Artem Kropovinsky of Arsight On How To Create More Inclusive Workplaces

An Interview With Rachel Kline

Communication Matters: We firmly believe that language shapes culture. As such, we’ve implemented a policy of conscious communication within our team. This means using language that encourages respect, empathy, and understanding. A seemingly simple change, this policy has fostered a compassionate work environment where everyone feels heard and valued. This also reflects in our design approach, where we emphasize on creating spaces that promote open communication and interaction.

Creating inclusive workplaces is crucial for any organization that wants to get the most out of its talent. This means creating an environment where everyone feels like they belong, has equal opportunities, is empowered to do their best work, and feels comfortable making requests and contributing ideas. In this series, we asked prominent HR and business leaders about the steps they take to create more inclusive workplaces. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Artem Kropovinsky.

Artem Kropovinsky, an interior design expert with a decade of experience, is the founder of Arsight, a New York City-based design firm specializing in residential and commercial interior design. Known for his award-winning work, Artem’s projects range from new construction and extensive residential renovations to restaurants and retail stores. His design philosophy revolves around the celebration of authenticity and originality, skillfully incorporating natural materials and handcrafted elements to create a distinctive and harmonious aesthetic.

Thank you so much for your time! I know that you are a very busy person. Before we drive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’ and how you got started?

A decade ago, I embarked on a journey into the world of interior design armed with a master’s degree. The seeds of innovation and creativity were sown within me, ready to sprout. The urge to create a space that would cater to the passion and creativity of like-minded individuals was strong, and I immediately threw myself into the field after graduation.

As I navigated the industry of design, it became apparent that the world was ready for a fresh approach, one that didn’t just follow trends but set them. This vision led to the inception of Arsight, my interior design studio based in the heart of New York City. We became a haven for creativity, aesthetics, and innovation, a platform that married the traditional with the revolutionary.

At Arsight, we made it our mission to champion two distinct paths: technological innovation and unique aesthetics. We decided to weave technology into our design process, introducing VR, AR, and Metaverse tools to facilitate a seamless experience for our clients. This technological approach led to the creation features as Client Portal, a novel solution that addressed a common pain point for clients — losing track of the design and renovation process.

Our approach to aesthetics was very new and in high demand. We valued imperfection, viewing it not as a flaw but an intriguing aspect of completeness. This philosophy led us to chart our own path, one where we didn’t merely follow the trends, but created them. Our clients appreciated our creative audacity, and our work was recognized in numerous international contests.

Over the years, our team grew, attracting professionals who were passionate about design and committed to pushing the boundaries. Our downtown NYC office became a hub of creativity and innovation. Today, we’re considering expanding further to cater to our growing workload.

A decade has passed since that initial foray into the world of design. Today, I stand as a proud expert and world-renowned interior designer, a digital innovator who continually strives to push the boundaries of the industry. At Arsight, we remain committed to our mission of creating unique, innovative, and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

In the early chapters of my career, I stumbled upon a humorous and humbling misstep that has remained etched in my memory. As a budding designer fresh out of grad school, I was teeming with enthusiasm and ambition. This led me to don multiple hats — advertiser, web designer, SEO expert, and project manager — in a well-intentioned but ill-advised attempt to control every facet of the business. My scope of work swelled like a balloon on the verge of bursting. I was moving at a snail’s pace in all directions instead of sprinting towards a clearly defined goal.

In this chaotic vortex of tasks, I found myself drowning, gasping for breath and grappling for control. In an ironic twist, I realized I was spending more time on auxiliary tasks than actual interior design, my area of expertise. I felt like a jack of all trades, but a master of none — expending enormous energy and time, yet achieving only mediocre results.

That comedic chapter of my life offered me a pearl of wisdom — the value of delegation and collaboration. I learned the importance of surrounding myself with seasoned professionals, each a master in their own field. By entrusting them with tasks outside my forte, I could focus on my true passion — interior design. I realized that micromanagement only stifles creativity and productivity. Moreover, embracing the truth that one cannot be a master of all trades, as our lifetime is just too precious to learn everything, was liberating.

In hindsight, this amusing anecdote wasn’t just a mistake; it was a stepping stone that led me to the understanding that the strength of a team lies in its diversity of skills, a principle that still guides me today.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?

Success, like a symphony, requires the harmony of numerous talents and efforts. For me, the sweetest note in this symphony has been my wife, Julia, who has consistently proven to be an irreplaceable part of my ensemble. We share a design background, but more importantly, we share a deep bond of trust and mutual respect, a foundation that has enabled us to navigate through life’s challenges together.

Julia possesses a remarkable knack for viewing situations objectively, often bringing to light perspectives I may have overlooked. This, coupled with her unfailing emotional support, has acted as a pillar of strength for me, particularly during critical crossroads of my journey. I recall one such decisive moment in our lives when we faced the daunting task of relocating to a new country to establish our business. The prospect was intimidating; it meant adapting to a novel culture, a new market, and more direct client interactions instead of our comfort zone of remote work.

Through this whirlwind of change, Julia’s support was my beacon of clarity. We undertook a rigorous process of self-reflection and market analysis together, with her insights acting as a guiding compass. Her unwavering faith in our shared vision turned this challenging transition into a smoother journey, and I am eternally grateful for it.

Alongside Julia’s vital role in my success story, the professional community of interior designers deserves a special mention. I’ve always embraced the opportunity to engage with other designers in the industry, viewing them not as competition, but as a vital source of inspiration and knowledge exchange. This shared camaraderie fosters a nurturing environment, creating a dynamic and trustworthy network where we learn, grow and face challenges together. After all, isolating oneself is not a pathway to success, but a pitfall into stagnancy.

In this orchestra of success, everyone has a unique note to play. My success story is not only about me, but it’s also about the collective effort of my wife, my professional peers, and everyone else who has been a part of this journey. Together, we create a symphony of shared dreams, perseverance, and triumphs.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

The words of Winston Churchill have carved an indelible mark on my life: “Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” This saying, posted prominently above my workspace, acts as a beacon guiding me through the tumultuous seas of life and work. It’s not just a quote for me, but rather a profound insight I’ve come to embrace wholeheartedly.

We all have our fair share of highs and lows. I’ve found myself mired in complications, feeling like I’m running against a stiff wind, making little headway despite my utmost efforts. I’ve been stuck on a plateau, where progress seemed elusive. Yet, in these moments of self-doubt and frustration, I would glance at Churchill’s quote and find renewed vigor. It reminded me that everyone stumbles, everyone falters, but it’s our determination to get up and carry on that defines our journey towards success.

Churchill’s wisdom suggests that setbacks are not catastrophic roadblocks but rather stepping stones in our journey. Challenges and failures become learning experiences, shaping us and propelling us forward. The trials we encounter aren’t meant to deter us; instead, they cultivate our resilience and broaden our understanding.

But what keeps this engine of perseverance running? Enthusiasm. The unwavering will to keep moving, even when the going gets tough. Our enthusiasm becomes the fuel that powers us through the hard times and towards our dreams. It’s not about waiting for problems to resolve themselves, but about pushing forward with fervor and excitement, transforming the rough patches into milestones.

Churchill’s mantra has been invaluable, not only in my business endeavors but also in my personal life. Facing unexpected issues, managing expectations, or working tirelessly towards a goal, I’m inspired to maintain my enthusiasm and continue the journey, no matter the hurdles.

Thinking back on your own career, what would you tell your younger self?

Dear Younger Self, Just a heads-up from the future: your creativity is your North Star, so follow it without a second thought. You know how people say, “failure isn’t an option”? Well, they’ve got it wrong. Welcome failure with open arms — it’ll be the best teacher you’ll ever have.

While you’re at it, get a crowd of brainiacs around you. They’ll push you, challenge you, and draw out the best in you. Keep stretching those creative muscles and busting through walls — that’s the ticket to progress.

And, don’t forget the heart in your work. Make sure your designs don’t just look pretty, but make people feel something. True design isn’t just about what you see; it’s about touching those heartstrings too. Keep this in mind and you’ll do just fine.

Let’s now move to the central part of our interview. What systems do you have to ensure your workplace is as inclusive as possible?

Diversity and Inclusion Policies: In our studio, diversity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords. We consider them as our foundation and guiding principles. Our recruitment policy is designed to be inclusive, and we actively seek talent from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and skillsets. We find that this brings a wealth of ideas and perspectives, leading to more innovative design solutions. For example, we have designers who have previously worked in fields like architecture, graphic design, and even psychology, and their unique perspectives have significantly contributed to our design thinking.

Equal Opportunities and Advancement: We believe in providing an equal playing field for all members of our team. Our promotion and advancement policies are transparent and based on merit, not favoritism or bias. We’ve created a clear career progression roadmap, so every member of our team knows what it takes to advance in their career. For instance, we had a junior designer who, due to their outstanding creativity and client engagement, rapidly advanced to become a project lead within a few years. This sort of career growth is possible for everyone in our team because we value talent, hard work, and dedication.

Mentoring and Sponsorship Programs: Mentorship plays a vital role in our studio culture. We pair up our new hires with experienced mentors who guide them through their first few months. These mentors provide advice, answer questions, and offer valuable feedback to facilitate their mentee’s growth. Furthermore, we also have a sponsorship program where we identify high-potential individuals and provide them with opportunities to work on flagship projects or represent our studio at industry events. This has helped many of our designers gain visibility and build their professional network. One example is a young designer who, through our sponsorship program, presented our work at a major design conference, leading to significant industry recognition and new client relationships.

Based on your experience and success, what are your top five tips for creating more inclusive workplaces? Please share a story or an example for each.

1. Embrace Diversity: Celebrating diversity goes far beyond meeting quotas. In the world of design, it’s about weaving a rich tapestry that represents all cultures and walks of life. This philosophy was brought to life when we redesigned our studio, but also helped us implement “Culture Weeks”. These are periods of time where we turn the spotlight onto a specific culture, exploring its design ethos, art, traditions, and more.This hands-on, immersive exploration of diversity gives us a profound understanding of various cultures, enriching our design perspectives. It allows our team members from different backgrounds to share and celebrate their culture, while others gain insight into design philosophies they may not have previously encountered. By doing so, we create an environment that truly honors diversity and fosters an open, inclusive ethos that shines through in every design we create.
2. Flexibility is Key: Everyone has their own unique rhythm when it comes to work, and acknowledging this fact has transformed the way our team operates. Instead of a rigid 9–5 schedule, we embraced flexible work hours and remote work options. The impact has been astounding, with a noticeable spike in productivity and overall job satisfaction. This flexibility is not just limited to work hours, but also to spaces we create. For instance, we design multi-functional rooms that easily adapt to various needs — from a quiet reading corner to a lively gathering space.
3. Communication Matters: We firmly believe that language shapes culture. As such, we’ve implemented a policy of conscious communication within our team. This means using language that encourages respect, empathy, and understanding. A seemingly simple change, this policy has fostered a compassionate work environment where everyone feels heard and valued. This also reflects in our design approach, where we emphasize on creating spaces that promote open communication and interaction.
4. Invest in Training: We prioritize continuous learning and personal development. Regular workshops, like unconscious bias training, have become a cornerstone of our culture. After one of these workshops, we revolutionized our hiring process to eliminate unintentional biases, promoting a fair and objective recruitment procedure. These lessons also feed into our design ethos, leading us to create spaces that promote knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
5. Build Accessible Spaces: When planning our office layout, we ensured the design was ADA-compliant, making the space accessible to all.

Can you share 3 or 4 of the most common mistakes you have seen businesses make while trying to become more inclusive? What should one keep in mind to avoid that?

In my journey, I’ve observed some common pitfalls businesses fall into while striving for inclusivity. It’s fascinating to see how these mistakes cut across industries, even reaching us in the realm of interior design.

Firstly, treating inclusivity as a one-time project can be a huge misstep. Inclusivity is not a temporary campaign; it’s a continuous commitment that must permeate the very fabric of the organization. Companies must strive to weave inclusivity into their day-to-day operations, not just launch one-off initiatives.

Secondly, a focus on diversity while overlooking inclusion can be detrimental. It’s essential to understand that diversity is about representation, while inclusion is about creating a sense of belonging. It’s not enough to bring diverse talents together; we must also ensure they feel valued and heard.

Lastly, failing to provide adequate training on diversity and inclusion is another prevalent issue. Unconscious biases can persist without targeted education. Regular, comprehensive training is needed to raise awareness and equip employees to contribute to an inclusive environment.

How do you measure the effectiveness of your DEI efforts?

While measuring DEI can be complex, we use a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods. We track metrics like the diversity of our workforce and leadership team, retention rates, and employee satisfaction surveys. However, the most telling indicator is the lived experiences of our employees, their stories of feeling accepted, respected, and valued for who they are.

Are there other organizations you admire for their approach to DEI? Can you please explain why?

Gensler, an internationally recognized architecture, design, and planning firm, sets an exceptional standard when it comes to DEI. Not only does their workforce represent an admirable spectrum of backgrounds, but they also go the extra mile by embedding DEI principles into their design process. They focus on creating universally accessible spaces, aiming for designs that accommodate people of all abilities and age groups.

Similarly, Airbnb is another organization I admire for their approach to DEI. Despite being in the tech industry, they’ve extended their inclusivity commitment to their design decisions. Their mission to ‘belong anywhere’ is deeply reflected in their platform’s user interface and experience, which is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to diverse users around the world.

In the broader scope, these organizations, much like us at Arsight, understand that DEI is not just about workplace policies but also about how we deliver our work. For us in the design industry, it involves creating designs that appreciate and reflect the diverse world we live in. It’s this fusion of DEI in both policy and practice that truly sets these organizations apart.

What do you do to address Proximity Bias? How do you ensure remote workers are treated the same as onsite workers and have equal access to opportunities?

Proximity Bias can be a silent underminer of equality. At Arsight, we use technology to bridge the gap, ensuring our remote employees feel just as involved as those in the office. Regular video conferences, digital collaboration tools, and virtual team-building activities are just some ways we connect. Importantly, we ensure promotions and opportunities are based on merit, not location.

We are very blessed to have some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have a private lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this.

In the dynamic world of architecture and design, if there’s one person I’d be thrilled to share a private lunch with, it would be Bjarke Ingels. His work, philosophy, and vision of incorporating inclusivity in architectural design truly resonate with me.

Bjarke Ingels, founder of Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), is renowned for his audacious design thinking that blurs the boundaries of traditional architecture. His architectural masterpieces are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but are also inclusive and thoughtful, reflecting a deep understanding of community and social diversity.

What I find particularly inspiring about Bjarke is his relentless drive to innovate while keeping inclusivity at the heart of his design process. His architectural designs, such as the VIA 57 West in New York, demonstrate a commitment to creating spaces that serve diverse communities. They are not just buildings; they are social ecosystems that foster interaction and inclusivity.

How can our readers further follow your work?

You can head to our website, https://www.arsight.co/. We’re not only sharing our design projects but also our vision, inspirations, and philosophies. We’re consistently pushing the envelope of innovation, and we’d love for you to be part of our journey.

Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!