Today we’d like to introduce you to Joscelin Mackey.
Hi Joscelin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Born in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains of Washington, Pennsylvania, I would sit for hours as a child with my grandfather’s house plan books, drawing and redrawing the floor plans as if they were jigsaw puzzles. My grandmother would say, “She is going to be an architect one day.”
As I got older, my curiosity about how people think and my natural desire to solve problems led me to study psychology at the University of the District of Columbia after high school.
Midway through my post-secondary studies, I moved to the Atlanta metropolitan area and started a family, which postponed my studies but didn’t diminish my curiosity about human behavior.
Life, however, brought me to a place where I could fuse my passions for the built environment, problem-solving, and human behavior.
My gifts made room for me in interior design. I now use those gifts daily to create spaces that solve problems and invoke the physiological response desired to enhance healing, consequently making the work of physicians, clinicians, and their staff more pleasant and productive.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges is helping people understand the difference between a: decorator, commercial interior designer, and a certified /registered interior designer.
What is a commercial interior designer you ask?
Commercial interior designers are professionals who create and direct the construction of commercial spaces. Commercial interior designers guide clients to select materials, colors, and furnishings that align with the company’s brand and aesthetic. But the average day is spent arranging the layouts, of interior walls and the use of spaces. This requires a 4-year degree in Interior Design and substantial knowledge of building codes and interior construction standards. Commercial interior designers typically work under the supervision of a licensed architect or registered interior designer.
So then, what is a certified/registered interior designer?
This is an interior designer whose knowledge of building codes and interior construction standards and many other interior architecture concepts are rigorously tested by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). The designer must then submit this certification to the State of Georgia to become a registered interior designer. This authorizes them to stamp and seal non-structural permit drawings independent of a licensed architect.
The concept of a Registered Interior Designer with authority to stamp non-structural permit drawings is a new concept to many. Most people believe that architects and engineers are the only ones who design buildings. This is understandable as there are approximately 406 active registered interior designers in the state of Georgia and I am likely 1 of 8 black women in the state to have this designation.
So, although decorating is a part of my skills and talents, it is hard for some to understand that I am not a decorator but much, much more.
We’ve been impressed with Accessible Design Studios, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Accessible Design Studios is a Fayetteville, Georgia-based health & beauty interior design firm servicing the Atlanta metro area and beyond.
We specialize in the design of beautiful and functional medical offices, spas, and med spas. Our services include renovations, new construction, and tenant build-outs that meld together the aesthetic and thoughtfulness of hospitality design with the clinical formalities demanded by the medical & beauty industries.
We understand that visits to medical facilities and spas can stir up anxiety for some patients and clients. We create environments that are comforting and relaxing, making everyone feel at ease. Our mission is to increase profitability for physicians and practitioners by creating raving fans of their patients, clients, and staff.
From our inception, Accessible Design Studios has been committed to three core principles:
Creating spaces that make people feel good.
Increasing our client’s profitability.
Helping staff work more efficiently.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love Atlanta so there are too many things to list. However; If I had to choose what I like most, it is that Atlanta is a city where anyone in just about every industry can be successful. The Atlanta Metro area is sprawling and that can make networking and marketing challenging.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://accessibledesignstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accessibledesignstudios/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joscelin-mackey-ncidq-rid-accessibledesignstudios/
Image Credits
All images where taken and/or produced by Joscelin Mackey
