A Spotlight on POI’s Own Kristin Dawkins: Studio Manager
In the world of workspace design, every detail matters. Kristin Dawkins, POI’s Studio Manager, brings her passion for design and love of collaboration to every project. With a sharp eye for aesthetics and a keen understanding of how to manage a dynamic team, Kristin’s role is all about bringing creativity and structure together. From guiding the Studio team to overseeing the entire process from concept to execution, Kristin is the creative force behind many of POI’s most inspiring projects.
A Collaborative Approach to Workspace Design and Leadership
As Studio Manager, Kristin’s job goes beyond just managing a team—she’s deeply involved in the creative process itself. “I oversee and support the Studio team,” she says, but her role also involves actively participating in creative discussions. Whether it’s choosing furniture solutions or finalizing finishes, Kristin thrives on being in the thick of things. “I love a good collaboration session,” she adds. It’s this hands-on approach that makes Kristin such an integral part of the POI team, blending leadership with creativity to deliver exceptional results.
Growth and Leadership in a Dynamic Environment
Kristin’s journey with POI has been one of growth and increasing responsibility. As the company has expanded, so has her role. She’s gone from being a supportive team member to a leader who guides her department through the complexities of each project. “There’s a lot more work involved now,” she says, “but I love the challenge.” As the Studio Manager, Kristin is tasked with ensuring that the entire department operates smoothly, meeting both the client’s needs and the company’s high standards for quality workspace design.
What makes Kristin’s role unique is the diversity of the people she works with. “The most challenging part is navigating different personalities,” she says. Whether it’s her own team members or the clients they serve, Kristin’s job is to make sure that everyone is working together seamlessly. She excels at creating project teams that not only meet the technical demands of the job but also inspire creativity and collaboration. “It’s about bringing out the best in everyone,” she explains, and that’s something she does with both skill and enthusiasm.
Beyond Furniture: Creating Meaningful Spaces
One of the most common misconceptions about Kristin’s role is that it’s just about furniture. But for her, it’s much more than that. “People think we’re just picking furniture or finishes, but it’s really about creating a space that tells a story,” She says. Kristin sees her job as a blend of creativity and problem-solving, where understanding the client’s vision is just as important as executing the technical aspects of the project. She brings a holistic approach to every task, ensuring that the result isn’t just functional, but also meaningful and inspiring.
The Reward of Creative Work and Constant Change
What keeps Kristin passionate about her role is the ever-changing nature of the job. “No two days are the same,” she says. One day she might be working on process improvements, the next she’s deep in creative discussions with her team. The variety keeps her motivated, and the result of a well-executed project is always the reward. “Seeing the finished space is the icing on the cake,” she adds. It’s the culmination of all the work, collaboration, and creativity that keeps her excited about coming to work every day.
Embracing Challenges and Looking to the Future
Looking back, Kristin’s advice to her younger self would be simple: embrace the challenges and enjoy the small wins. “We tend to make things more complicated than they need to be,” she says with a smile. “But that’s the fun of it. Embrace it.” Her experience has taught her that even the toughest challenges can lead to the most rewarding results.
As the industry continues to evolve, Kristin sees workspace design trends moving toward a balance between privacy and open spaces. She’s preparing her team to adapt to these changes, ensuring that they are always ahead of the curve when it comes to client needs. “It’s about staying dynamic and making sure the team’s skill set is constantly evolving,” she explains. With her leadership and forward-thinking approach, Kristin is well-positioned to guide POI’s Studio team into the future.