Becca Roderick

Becca Roderick is the Interior Design Director at Morris Adjmi Architects. At MA, she approaches each project with a sensitivity to context and focuses on creating spaces that both reflect and respect their surroundings. This ‘essence of place’ grows out of a deep, research-based understanding and appreciation for the unique characteristics and cultural context of a specific location. It’s really a conversation-driven approach. She wants the spaces they craft to create a dialogue with their surroundings, ensuring that they feel authentic and connected to the community they serve. This approach reinforces authenticity in design and fosters a sense of continuity so that the design feels both timeless and relevant.

Give us some context about where you live: How long you’ve been there and how does it influence your work?
I moved to Brooklyn in 2003 and arrived without an agenda – other than to get a job in the design industry – curious to experience whatever it had to offer. I was smitten immediately. The magical thing about the neighborhoods of Brooklyn, with their commitment to both tradition and experimentation as well as the close-knit communities, is that at the core the borough fosters connection between people and place, between past and future which is exactly how I like to approach design work.

Which of your projects or products are you most proud? Why?
The project we’ve just completed is always my favorite project! There’s something uniquely fulfilling about seeing an idea evolve from concept to completion. The process is often long and challenging, but when a project is finally realized the sense of satisfaction is unmatched.  It’s a tangible expression of the team’s collective passion, craftsmanship and dedication. We opened the FORTH Hotel & Club last summer – a new boutique hospitality project in Atlanta. Seeing the pride the project team had for their work and hearing the positive feedback we received from locals in Atlanta was ultimately gratifying. It really was one of the highlights of my year.

What are your favorite materials with which to work? Why?
I always gravitate towards materials that are honest and authentic – true to their natural form. I believe in using genuine materials that showcase their inherent beauty and character whether it’s the warmth of real wood, the raw texture of stone, or the oxidation of metal. For The Huron – a recently completed condo project in Brooklyn – we selected a gorgeous vegetable-dyed leather that was hand-woven into a basketweave texture by Brit Kleinman at AVO Studio, for the front of the reception desk. Because it’s a natural product, not only does it have a beautiful range of tones, but it will also patina beautifully over time. There is definitely a preference for materials that don’t try and be something they’re not, embracing their authenticity and allowing them to tell their own story. That might also define the kind of people I gravitate towards as well!

What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?
I wish someone had emphasized to me the importance of fully understanding and appreciating the value of all the disciplines and team members involved in a project. Teamwork really does make the dream work! Early in my career, I was hyper focused on my specific area of expertise, but as I’ve gained experience, I’ve come to realize that great design is a result of a real commitment to collaboration across architecture, interior design, urban planning, art selection, and a whole host of others. Each discipline brings something crucial to the table, and recognizing the unique strengths and perspectives of each team member leads to more thoughtful, well-rounded solutions. The more you learn from and respect each discipline, the stronger your own work becomes, and the better the project as a whole.

What’s next for you and MA? 
More hospitality work! We have a beautiful boutique hotel and food & beverage project opening in Charleston this spring, as well as new and exciting hospitality projects on the boards. We also have a number of new opportunities to bring our unique design ethos and hospitality sensibility to multifamily projects and branded residences. We love applying the same principles that guide our hospitality work to create residential spaces that foster community and connectivity while also offering luxury and comfort in equal measure. Stay tuned!

What is your favorite movie? And your favorite band or/and song?
Rear Window is hands down my favorite movie. It has everything – suspense, commentary of observation versus privacy, exploration of human nature and a bit of humor. And the costumes by Edith Head are utter perfection.

The version of ‘Dream a Little Dream of Me’ that Mama Cass recorded in the 1960’s is my favorite desert island single.

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