Happy 35th Anniversary KSA Interiors!

Aug 18, 2017 | KSA Interiors

In 1982, Disney opened its Futuristic Park EPCOT (Experimental Community of Tomorrow), Time Magazine named the Man of the Year as the COMPUTER, and Kim Schoenadel forged her own path into the contract interior design world to form KSA Interiors. Over the past 35 years, many amazing people have been a part of our vibrant culture! As we look back and reflect, we want to thank everyone who has contributed to making these years full of great design and exciting adventures!

What was happening in 1982

Color Trends in Design

Soft Pastels, dusty, muted colors were considered the height of chic!

People Born

Jodie Sweetin – Actress – Stephanie Tanner on Full House

Jessica Biel – Actress

Thora Birch – Actress

Danica Patrick – race car drive in the Indy Car Series

Kelly Clarkson – Singer & winner of the 1st season of American Idol

Kirsten Dunst – Actress

Apolo Anton Ohno – American short track speed skater, won 5 medals between the 2002 & 2006 Winter Olympics

Tara Lipinski – American figure skater – Won Gold in Ladies’ Singles at the 1998 Winter Olympics

Prince William of Wales – son of Princess Dianna & Prince Charles

LeAnn Rimes – Country Singer

Ian James Thorpe – Australian swimmer known as the “Thorpedo” who has 9 Olympic medal from the 2000 & 2004 Summer Olympics (5 of which are Gold)

Anne Hathaway – Actress

Top 10 Movies

1. E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial
2. Tootsie
3. An Officer and a Gentleman
4. Rocky III
5. Porky’s
6. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
7. 48 HRS.
8. Poltergeist
9. The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
10. Annie

Top Singles

1. Survivor: Eye of the Tiger

2. Men at Work: Down Under

3. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts: I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll

4. Dexys Midnight Runners: Come On Eileen

5. Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder: Ebony and Ivory

“1982 was a tough year economically, with the US in a severe recession. I was able to get in the door on one the biggest projects east of the Mississippi, a building renovation for Virginia Power, now known as Dominion Energy. From there things began to take off.”

-Kim Schoenadel

Q & A with Kim

What was your first job ever?

I have worked since I was 14. I started at the pool snack bar, moved to fast food, and finally got a great job working for a graphic art/photography studio while at Virginia Tech.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

Watching KSA Interiors become successful because of with whom we have surrounded ourselves…our employees, clients, contractors, and manufacturer’s representatives. When you add our commitment to technology, we continually see excellent results.

To what do you attribute your success?

I have a strong need to win. I grew up in a large family and we were always competitive both academically and athletically. My parents taught at the high school I attended, so we were involved in everything. I also always admired woman leaders and I met many in the Virginia Tech Interior Design program.

What was the worst design trend you had to live through?

The trend where design teams are led by individuals that want to implement their style without understanding a client’s current and future needs. Fortunately, our clients are much more savvy about procuring design services based on their needs.

If you had not followed the path of Interior Design what other careers paths would you have chosen?

I started Virginia Tech as an art major, but decided I did not want to teach and I was not as talented in fine art. If graphic design had been available, I may have chosen that course of study. I am eternally grateful to those who led me to interior design.