Bio:
The great designer, Kathianna Rousseau grew up as a first generation Haitian American woman. I was taught the basis of hard work and confidence through doing the work you love with passion and grace. I have worked in many facets within the hospitality field and I truly feel I have blossomed and found my passion through interior architecture and art and I look forward to sharing that with the world. My next step in my career journey is to continue to expand my influences and explore more possibilities within myself and design.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I first learned about interior architecture while I was in high school. Through research I found out that interior architecture can help merge my love for creativity and be balanced with the technical skills used in both math and science.

What do you do?
I am an interior designer that specializes in hospitality design. I work on a range of projects including luxury residential, restaurants, renovations and new build hotels. I blossom in narrative driven projects that make spaces come alive.

What excites you in the work you do?
I enjoy merging the client’s wants and challenging them to see beyond on normal. I learn something new about myself in each project. I challenge myself to go past boundaries and research new art or materials that could be used.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
Mixed media art and nature inspires me the most. Mixed media has such a broad sense of “boundaries” that I find intriguing. Mixed media is quintessentially bold which I find admirable. Nature gives me a sense of peace and reserve I find comforting.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
My proudest professional accomplishment was rising to the opportunity to lead the interiors of 15 Hudson Yards amenity spaces in both design and construction administration as well as leading my first international hotel project in Asia this year.

Featured Project Name: 
15 Hudson Yards
 
Featured Project Location: 
New York, NY
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
March 2019

Role in Featured Project: 
Interior Designer
 
Featured Project Description:
Rockwell Group and DS+R collaborated on the tower’s lobby, amenities, and the kitchens and bathrooms of the condominium units. Our approach is based on modern elegance and clean lines, with a rich material palette neutral enough to appeal to residents with different tastes, though unique and chic through the detailing. We created a compelling design that is simultaneously calm and strong. The views of the city are the star in these spaces and the interiors are designed to underline them.

Photography Credit:
Scott Frances