Honoring Freedom and the Independence of a Strong Economy

This Independence Day KSA wishes to thank our many clients, vendors, manufacturers, and industry partners who work together to make America great.

We believe in hard work, and the mission of bringing interior space to life. We are all shaped by the environments in which we live, work, and play - and at KSA those spaces we design help define us.

Our team not only works hand in hand with institutions such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, General Services Administration, and Army Corps of Engineers; but is also an integral partner with the private enterprises which drive our economy, and the public universities that foster innovation.

Let's honor America as we design the built environments that shape us. Let KSA help your organization or institution find the American products & resources that build our great economy and ensure our liberty.

"True individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

General Services Administration

Dominion Virginia Power

Rappahannock Community College

KSA on change:

 I am an Army Brat.  By the time I started high school at 14, I had already attended 6 schools, lived in 9 towns and settled into 13 houses.  I’m also an ISTJ personality type that doesn’t like change according to Myers-Briggs.  You can imagine how that could be a challenge.  Thankfully, my years as an Army kid taught me how to roll with it and come out stronger on the other side. This is my tried and true strategy.

Accept the new reality.  For many, the gut reaction to change is fight or flight – either resisting with everything they have or running away from the situation and pretending it isn’t going to happen.  News Flash – change is inevitable.  Whether a new gray hair pops up on your head or new technology renders your current skills obsolete – change happens every single day.    The sooner you can accept that, the easier it is to move forward.  

Embrace it!  Now it’s time to figure out how you want to live and who you want to be in this new world of yours.  This is an opportunity to shake things up!  A health issue could be the motivation to take better care of yourself; a rough economy might prompt you to streamline your business or learn new skills to make yourself more marketable.  Formalizing key goals will help to propel you forward.

Make a plan.  As Winston Churchill said, "He who fails to plan is planning to fail."   I’m a planner by nature so I do this as a matter of course in everything - projects, shopping, flossing, whatever – I’m a firm believer.  But, if the idea of mapping out goals and actions overwhelms you, take heart – there are plenty of resources online and in your local bookstore to help enhance your planning skills.  A little investment in time figuring out what methods resonate best with you will reap many future successes.

Execute the plan.  You can develop the greatest plan in the world but it’s not doing you any good unless you take action and follow it.  Otherwise you’re not only spinning your wheels but also (if you’re like me) worrying about it.  So do yourself a favor and work your plan!  You should also be prepared to modify your plan down the line because, as we know, change is inevitable.

Following these steps has helped me through countless transitions, big and small, and has made me more resilient and willing to take chances.  It has given me the confidence to know that I can persevere no matter what happens that is outside of my control. 

Change is on its way.  Are you ready for it?  We’d love to hear what works for you!

Heather Sullivan Croy, CID, ASID, LEED AP

KSA on Inspiration:

KSA asks each client: What inspires you? I love this part of the design process. It’s so exciting to learn what makes our client’s tick, and to see what’s important to them on a personal and professional level. Every answer is unique and always offers precious insight to an organization’s culture. These reflections often serve as the basis of the design intent.

I have an extreme love for museums and galleries (just ask my husband, who on a recent trip to Colorado, had but one request: “no museums”. I still managed to sneak in a gallery or two!). As a designer, I’m inspired by the obvious: art and artifacts. Museums and galleries are where I experience the works of masters and novices alike. I find the innovation of both very inspiring, whether it’s form, function or aesthetics. I am also moved by the act of meandering through a museum… it feels a bit like a treasure hunt. It’s so easy to lose yourself in the quietness and just give yourself over to the things you enjoy. So many senses are stimulated: the perfect air quality is delightful, the lighting is soft and complimenting, the voice on the audio guide is soothing… there is no schedule, there is no iphone or email. There is just you and exhibit. Oh, and let’s not forget the museums themselves. As a girl living in Europe, my family visited many famous museums. As a teen living in the DC suburbs, I just couldn’t get enough of the Smithsonian. In my 20’s, I went to Spain specifically to see the Guggenheim in Bilbao. Now I am fortunate enough to live in Richmond and have the marvelous VMFA in my backyard. This love for museums has inspired me for as long as I can remember… how fortunate am I?

So, I ask you the same question… what inspires you? Share it, embrace it, live it.

Melissa Moseley, CID, ASID, LEED AP

KSA on Branding:

Branding Culture Shock?

Our brands mean infinitely more than colors and logos. Branding is an all-encompassing subject matter that increasingly relies on the understanding, cultivation and establishment of culture. Identifying your corporate culture is one thing, but branding it is another.

Talk to your customers and employees---are they happy with the current culture? Do they shape the culture? Are there changes to be made? How is your culture perceived from the outside? How do you wish it to be perceived?

If you are not taking control of this aspect of your brand you can be certain others will. Develop your culture into your brand and LIVE it. Inform external clients about who you are and allow them to become an integral component. Engage internal team members in the same way and allow them to nurture the culture and brand.

The more you let people in, the more trust you will establish, and the more your culture and brand will align.

So—what culture does your corporate brand represent?

Let us know how you think culture and brand are integrated and what your organization can do to its environment, operations, or outlook to better integrate culture and brand.



Kate Croy

Radford University
Department of Interior Design & Fashion.
Interior Design Intern, KSA Interiors.