Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Howard and Kjirsten Ogburn. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Courtney and Kjirsten, please kick things off for us with some background on your story.
Both of us have always been passionate about architecture and design, but it wasn’t until we worked together under Kjirsten Ogburn Design for 18 months that we realized we shared a common thread – a love for reusing, repurposing, and reinventing spaces in a unique way.
Kjirsten’s experience working at an architecture firm allowed her to appreciate the importance of being a steward for aging history-rich buildings. She quickly realized that this was her niche, and she became passionate about designing spaces that were not only beautiful but also functional.
On the other hand, Courtney’s career path was always driven towards becoming a project architect and working on large projects. She worked at multiple architecture firms that gave her the opportunity to work on big projects, and she gained knowledge and confidence from the people she worked with at these firms.
What attracted us to each other was our shared drive and energy to do more. We want to design spaces that are not only functional but also inspiring, and we find joy in the creative process of bringing our ideas to life. This drive is what inspired us to create something new and unique. We want Relay Shop Architecture + Design to have a focus on creating the unexpected, impactful and functional buildings.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a new company is never easy, and our journey was no exception. We faced a number of obstacles and challenges along the way, but we are determined to overcome them and build the company that we believe in.
One of our biggest challenges was the transition from closing Kjirsten’s previous company to opening a new one. The overlap of the two companies made it difficult to establish a clear identity for the new studio.
Another challenge we faced is educating clients on the value of architecture and design. We believe that being present throughout the construction process is essential for delivering a completed project, but not all clients understand the importance of this. We work hard to emphasize the importance of working closely with the owner and contractor to ensure the project’s successful completion. We try to educate our clients on the value of our services and how we can help them achieve their goals.
As designers, we also face challenges in the creative process. We learned that good designers aren’t afraid to throw out a good idea and start over when necessary. We consistently step out of our comfort zone and challenge ourselves to see projects in new and different ways. It is a complex process, but it allows us to grow and develop as designers.
Finding The balance between work and life is important for us. We practice being healthy in our personal lives so we can flourish in our professional life. It was a delicate balance, one we seek to find daily.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Architecture is the soul of our practice. We are creators and developers of ideas. We use systems to solve problems and creativity to imagine something new. Planning is an important part of our overall design process. It encompasses a combination of data, diagramming, and space relationships. Design services focus on commercial and residential spaces along with other project needs.
What makes you happy?
Despite these challenges, we find happiness in the work we are doing. We loved the pace of the day and the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles. Seeing our clients and the users of the spaces we designed happy and joyful is incredibly fulfilling. We know that we are making a difference in people’s lives and that our work is valued.
One of the most satisfying aspects of our work is seeing our ideas come to life. From a blank sheet of paper to a completed project, we love watching people interact with the spaces we create. It is a leap of faith on the client’s end, but it’s a satisfying experience for both us and our clients. We are proud of what we have accomplished and know that we have the power to make our company into anything we want it to be.
Relay Shop Architecture + Design is proof that shared passion and drive can overcome any obstacle and that beautiful and inspiring spaces can be created when architects and designers work closely with their clients. We learned that growth and change are essential to success, and we were not afraid to take risks and try new things. We hope that our story inspires others to pursue their dreams, overcome obstacles, and find happiness in their work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.relayshopga.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relayshopga/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/relay-shop-architecture-design/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/Relayshopga/
Image Credits
The two images of Courtney and Kjirsten are photographed by Heather Wall Photography The image of Maepole restaurant is photographed Matt King The two images of San Francisco State University is a project completed while working at Multisutdio. Architecture design credited to Multistudio, photography credited to SFSU ©2021 Tim Griffith The image of the exterior of Tweed Recording is photographed by Heather Wall The image of the interior kitchen of Whitehall Mill Lofts is photographed by Heather Wall
