Meet Brandy LeMae | Designer & Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandy LeMae and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandy, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
In the early years, it felt like I was the business. But, I’ve learned to delegate, to say no, and to make time for the gym, cabaret & comedy, modeling, and connection with my small family and awesome pets.

What should our readers know about your business?
WORKSHOP8 is a small but mighty design studio based in Boulder, Colorado. We specialize in affordable and workforce housing — creating spaces that serve people with dignity and intention. We believe good design should be accessible and joyful, no matter the budget.

What sets us apart? We bring rigor and personality to everything we do. We’re known for being detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and deeply committed to the communities we serve — but we’re also known for having a bold voice and love bright colors. Our projects don’t all look the same, because our clients and their communities don’t either.

Business-wise, we got here the old-fashioned way: slowly and with a lot of late nights (more than I’d like to admit). It’s been far from easy. We’ve navigated recessions, a pandemic, a constantly shifting funding landscape, and the ongoing challenge of doing more with less in the affordable housing world. The way we’ve made it through? Collaboration, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve.

I’m most proud that we’ve created a workplace where people can be both creative and supported. We’ve helped to “raise” several successful Housers — architects, designers, and developers—over the years. We celebrate weird ideas. We talk openly about money. We take our work seriously — but not ourselves.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about WORKSHOP8, it’s that we care. We care about housing justice. We care about thoughtful design. We care about delivering on our promises. And we care about building a business that lifts people up — staff, clients, and end users alike.

Also, we play good music in the office. And we have a mascot named Toby — an octopus who reminds us every day to stay adaptable and use creativity to solve problems.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’d start the week in Boulder, where the vibe is laid-back but a little bougie in the best way. First stop: Pearl Street Mall — we’d people-watch, pop into some indie shops, and maybe catch a street performer or two. For lunch, we’d grab a table at the Dushanbe Tea House, because where else can you sip jasmine tea in a hand-carved Persian pavilion gifted from a sister city?

We’d take a scenic hike at Chautauqua, followed by sushi and sake at AOI, one of my favorite hidden gems. Another night, we’d snag a rooftop cocktail at Avanti, soaking in the Flatirons at golden hour. And no visit would be complete without sourdough from BASTA — it’s the kind of bread that makes you rethink your entire relationship with carbs.

Midweek, we’d escape to Grand Lake, my happy place. I’d take them to stay at our very own Bee Hive Bungalow, a charming little spot with vintage flair and the best porch for sipping coffee and watching the moose go by (yes, really). We’d kayak on the lake in the morning, explore the shops downtown, and maybe catch a local show at the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre. Evenings would be for grilling, star-gazing, and maybe a fireside cocktail or two.

By the end of the week, they’d leave with a full belly, sore legs, a sun-kissed face, and a serious case of Colorado envy.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s no way I’d be where I am without a whole bunch of support. First, my partner in life and business, Joseph Vigil — a thoughtful architect who trusted me to take the wheel on the business side (and didn’t flinch when I renamed myself CEO / Creative Director). We built WORKSHOP8 together from the kitchen table into something we’re both proud of.

Massive thanks to our team (aka Team Toby) — past and present — who bring their heart, talent, and hustle to the studio every day. They make our work better, the days brighter, and the late nights more tolerable.

I also want to shout out our clients and collaborators in the world of affordable housing (Housers as we are collectively known) — housing authorities, non-profit and for profit developers, city staff, engineers, and funders — who believe that good design belongs to everyone, not just the wealthy.

On a personal level, I have to give love to my beautiful, smart daughter Carmen, who keeps me grounded and inspired — and reminds me why building a better world matters. And to my co-producers at Blue Dime Cabaret, who remind me that creativity, humor, and a little bit of glitter can be revolutionary.

Website: https://www.workshop8.us

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workshop8/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandylemae/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WORKSHOP8

Other: https://www.instagram.com/beehivebungalow.grandlake/
https://www.instagram.com/velvetbee_that.is.me/
https://www.instagram.com/bluedimecabaret/

Image Credits
Graduation Photo by Lynn Hough
Pinup Photo by Kenny Davis
Business Photos by Alex Segall