We had the good fortune of connecting with Kate Chapman and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kate, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“Leave it better than you found it.” Originally attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson and adopted by both the Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts, this phrase was a common one in my house growing up–although I wouldn’t know it’s origin until I was in AP English studying the Transcendentalists. When I was young, this typically applied to cleaning my room and picking up litter. And while I intellectually understood the phrase to be universal across one’s life, it wasn’t until recently that I recognized this phrase as my moral North Star. For me this applies to everything and helps to guide me down a path of positive action. In service of this mission, I completed my MBA so I could be more involved in the “business of doing business” with the aim to improve not the just bottom line but the experience for the employees. In addition to bringing positive change to the workplace, I also apply this to being a wife, sister, friend, and attendee–I am notorious for lingering until the end of a party so I can help to tidy up. I can’t help it!
Original quote: “To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived — that is to have succeeded.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
What should our readers know about your business?
I run the Denver studio of a San Francisco headquartered architecture and design firm, Blitz. www.studioblitz.com. Blitz is best known for our work with innovative technology companies and forward thinking firms. We are at our best when we are moving the needle forward. For some, that means pushing the envelope of what’s next in terms of “the office.” For others, it means exploring new ways for their teams to collaborate. We believe this spirit of progress is what sets us apart. That, and our core value of tenacity.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Buckle up! You would of course stay with us at our home–no better way to experience a city than to be in a neighborhood.
We would start our Friday morning with a stroll to either Nixon’s Coffee or Steam and then eat breakfast at Hoja, on their back patio.
From there, we would take the Lightrail to downtown. We’d explore Union Station and head over to the Denver Art Museum. For lunch, we’d either head to The Kitchen or Zo Zo Ma, depending on our mood.
Then we’d spend the rest of the day wandering through Commons Park, Platte Street, and REI before heading to EL Five for dinner at sunset. It’s the best place to get city and mountain views and the food is INSANE.
Saturday morning, we would grab coffee and a Santiago Burrito and go to Red Rocks. Ideally, you would come when there is a show but I will always take you there anyway. Then we’ll head into the mountains a bit and bop around Georgetown. We’ll grab a late lunch on our way back to Denver at Beau Jos and maybe grab a drink at Westbound & Down. Then we’ll probably need a nap. Then, we’ll walk over to Sushi Den, eat at the bar, and get Omakase–the best way to experience The Den! We’ll end the night on my patio with the fire pit on and chatting into the wee hours.
On Sunday, we’ll get up leisurely and I’ll drive you to the airport, pointing out Meow Wolf (next time), Mile High, Elich Gardens (yes, there is an amusement part right outside downtown Denver!), and the work on I-70. When you get to the airport (early) I will instruct you to head to Terminal C and eat at Root Down before you head out.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Well, first of all my husband. We’ve been together since Jan. 2008 and married since October 2009. He has been my steady rock, my constant cheerleader, my shoulder to cry on, and the person who believes in me the most. We love our dog (Michelin), to travel (anywhere), and eat (anything from street food to Michelin starred restaurants.
Also, the International Interior Design Association. This a professional organization for commercial interior designers and I am coming up on the last leg of my 6-year stint on our local board. I was the Vice President of Sponsorship for three years and have been on the Executive Board (President Elect, President, and Past President) for the last three. The camaraderie within my chapter (Rocky Mountain Chapter, www.iidarmc.org) over the past six years has meant the world to me and it gave me the opportunity to learn and practice the soft skills that an MBA alludes to but cannot possibly teach. I also have an extensive network across the US (and the globe!) of talented Interior Designers that I know I can rely on for anything.
Website: www.studioblitz.com
Instagram: @makeitblitz
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemchapman/