Welcome to the Team: Katie Lynn Ledin
Katie Lynn Ledin comes to Mohagen/Hansen after recently graduating from Iowa State University’s Interior Design program with top honors. Aside from taking on architectural and graphic freelance work of her own in Minnesota, Iowa and California, Katie also had a number of internships that offered excellent exposure to being a member of a collaborative team of designers. Katie will assist with space planning and the development of efficient space layouts that meet the operational needs of companies within a number of industries. Learn more about Katie below:
What was it that first interested you in Design?
I was destined to be a designer. I grew up in a do-it-yourselfer family and we always had at least a few projects going on. My parents were never in the business, but always had an eye for good design and loved doing projects around the house. Naturally, my brother and I followed suit. When I was in elementary school, I persuaded my mom to install pink carpet in a guest bedroom to match the floral wallpaper border I had picked out. Today, we laugh at how relentless I was about that pink carpet and I cringe at the thought of that room. In my defense… it was the 90’s!
Name your Favorite Vacation Spot.
Easy! Paris. I grew up learning the French language and about French cultures and have always felt I identified with them. Aside from the mouth watering food, jaw-dropping art & architecture, and sophisticated culture, I’ve always appreciated their directness and transparency.
Who inspires you?
Who doesn’t inspire me?! I’ve always had an appreciation for all art movements as they tell the story of a specific moment in time and reflect cultures and individuals; I think that’s so cool! However, some of my favorite art movements are Dada, Mid Century Modern, Renaissance, Baroque, and any piece of art that makes me laugh. In any case, I enjoy the challenge of translating elements from past movements into a relevant modern day application. After all, I always say, “You can’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been.”
Favorite Activity When You Are Not At Work?
Yoga; I’ve recently tried to advance my practice, yet I’m still rather novice. Today’s world is so fast paced and filled with distractions and stress, that I’ve found that yoga helps relax, re-center, and re-focus me and my thoughts. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
Elsie De Wolfe; She’s accredited with being one of the first female interior designers, if not the first. She was a trailblazer in the industry and notorious for questioning some of the traditions and norms of her era. She valued practicality and comfort- something of which was not typical of the Victorian era. Faux finishes and animal prints (which are popular today) can be credited to Elsie.
