F5: Ashley Kirkland’s Favorite Pen + Cosmetics Packaging

Ashley Kirkland joined Grizform Design Architects in 2017 and is their Director of Interior Architecture, responsible for managing hospitality projects through all phases of design. From concept and schematic design, to producing detailed construction documentation, she loves collaborating on design projects to turn a client’s vision into reality. With a passion for historic preservation, Ashley draws design inspiration from a cadre of knowledge. With over 13 years of experience designing and managing hospitality, multi-family and corporate interiors projects, it’s safe to say that her clients’ visions are in good hands.

After earning her Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture from Ohio University, Ashley moved to Washington, D.C. to live among the cherry blossoms and historical monuments. As an NCIDQ National Council for Interior Design Qualification certificate holder, she is a Registered Interior Designer in the District of Columbia and a Certified Interior Designer in the State of Maryland.

In her free time, Ashley combines her love of travel, exploration and food on an annual pizza bus tour around New York City. And when not sweating it out in her favorite spin studio, she enjoys spending time at home with family and friends.

Today Ashley’s joining us for Friday Five!

1. Pilot Precise V5 Ink Pen
I can remember bubbling with excitement in my very first college design studio at Ohio University, where I met professor Matt Ziff. As a fountain pen aficionado, he proclaimed for all of us eager design students to select a pen. The requirements – the pen must have real ink and it absolutely, positively could not be a tragically basic ballpoint pen. After a few days of experimenting, I finally found the most perfect. The most glorious, college budget-friendly pen; the simple Pilot Previse V5. Fast forward to 17 years later, it is still the only pen I use! I keep many at my desk, in my purse and even a few scattered throughout my home. I never leave the house without one!

2. Beauty Bakerie Cosmetics
As an Interior Designer, I also have a love for branding and graphic design. Cosmetic company Beauty Bakerie has some of the most creative packaging I have ever seen with playful bakery names for all of their products. The brand’s Cake Mix foundation comes with baking instructions and its setting powders come in a baking flour bag! Beauty Bakerie’s products continuously inspire me to put a clever spin on even the smallest project design elements.

3. Poppin Office Supplies
I am usually insistent on having a clean desk, but in the midst of a busy day, on my third conference call, I can make no promises! So if I can’t always have a clean desk, I might as well have a color coordinated one, right? I love the collection of organizers, pen holders and matching notebooks from Poppin. Working from home has made keeping an organized desk, formerly known as my reclaimed wood dining table, even more important. My crisp, white set of Poppin accessories remains in the office, while I have opted for the aqua colored collection at home.

4. My Daughter
It’s been pretty exciting to live with someone who has no idea what is going on in the world and who thinks everything I do is hilarious! I became a new mom in pre-pandemic 2020 and love watching my daughter’s curiosity flourish – she loves to discover new things. She inspires and reminds me to approach design projects with a fresh perspective and open imagination.

5. Obol Cereal Bowl
I am obsessed with cereal and maybe a little particular about it remaining crunchy throughout the entire cereal eating experience. Obol’s gracefully angled bowl has a compartment for cereal and a separate compartment for milk, allowing me to unite the two as I go along. I love when form truly meets function, especially on life’s important things, like cereal!

Work by Ashley Kirkland: