Meet Rachael Cole | Principal Interior Designer

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

Hi Rachael, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
I think most people outside my industry don’t understand the depth and complexity of Interior Design. The profession spans a wide range of skills outside the typical perceived “pretty” part of the job. It requires a high level of interdisciplinary skill and combining analytical and creative work.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have always felt like I didn’t fit in many places and didn’t like trying to fit in. I known for certain I’m not made to fit in, I stand out. I am not buttoned-up or prim and proper. I’m the weird best friend with a heart of gold and sharp eye you can trust to lead your project and give you honest advise. My approach to design does not follow trends, I love to blend styles and blur the lines of what is expected, and every step of my process is infused with sustainability. Sustainable and green design can feel unapproachable and out of reach for a lot of folks. For me, it’s baked into everything I do in very practical and affordable ways. It’s about education, awareness, and integrity; making well informed long-term choices that enhance the aesthetic. Also, shoutout to parents who are small business owners. Cheers to us! I can’t imagine doing anything else now, and owning my business is the best choice I could have ever made for myself and my son. I am very proud of what my son will learn from me. I sacrificed a stable paycheck to do this, took on a lot of responsibility I pushed away for years (actually resisted owning my business for years), and needing the flexibility to be present for my son is what led me to start Perennial Design Studio. It is so hard and so rewarding. I believe in myself and my work more than ever.
I want the world to remember not to chase the money. Believe in abundance and your ethos. I’ve steered away from some lucrative endeavors because they do not align with my ethos for the business or myself personally. I will never miss when I align with my ethos. I believe we can build and design in economically and ecologically sustainable and responsible ways…and still make it all very sexy and cool! We have to shift our pillars as a society to People, Planet, Profit, in that order! If value is not placed in that order, we are undermining our own success and growth. Part of that also means implementing cradle to cradle mentality instead of cradle to grave. The real cost is much deeper and complex than cost of production.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1, Welcome to Nashville, first place I’m taking you the Nashville Farmers market for lunch. Lots of variety of local food and then we can take a stroll in Bicentennial park. We won’t be far from our next stop which is the Country Music Hall of fame. Even if you don’t like country music, it’s really cool to walk through the history and see all the memorabilia that so much of Nashville is built on. Dinner at Edley’s bbq. Naturally we have to end the day going to see a show at the Mother Church of Country Music…The Ryman Auditorium. Fun twist though, we see our favorite rock band from college there instead of a country artist. Foo Fighters have packed the house multiple times. Day 2- Start with coffee or tea at Bongo Java in East, a Nashville coffee original, though it’s not their original location. Then we can hop back over to downtown area, park at the pedestrian bridge and take a walk over the river into downtown and walk up to Pinewood social for lunch and maybe some bowling! We end the day with a Preds or Sounds game depending on the time of year.
Day 3- I’m taking you out of the city. We are headed out to Liepers Fork and Natchez Trace to see the iconic bridge and do a day hike on Natchez Trace. We end the day with dinner at Loveless Cafe of course!
Day 4- Nashville Zoo! Fun for all ages year round! Dinner at any number of amazing local restaurants in that area, Nolenvsille Pike has become known as the international corridor. Everything from Argentinian, Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, Egyptian, Lebanese, on and on. Time to try something new!
Day 5- If you’re a plant nerd like me, we need to go to Cheekwood. The gardens and historic mansion are gorgeous. That night we can get dressed up for a nice dinner at Henrietta Red, Moto, Husk, or City House, then we are headed to get drinks and vibe at rooftop bar at the Thompson Nashville.
Day 6- movie day? We choose something at the independent theatre, The Belcourt in Hillsboro village, then we head out to Opry Mills and watch something on the IMAX. We can grab dinner in Opryland Hotel and walk around the multiple atriums of this one of a kind resort hotel.
Day 7- ok we have done a lot and I’m tired….lazy day with brunch at Frothy Monkey or Pucketts. Thanks for visiting friend!

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?
Huge shoutout to my parents, my brother, and my paternal grandparents! My parents have always encouraged my creativity and their enthusiasm for education and entrepreneurialism for both my brother and I has absolutely led me to where I am today. They taught us to stay curious about everything, ask questions, think critically, and to be brave. Nothing is out of reach. My brother has been right along side me dreaming and got into business ownership before I did. He is an amazing cheerleader and consults on my business often. His insights are very valuable. Lastly, my grandparents who gave me a foundation and appreciation for art and design. Former art history professor and museum curator duo, they had amazing taste and exposed us to a wide variety or art and design from a young age. They taught us the importance of art and design in society, an invaluable lesson I’m glad to carry.

Website: https://www.perennialdesign.studio/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialdesign.studio/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-cole-114708273

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

Image Credits
Jamie Pratt