Honoree Profile

Avana Grayr

Kahler Slater

Title: Interior Designer
Tenure at Firm: 2 Year
Nominating Principal: Lorraine Kasznia, Principal, Workplace Practice Leader
School: California State University, Long Beach
Major: Interior Design

Inspired By:

I’m inspired by the fact that design is never static… there’s always something new to learn on every project. Every day I get to collaborate with talented professionals across many trades, and each project teaches me something valuable that I bring into the next. There is something beautiful about being part of a team to create something physical that people can live in and experience.

Keys to a Successful Project:

Listening, Communication, and Collaboration.
Truly listening to the client’s needs and goals and understanding the WHY behind each initiative. Clear and consistent communication keeps the team aligned and prevents any surprises and helps establish trust within the partnership. And finally, remembering that everyone is on one team working towards the same goals. Collaboration across all disciplines help the final outcome become stronger and ultimately more successful. And above all, remember to have fun along the way!

Which experiences have most influenced how you approach design?

Throughout my design education, one of the first lessons we learn is that every successful design begins with establishing a strong concept that will help guide ideas and solutions throughout the process. In the professional realm, I’ve found this ideology to be even more essential. A concept not only establishes a framework for the design team, but it also helps communicate the story to the client. When the concept is clear, clients can see the vision, understand the strategy behind the choices, and get excited for what’s to come.

“Avana is a wonderfully talented designer who brings creativity and enthusiasm to every project. She listens closely to clients and peers, designs with passion and purpose, and creates beautiful spaces that reflect both her artistry and thoughtfulness. Known for her warm, friendly personality, she is truly a pleasure to work with and collaborates easily across all design teams, uplifting both the work and the people around her.”

Lorraine Kasznia
Principal, Workplace Practice Leader