is an exciting time! … and challenging. We have one of the strongest industrial interiors teams in central Texas. With the industrial sector booming across the U.S., our industrial team is going strong and looking to grow. Of course, Corporate Office is a bit trickier as work-from-home and hybrid work continues to evolve. We are partnering with our office clients to help them strategize the needs of their teams. It includes some soul-searching conversations with them that are really impactful. We are also taking the opportunity to connect with new people and organizations.? These relationships are opening some unexpected doors and are energizing our team and work. So, for 2023 we're eager to continue to develop new relationships, uncover fresh opportunities, and expand our design capabilities. It's a year of growth.

Q: What advice would you give a young woman starting her career?

Austinites are generous with their time to support young and/or entrepreneurial people.

A: Before I even began interviewing for my first Interior Design position, I reached out to the few people I knew in the Interior Design/Architecture field to see if I could meet with them over coffee. I wanted to know what I was getting into, but so much more good information came out of those coffee meetings. I learned which firms were known for mentoring young designers, learned questions I should ask during interviews, and even gained an internship out of one of those coffee appointments that led to a 7-year tenure with a great firm. Austinites are generous with their time to support young and/or entrepreneurial people. I would strongly encourage young women to tap into this resource. She will build her network, gain valuable insights and refine her career trajectory.?

Q: On your website, you mention that October in Austin is one of your favorite things. Why is that?

A: As we are sitting here and it is 102 outside, you can imagine why I love October. After the brutal heat of summer, I love the fall temps that finally arrive in October. I also love being able to change out my wardrobe! April is quickly becoming a contender to be my favorite month, though. After the past couple of years with bad ice storms that have been so difficult and have done so much damage, April’s arrival has never felt better!

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Thank you for contributing to this series, Sandy.

Thank you for taking the time to read the Leadership Ethos on S. Tipton Studio. Sandy and her team specialize in collaborating with growing companies to assess and strategize their space goals and requirements. As you embark on the journey of determining your company's next steps regarding its workspace, S. Tipton Studio is thrilled to support your effort! Sandy is currently extending an invitation for a 30-minute virtual consultation to jumpstart this process.

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