Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Sampson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
COVID provided the impetus to pursue a career that many years of experiences and decisions were leading up to.
Growing up, my dad owned his own construction company; I grew up on job sites and learned how structures are built and the importance of craftsmanship in the trade. In high school, I was challenged to design a new family home and, after months of designing and hand drafting, it became my first built project. Looking back, this single exercise influenced my decision to go to school for Architecture.
Traveling and studying abroad inspired a love for old, existing, and historic structures, and I went on to grad school for a Master’s in Heritage Preservation followed by a Master’s in Architecture. This combination of studies made me uniquely qualified for jobs in which new designs could be applied to old buildings.
After graduation, I was hired by Hammel Green Abrahamson (HGA) as a part of a small team overseeing the restoration of the Minnesota State Capitol; a dream job I had the honor of holding until its completion. I went on to work as a Forensic Architect for Wiss Janney Elstner (WJE) diagnosing building failures and designing solutions.
And then COVID hit. People were living, working, schooling, and playing from home, and many realized their existing homes were no longer working for them. All of a sudden, there was a need for someone to reimagine, on an individual level, how our spaces could conform to our new lives. My passion and experience collided; I was uniquely qualified for the job.
My husband encouraged me to leap and I haven’t looked back.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
According to my business card, I am Angela Sampson, Owner and Design Director of Copper + Pine Design Co., but I am also an Administrative Assistant, an HR Representative, the CFO, the Marketing Department, and everyone else it takes to run a design company, and THAT takes some getting used to.
When starting, I had complete confidence in my ability to do the design work, but I had never run a business before, so I think the biggest bumps in the road came from learning to wear all the OTHER hats it takes to run a design company.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Copper + Pine, we believe that a home should tell the story of you. It is the narrative of who you are, where you have been, and where you dream of going. It houses your ACCOMPLISHMENTS. Your framed diploma and your son’s little league trophy. It displays your SOUVENIRS. The Turkish rug you spent your last penny on while studying abroad in college and the shell your daughter simply couldn’t leave on the beach.
It represents your STYLE. The boho chic or modern farmhouse or mid-century vibe that repeatedly catches your eye, along with all the collections of your past that are stored in your basement because they don’t seem to fit any style at all. It reflects your PERSONALITY. The OCD habit you thought you were hiding well, but we acknowledge [and respect] your color-coordinated closet and your Marie Kondo drawers.
It stores your MEMORIES. The VHS tapes of your childhood memories and the boxes of photos you still have stored underneath your bed. It holds your HOPES for the future, But it also has to FUNCTION in the now; if you are growing your family, inviting your in-laws to live with you, or want to age in the place you love.
A home is more than just the walls that make up a house. It is a narrative of you, your family, your area, your history, and your goals. We strive to create spaces that fit your life, reflect your style and tell your story. We strive to create homes that tell your narrative.
What does success mean to you?
For Copper + Pine, I think success is helping our clients have beautiful, functional spaces that reflect their lifestyles, personalities, and dreams, in a way they can afford.
Having a home that functions the way you need it to, feels the way you want it to, and in a way you can afford, can make every difference in the way you live.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.copperpinedesignco.com
- Instagram: @copperpinedesignco
- Facebook: Copper + Pine Design Co.
Image Credits
Spacecrafting Photography, Amanda Arands, and Taryn Hyland
