Meet Kalie Sergent, Interior Designer at SPACE, Inc. Newly graduated from Central Michigan University, Kalie’s outstanding attention to detail has helped her blend seamlessly into our team.
How did your path lead to SPACE?
I recently earned my bachelor’s degree of applied arts in interior design from Central Michigan University (CMU). As a Midland local, I knew about SPACE’s intentional focus on sustainability, which is something I’ve always wanted to make central to my career in design.
What has been the most surprising aspect of your work with SPACE?
I’ve quickly learned how much detail and attention goes into everything we do. There are so many moving parts—from bidding to project management to furniture selection—so I collaborate with almost everyone on my projects.
What are you most proud about throughout your time with SPACE?
Everyone at SPACE has the same end goal: delighting our clients. It has been rewarding to see how well everyone works together, across different personalities and job types.
The team is kind and encouraging, always answering my questions and reminding me: “You’ve got this!” I had the privilege to attend NeoCon 2022, where I learned more about the future of design. It was so educational to get out of my normal space and into showrooms, physically seeing, touching, and feeling new products and styles.
In your opinion, what is the future of design — and how will SPACE be able to help?
This was reflected at NeoCon: a trend that isn’t going anywhere is touch down office spaces. That means fewer permanent desks or offices, and more flexibility to move around the building. It offers variability for when workers need heads-down, focus time versus collaborative open spaces.
At SPACE, we’re already well-equipped to design for flexibility in the future of work. I look forward to helping clients design work spaces that meet even the needs they can’t predict.
Fun facts about Kalie:
When Kalie is not reviewing fabrics or sketching work spaces, she’s usually spending time with family or exploring outside—hiking, hammocking, or rooting for Michigan State football.
Kalie’s personal design style: “A mix between bohemian and traditional. I love warm colors, wood tones, plants, and timeless design elements.”
What design trend needs to go: “This is a bit different, but I hope another pandemic like COVID-19 never forces us into complete separation again. Collaborative workspaces are so useful and here to stay.”
