Buffalo Rising Online

Jul 28th 2008, 8:19am By Allie Friedman

Upon walking into The Buffalo Design Collaborative Building, I was enthusiastically greeted by a large, friendly Bernese Mountain Dog named Toby. Toby barked at my entrance and kindly escorted me to the three fabulous women I would soon be talking to. After my visit with these successful entrepreneurs, I would have to deem "enthusiasm" as the attitude upon which all of their hard work is based.

The unique aspect of The Buffalo Design Collaborative Building is that it is made up of separate businesses, who all share the same space. Although everyone is their own business, they "collaborate," creating a glorified networking group.

I first heard from Jennifer Lee Fedeson and Michelle Bailey, two sisters who started their own Exterior Design and Interior Plantscaping business, called F&S Design Studio. This team has been in business for one year and is excited about their future designing for the City of Buffalo.

Jennifer graduated three years ago from the Landscape Architecture program at Cornell University. Post graduation, she moved to Los Angeles, California, to pursue her career in landscape architecture. Then, after working with a firm for three months, Jennifer started her own business in California, "Urban Nature and Designs". However, she missed being home.

It is something about Buffalo; some magnetic pull seems to draw so many back that move away. Jennifer returned to Buffalo bringing an innovative, western, design style with her.

Michelle worked for seven years in Information Technology, including her job as Network Administrator for Lovullo Associates, Inc. This experience has given her the necessary tools needed to run a successful business.

So, the dynamic duo joined forces last August and were invited to join the Collaborative. Jennifer said, "We never expected to leave our home office. It was a big financial risk, but it paid off." It was an opportunity the two sisters could not pass up and it has opened many doors.

F & S Design Studio encompasses everything done outside of the home, otherwise an extension of the home. This does not mean landscape design. The two sisters work to enhance the already existing architecture of homes while updating the outside space. Some of their projects include, roof gardens, pools, commercial properties, and urban spaces.

I also spoke with Brooke Pelc, an interior designer who recently started her own business called "Nest Interiors." Graduating from Buffalo State College for interior design, Brooke said, "Buffalo State really pushed being creative." Brooke has all of the needed skills to continue developing her creativity.

Brooke met Jennifer and Michelle at a Home and Gardens show in February. The three had a lot in common and at the time, Brooke was also looking to start her own business. Brooke wanted to be in the city because she said, "There is so much energy downtown. I see a lot of potential for growth and therefore, potential jobs."

Brooke does commercial and residential interior design, and she has vast computer skills. If needed, she also can be a consultant for other firms who don't have a designer. Brooke said, "I'm my own business; I'm not held back. I can be as creative as I want."

The great thing about these women, other than their out going personalities, laid back attitudes, and unlimited creativity, is that they are young. No offense to the elder designers, but these women allow for a fresh take on things. Jennifer said, "There is no project too big. That is the thing with being young, you're a bit naive."

When people ask Brooke, "Why aren't you doing this in New York City?" She responds, "I love Buffalo. There is so much great, hidden architecture here. It is a great canvas to work with." Buffalo is trying to bring in young professionals who have experience, as well as a new vision. Right now, these women do not have much competition.

Jennifer said, "We don't want to be sitting behind a desk all day. We're designers. We want to create." These three women have the type of personalities that can not be suppressed by another boss's creativity.

They like to be different. Jennifer said, "I'm laid back by nature. I'm not going to show up in a suit every day. I wore flip flops every day in California." At first glace. the Collaborative building looks conservative and traditional. However, these three women are bringing a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere to the firm.

The collaboration aspect is huge for these women. Since Brooke works alone, Michelle often gives her advice when it comes to the operations behind the business. Michelle said, "Brooke often wishes she had a clone of herself."

These women all have a great deal of knowledge and creativity, but they also know that they are still learning. Brooke said, "I am my own business, but I am still learning from other people."

Working at the Design Collaborative, these women have that opportunity. They can ask the other architects for advice and therefore, have the best of both worlds. These women are not restricted to certain hours of the day. They can leave their desks and come back because designers are creative at certain hours of the day. Jennifer said, "We go to sleep thinking about designs, and we wake up thinking about designs."

One particular project that Jennifer and Michelle are working on is a home in Lakeview on Old Lakeshore Road. The backyard of the home backs into Lake Erie. F & S Design Studio designed an infinity edge pool, spa, dining area, fire pit, and more. The entire project will be a three to four month process, but Michelle said, "I fell in love with the interior. We were fortunate enough to design for them."

Jennifer and Michelle also do commercial projects, property management companies, and are helping with the revitalization of down town North Tonawanda. Jennifer said, "I love green space. Trees make people want to be outside."

Brooke is working on a number of residential projects. She is also designing the Theodore Roosevelt Building and the Orchard Park Presbyterian Church. She said, "You can't restrict creativity." Brooke travels to design trade shows in order to produce unique results for the client.

These women are constantly working. They absorb everything they see and bring it back. When a simple traveler may look at a home in Venice, these women are breaking down the windows, doors, colors, and street curbs. They have been trained to see it, but they were born with the creative eye.

Brooke, Michelle, and Jennifer not only see the potential in Buffalo, but they are excited about it. Jennifer said, "I didn't see it at first, so I went away to find it. Now I came back."

Sometimes you have to leave, see what other places have to offer, and then come back. This is how new creation is inspired. These women certainly have the energy to spark results and please customers.

Visit FnSDesignStudio.com for more information regarding F & S Design Studio and call 716.445.6163 for more on Nest Interiors. Jennifer said, "We eat, breathe, and live design." And folks, that is dedication.