How did you get to where you are today?
"I went to RISD, which helped. But I had a fine-art degree. The school provided me with a good work ethic and a pack of talented friends. I worked in restaurants at night and as a personal assistant during the day to a designer who was working on some restaurants. I quickly began managing projects and went out on my own. I started my own business when I was 23. It is still a learning process. I rely heavily on absorbing the experiences of others in my field and getting good advice. I rely on great employees who can open us to new technologies and management philosophies. I go to lectures and try to surround myself with people who inspire and influence. My business has been an evolution. As I get older I am just a little better at rolling with what's next."

What would you consider your big "break"?
"Designing the Dropbox office was a big enough job to allow me to grow my business. I was able to take on more employees and run as a real design studio. Maintaining my team is really important to me now."

Any really bad advice you've been given?
"Creative people aren't that good at running a business."

Photographed by Anna-Alexia Basile