Focus on the learning and not the setbacks. Remember that you get what you think about so stay positive!
As part of my interview series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Tammy Randall Wood, ASID. Tammy is the founder and principal of Interior Archaeology, a full-service interior design firm specializing in all aspects of the creation of a home, from mini makeovers to large-scale remodels. Tammy is a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers as well as The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art.
With over 20 years of experience, Tammy and her team have designed projects from coast to coast. She has helped clients with a wide array of needs including the refinement of architectural plans, design of architectural details and finishes, project management, as well as interfaced with contractors.
Interior Archaeology is known for its breezy So Cal approach to simplified livable interiors with an aesthetic that harmonizes modern, organic, and vintage elements. The firm’s design approach is natural and creative. Utilizing digital sketch technology, Interior Archaeology shares design concepts with 3D accuracy giving clients the ability to visualize a design concept before a hammer ever swings or a chair is purchased, allowing the team to communicate each detail to builders and fabricators ensuring the perfect result.
“I believe that our spaces have a profound effect on us — from influencing our mood and level of creativity to how efficient they can make a life for us. Growing up, I spent a great deal of time on film sets with my father. From elaborate sound stages to exotic locations, I got to experience these environments in terms of their storytelling abilities. These detailed sets, in whatever shape they took on, had the power to transport us and support the world in which the story was taking place. Space became a silent member of the cast, having as much to do with the telling of the story as the actors themselves. I fell in love with the notion of being able to elevate space and thus the story — and this inspired my holistic approach to design which I like to call ‘Creating Noble Spaces’.
Don’t be confused, a noble space does not necessarily mean a fancy space–oh no, it’s much more sincere than that. To me, a noble space is one that has the power to support you in the life that you are creating and the person you are striving to be. It tells the story of you. And what could possibly be more noble or important than that!”
Thank you for making time to visit with us about the topic of our time. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. Can you please tell us about your professional background? What were the steps you took to become an interior designer?
I, for sure, did not take the usual path to design! My intention was to go into the film industry like my father, who was a successful second unit director. But, the film sets and exotic locations I was exposed to growing up ignited more in me an interest in the backdrop against which the film was playing out than sometimes the film itself.
I was captivated by just how important space became to tell a story — like a silent actor helping to propel it forward as much sometimes as the players themselves. And so, my focus switched from Film to Design; set design, interior design, architecture, garden design, art history, and so on. The idea that we can with intention create spaces to support the lives we wish to have (or the stories we wish to tell in other words) and the power those spaces must assist us to grow and “become”… absolutely captivated me, and still does. This is where the whole idea of our tagline came from “Creating Noble Spaces”.
We all have myths and misconceptions about success. What are some myths or misconceptions that you used to believe in a professional sense?
Hmmm…. I think that many of us think that a marker of success is having a team to do everything for us. I have come to realize that it is knowing how to do things yourself that lies behind most successful people.
How has your definition of success changed?
It hasn’t. I have always been relentless in my pursuit to be excellent at what I do. Excellence comes from being passionate about something and carrying it out with integrity. If you have that, your life will attract to it everything you could ever want.
The pandemic, in many ways, was a time of collective self-reflection. What changes do you believe we need to make as a society to access success post-pandemic?
Such an important question! Breaking the frenetic pace and being still with ourselves gave many of us a chance to check in with our own inner guidance system — our soul GPS, if you will.
Many of us learned a new skill or practice that we long desired. I think if we can keep that up with habits of meditating or doing things that feed us — whether it’s yoga, singing, surfing, or birdwatching, we access that GPS system and eliminate so much wasted effort because we’ve taken the time to get the invisible directions from our larger or higher selves.
What do you see as the unexpected positives in the pandemic?
I think we’ve learned how to do things in more efficient ways. Before Covid, I resisted doing design presentations remotely. Now I know how to do them and do them well. At the same time, I think we’ve learned just how valuable in-person connection is, and not to waste or take for granted the beautiful and important time we have spent time in person.
We’re all looking for answers about how to be successful now. Could you please share “5 Ways To Redefine Success Now?”
Sure, here are the top ones.
1. I believe we can have ANYTHING we want. So first ask yourself, “What do I want?”. Figure out your goals and follow through.
2. Write that down and elaborate on it.
3. Tell its story and walk towards it knowing that every door will open exactly as it should on the path to take you there.
4. Focus on the learning and not the setbacks. Remember that you get what you think about so stay positive!
5. Remember that the universe is conspiring in your favor, and therefore, be content with how every moment unfolds. This allows us to experience success in every now moment.
What’s the biggest obstacle that stands in the way of our redefined success?
We tend to think that someone else has all the answers for ourselves. The truth is the answers to our own success can only be received from us.
And what advice would you offer about overcoming those obstacles?
To trust your inner voice. Clear the chatter and deeply ask yourself what it is you want from life and then listen as though the most important genius on the topic is answering.
Where do you go to look for inspiration and information about how to redefine success?
This may sound conceded and maybe redundant, but you know what I’m going to say. I go to myself, the one that knows every desire and heartache I’ve ever had. The one that knows every tiny and gigantic thing that would surprise and delight me in this world.
How could anyone but us ever know these things? Anyone else could only give us clues on what would define success for them. We’re looking for love and guidance in all the wrong places when we don’t go to ourselves for it.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He, she or they might just see this if we tag them.
I admire so many incredible people. I cannot confine it to just one. I am truly astonished at what people can build, accomplish, and create. Some of the people that I deeply admire and who have influenced me are Steven Spielberg. My father worked with him — his wonder and excitement for telling stories deeply affected me at an early age.
I’d also say, Martha Stewart. From the garden to the kitchen and from building chicken coops to building stone walls. I went to the University of Martha in my twenties and thirties and learned more there than any Ivy League could ever have taught me.
Anna Brockway, co-founder of Chairish; I am simply astonished at what she and her husband Greg have created with Chairish — they are genius phenoms of the design community.
And just for good measure, I must mention Scott Galloway, NYU professor, podcast host, and author. His candor and no-nonsense wisdom always hit the bullseye for me.
How can our readers get in touch with you?
They can visit https://interiorarchaeology.com, https://shop.interiorarchaeology.com/, and https://www.instagram.com/interiorarchaeology/.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this. We wish you continued success and good health.