Great People: Kristine Woolsey, Woolsey Studio

Kristine Woolsey, by trade, is an architect and educator in Phoenix. However, if you have visited one of the homes she has designed or even spent time with her, you, like me, would probably think of her as an artist.

Kristine invited me on a tour of her homes once and I was—well, the only word is “moved” but it seems sadly lacking—when I walked into the spaces she had designed. I was not surprised, because I knew she was a gifted architect, but I did not expect the strength of positive emotion in the spaces she created.

Her spaces are like great art. When I walk into a gallery of exceptional work, the emotion can leap out and envelope me. It can be sadness, joy, cynicism, or irreverence, but the energy is palpable. When I walked into each of the Woolsey homes, confidence and a quiet joy leapt out at me. Again, those are not perfect words to express the exact feelings but if you can imagine a self-assured and contented home, then you are getting close. Each home was different in personality, but in each home there was an ease of fitting in the space, a flow, and a sense of natural health.

Afterwards, I remember telling Kristine that no matter what else she does in her life, she must always design and create spaces (as if she didn’t know that). Her gift is such an incredible one that the world would be less if she stopped working.

Kristine has been gracious enough to share her work with me, allow me to work with her team, welcome me into her home, and refer me to her colleagues. She is one of the entrepreneurs I have had the good fortune to work with that has helped me fully understand and appreciate the passion and the sacrifice of the business owner. Kristine’s gift of design stays with me and I remember it as I coach. Through her I see the great responsibility of our work: it is how we give back to the world. Kristine is living proof.

Thank you, Kristine.