Best and Brightest: Kellyn Brewer Messel

Kellyn Brewer Messel

Senior Associate | Interior Designer, RID, NCIDQ

LS3P

Greenville

Age 29

As a senior associate, I have built a strong career specializing in interior design for multi‑family and mixed‑use development clients across the Southeast. My expertise spans the full project lifecycle – from early conceptual development through construction administration, FF&E, and procurement. I have contributed to more than 30 large-scale residential and amenity-rich projects, including significant work on the Broadstone portfolio. My project involvement often includes serving in a project management capacity, reflecting my leadership experience and trusted client relationships. My leadership is reflected not only in my sector role but also in my contributions to LS3P’s internal design initiatives and my recognition as an ASID National Ones to Watch Award Winner and Scholar. I am an active participant in the design community through ASID and IIDA, and I regularly serve as a juror and guest critic for design programs throughout the region.

Favorite Quote and Why: "Never look back, except for an occasional glance, look ahead and plan for the future. Success is not built on past laurels, but rather on a continuous activity. Keep busy searching out new ideas and, experimentally, keep ahead of the times, or at least up with them." — Dorothy Draper. Dorothy Draper set the stage for the interior design profession and broke the rules of how design should be experienced. My personal interior design style is heavily influenced by her anti-minimalist mindset and her love for pushing design boundaries.

Definition of a Successful Leader: My definition of a successful leader begins and ends with people. People-centric leadership is at the core of how I choose to lead my team. I lead with empathy, compassion, and care because I believe every person deserves to be understood beyond the work they produce. A successful leader creates trust, removes barriers, and helps others reach their potential. The greatest measure of leadership is not what you accomplish yourself, but the opportunities, confidence, and growth you help create for others.

Advice to 18-Year-Old Self: Remember that you are more than mediocre. Your calling will come when the time is right. Take the leap again into interior design and don't look back!