With a reputation for innovative solutions and a deep commitment to outstanding personal service, Quintel infuses a high dose of energy, imagination, and integrity into every design project. She has a uniquely eclectic, yet slightly minimal take on style. Her approach to the creative process is both flexible and responsive, guided by her clients’ individual needs and tastes.
Immediately after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design, Quintel spent her formative years at an architecture firm designing large-scale commercial, multi-family housing and community-centered spaces. It was through this opportunity that she sharpened her technical skills, developed a knack for project management, and learned the ins and outs of the business. Upon relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina, she used her experience to develop the Home Stylist program for West Elm store associates across the nation. Becoming the first certified Home Stylist for the brand, she implemented learning and design education modules, managed project accounts with builders, and served as a regional mentor for the creative credentialing process. In 2014, she officially launched Quin Gwinn Studios and surged into her creative future. While residential design remains a core service, most of her spatial design work consists of elevating experiences for commercial projects, public spaces and small businesses.. As a highly sought after expert, Quintel has been featured in local publications such as Charlotte Home Design & Décor and South Park Magazine. She has also worked with top home and lifestyle brands including Tastemade Home, Dwell Magazine, West Elm, Pottery Barn, and Restoration Hardware.
Aside from her practice work, Quintel is passionate about the impact design has on society at large and recently completed a Master of Arts degree in Interior Architecture and Design. She serves as an arts community advocate, design educator, and creative researcher. She organized the Coalition of Young Designers, a burgeoning creative collective dedicating to promoting next-generation design professionals, and currently is the Founder & Editor-in-Chief of The Olive Guide – the first digital shelter magazine to highlight the work and perspective of designers of color. Quintel also leads design and place keeping initiatives for underserved communities and non-profit organizations through her signature program – Design Delivered. Armed with self-starting business acumen, she recently established Blu Prnt Wrk – a series of business development workshops for local creative entrepreneurs. Quintel currently resides in Charlotte with her husband, three children and a host of house plants.
photo: Lorna Simpson, candid. Courtesy of the Brooklyn Museum - https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-overlooked-black-women-altered-course-feminist-art
What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?
Collective action. I think it’s important in this current social and political climate that we fully embrace the understanding that we are better together. Conversations around diversity, inclusion, appropriation and representation in creative professions are still challenging topics to discuss. While many of us have made important contributions individually, there are still opportunities for us to strengthen personal and professional support systems with one another.
photo: Faith Ringgold in her studio at her home by Melanie Buford/Prime for the Washington Post, 2013 - https://melanieburford.photoshelter.com/image/I0000wx5iDlZrP14
Where Are You Finding Inspiration To Create This Year?
I’ve developed a slight obsession with studying processes of other creatives, artists, and makers. I frequent local galleries, art shows and open studio nights with the hopes of gaining insight into their world. From printmakers to weavers to collage artists, I’ve been so inspired by the tools and materials used in creation.
To Learn More About Quintel Visit:
Website: quingwinn.com
Instagram: @quinngwinn