Interview with Christian Schulz, Adam Goldstein & Leslie Kale, the principals of Studio Collective, a design agency located in the heart of Venice, California.
“When we revisit spaces we designed 15 years ago, it confirms that we did the right thing – that our work has lasting value.” Christian Schulz
Building a Collective Vision
In the dynamic world of interior design, Studio Collective doesn’t just stand out for their stunning aesthetics, but for the passion and personality they pour into every detail. The firm took shape during the 2009 recession, a time when uncertainty was the norm across all industries. Christian Schulz and Adam Goldstein first met during their master’s program and later reunited at SBE, where they crossed paths with designer Leslie Kale, who was freelancing at the time. Recognizing opportunity in adversity with the recession, the trio seized the opportunity to take on two small projects from former employers, turning a collaborative side effort into what would become Studio Collective. What started as three designers – handling everything from concept and CAD to FF&E and and on-site construction – quickly grew into a thriving studio.
Currently with nearly twenty talented team members, Studio Collective is guided by a shared belief that thoughtful, original design could still flourish even in challenging times. In those early days, the team did it all – drawing plans, sourcing furniture, visiting job sites, and sometimes literally rolling up their sleeves on installs. That all-hands-on-deck spirit became the studio’s backbone. As more hoteliers and developers came calling, the work evolved from boutique spaces to major hospitality projects, and with each major milestone, Studio Collective grew.
Despite its growth, Studio Collective remains grounded in the collaborative ethos that defined its beginnings – it’s right there in the name of their company. The studio approaches every project as a collective endeavor, valuing the exchange of ideas between designers, clients, and craftspeople.
“We want everyone in the office to have as much ownership as possible – it doesn’t matter if the idea comes from an intern. We want everyone to feel like they have a voice.” – Adam Goldstein
Whether reimagining historic hotels or conceptualizing new hospitality projects, Studio Collective operates with the belief that design should tell a story. One that celebrates place, personality, and authenticity. It’s this combination of artistry and teamwork that has positioned the firm as a trusted creative force in the hospitality design world, creating spaces that are expressive.
Three Minds, One Studio
Adam Goldstein thrives in those “blank-slate” moments, also known as the early stages of a project when ideas are still fresh, fluid, and full of possibility. His strength lies in zooming out to capture the big picture, setting the “North Star” that keeps the entire design vision steady and on course. While he helps steer the ship alongside his fellow principals, Adam is quick to acknowledge that great design is never the result of a single hand, underscoring Studio Collective’s belief that design is a true team sport. For Adam, the real reward isn’t just in crafting a concept but in seeing a space come alive, when people step in and make it their own. It’s that full-circle moment that perfectly captures his narrative-driven, collaborative approach.
“These projects are extreme collaborative efforts. There are so many people that leave their mark on a project that if you make it all about ego, then you’re doing a disservice to the work.” – Adam Goldstein
Adam describes Christian Schulz as the heart of the studio – and for good reason. Christian is the first to offer encouragement, the one who makes sure everyone feels included, and the energy source that keeps the studio buzzing. With an eye for precision, he thrives on finding those unexpected moments in a project – a clever way to open a drawer, a subtle texture, a finish that leaves a lasting impression. He brings both vision and rigor to every project, guiding teams through concept development, client relationships, and execution. Perhaps his greatest gift is his instinct for connection – whether it’s fostering trust with clients, collaborating with manufacturers, or empowering his team to bring their ideas forward. Christian’s warmth and wit set the tone for Studio Collective’s culture: collaborative, curious, and always pushing for that extra layer of magic.
“My benefit is I have a near obsessive attention to detail. I like to go crazy under the microscope, sometimes to the detriment of my own sanity. But I really enjoy the little moments that leave a wrinkle in your brain.” – Christian Schulz
Leslie Kale is considered Studio Collective’s creative cornerstone – the force who effortlessly moves between design, construction, and fabrication stages without missing a beat. With a background in film, Leslie brings a cinematic sense of storytelling and emotion to every project, offering a fresh perspective that sets her apart from a traditional interior design path. She’s the one who finds the most unique finishes and objects that give a space its unmistakable wow factor. Leslie’s feminine sensibility adds a layer of refinement and warmth, perfectly balancing the studio’s aesthetic so that even the boldest concepts feel inviting and grounded. Beyond her creative eye, she’s a mentor and collaborator at heart, working closely with designers to help them grow, gain confidence, and push their ideas further. Her blend of multitasking abilities, artistry, and care makes Leslie an incredible asset to the leadership team.
“She’s our secret weapon when it comes to making projects seductive. She always finds the raddest art or the most unique finish that we haven’t seen before hundreds of times in design publications or on Instagram.” – Christian Schulz
Together, Adam, Christian, and Leslie combine their strengths to lead Studio Collective with a seamless blend of vision, detail, and creativity. Their collaborative approach ensures every project reflects a shared passion and diverse perspective. This spirit of teamwork extends beyond just design – it’s also how they navigate decision-making with respect and trust. As Adam puts it:
“Whenever there is a disagreement, it’s either unanimous or it’s two against one. And if you’re the one, you make your case, but you respectfully concede to the other two. That’s how we’ve gotten this far with very little frustration or resentment.” – Adam Goldstein
1 Hotel Seattle: Sustainability with Soul
When Studio Collective took on the 1 Hotel Seattle project, it was more than just another luxury hospitality assignment – it was an opportunity to bring the Pacific Northwest’s rugged natural beauty and rich history into a thoughtfully elevated lifestyle experience. The project’s lead designer, Roosevelt, studied architecture in Seattle, making this project a meaningful homecoming for her. In fact, their entire team was deeply drawn to 1 Hotel’s unique brand ethos, which prioritizes sustainability and a strong sense of place in every design detail.
“The brand has a certain ethos and aesthetic. It’s natural and it’s all about using natural materials, not using synthetics. It’s about embracing sustainability, and not just saying you’re sustainable, but really walking the walk.” – Christian Schulz
Materiality became a key vehicle for this storytelling. Locally sourced Alaskan cedar, bluestone, granite, and other natural elements form the tactile foundation of the hotel’s aesthetic, reflecting the region’s raw textures and landscapes. Sustainability was more than a guideline, it was an expectation. Plastics and synthetic materials were avoided wherever possible, and the team prioritized reusing materials and creative solutions. This idea shines through in thoughtful details like the mushroom motif that threads through guestrooms, murals, and custom furnishings – a nod to the local hiking culture and forest ecosystem.
“We wanted to put mushrooms everywhere – in the artwork, the giant mural, the colour in all guestrooms, the light fixtures are even made of mushrooms.” – Leslie Kale
One of the project’s standout features is the collaboration with local artisans such as Greenery Studio, who crafted an 182-panel mural using dehydrated moss, oyster shells, and foraged natural materials. Green walls and accents of bark and wood slices evoke the area’s lumber industry, while bespoke leather elements inspired by handcrafted motorcycle bags add warmth and authenticity. Even challenges like preserving the hotel’s existing stone exterior and repurposing old terracotta floor tiles were embraced as opportunities for creative, sustainable solutions.
“We wanted to rip out the staircase but ended up keeping the structure in place along with the glass guard rail. It was previously capped in chrome metal, so we tapped a local leather expert to completely hand-stitch and wrap it in a custom, caramel leather sleeve, reinventing what we had and making it better.” – Leslie Kale
Studio Collective collaborated with a diverse range of vendors throughout this complex project, emphasizing that these partnerships were crucial to its success. Among them, BERMANFALK – the custom furniture manufacturer behind much of the hotel’s casegoods and seating – stood out for their exceptional manufacturing solutions and ability to meet the demanding 10-month construction and rollout timeline.
“It was incredibly rewarding to see that BERMANFALK and some of the other vendors were able to rise to the occasion and not only get it done, but get it done with quality product.” – Christian Schulz
Ultimately, 1 Hotel Seattle is a true reflection of Studio Collective’s design philosophy: a soulful, sustainable, and site-specific experience that invites guests to connect deeply with the Pacific Northwest’s stories and landscapes, all crafted with care, authenticity, and profound respect for nature and history. The project has been named a 2025 Gold Key Awards finalist for Eco-Conscious/Socially Conscious Hotel. Read more about their nomination here.
From Inspiration to Legacy
At Studio Collective, lasting impact and meaningful connections are central to how the team measures success. Leslie highlights a focus on longevity and impact when explaining how incredible it is “to hear people say it’s beautiful, different, or more than they expected”. Christian echoes this sentiment in relation to connections, noting the importance of building trust over time:
“Taking new clients to visit past projects helps establish trust, and 95% of the time, they come back for more.” – Christian Schulz
With their combined years of experience, the principals have sage advice for newcomers to the field:
Adam warns, “This industry is small. Be mindful not to burn bridges… things always find a way to come back around.”
Leslie encourages young designers to embrace mistakes as essential learning experiences. “People often fear messing up, especially in FF&E, but it’s okay – as long as you don’t make the same mistake twice.”
Christian emphasizes the importance of business skills alongside creativity. “Surround yourself with good business minds or take classes – understanding insurance, payroll, and contracts is critical. And don’t forget to keep a sketchbook handy; drawing sharpens your creative instincts.”
As the studio grows, nurturing a culture of thoughtfulness and collaboration remains a top priority. Christian and Adam stay deeply involved in project leadership, ensuring that ownership and creative input come from every level. Weekly project meetings and open communication keep the team aligned and motivated, while senior designers mentor and guide mid-level and junior members. Leslie plays a crucial role in one-on-one mentorship, encouraging confidence and creativity with a light, playful approach that energizes the studio.
“We want everyone to feel like they have a voice – whether they’re an intern or a principal,” Adam Goldstein
Studio Collective’s journey is a testament to the power of collaboration, authenticity, and shared vision. From humble beginnings during a recession to creating iconic, sustainable spaces across the country, their work reminds us that great design is about more than beauty – it’s about connection. Each project they touch becomes a living story, shaped by heart, intention, and the collective creativity that defines who they are.
Check out Studio Collective’s website here to learn more about their design firm.