PARTNERS
The three partners of SPRAMA.design are ordinary women with a blend of unique talent that allows them to create the most accessible design for your home or office. It was through their employment at a local, reputable design firm that their paths crossed. When the design firm began to falter with the swells and hollows of the economy, they sensed the disruption it could bring to their future. Salient business sense gave them the intuition to begin the planning stages of a design firm of a new kind.
Cleverly skilled in specific areas of expertise, the partners of SPRAMA.design. are reputed for their fresh approach in all areas of Interior Design. Covering nearly every facet of the broad spectrum that can be defined as ‘design’, the assemblage of these three women is an all-inclusive solution for home and business owners alike.
HARMONY E. BOORE
Psychophysical and Residential Design
ASHLY TAGLE
Historical and Residential Design
JOSEPHINE STOLTZFUS
Industrial and Kitchen & Bath Design
INTERVIEW
Interview by Carrie Wissler Thomas (President, Art Association of Harrisburg)
When I first meet her, I am greeted by a woman with direct eyes and a firm handshake. Her warm smile off-sets the edgy appearance and black suit and she evokes a quiet sense of confidence. Her smile is warm and genuine as she introduces herself: she is Harmony. Instantly, I get the sense that this young woman is in complete control of herself and her reputation precedes her. She is well-known by her clientele for her straight forward, no-nonsense approach to business and design development.
With a more formal degree in Psychophysics, Harmony is the Scientist of the three partners. She uses the elements of neurological science to create spaces that speak to the human psyche, primarily focusing on the needs and special circumstances that surround any environment. The strength in her resume is reflected in her demeanor.
I ask her how science can be combined with art; to many people, the two seem so different. "Psychophysics is the science of sensation and perception. It is the process the human body uses to implement its five senses to collect information which is sent to the brain. The brain then tells the body how to respond physiologically. My job is to manipulate that, and make it work for our clients." She continues, "The art behind what I do, allows me to create the kind of interior that will give our clients the result they are looking for."
Harmonys science is brilliantly combined with her extensive design knowledge, particularly in the areas of spatial perception, color and textiles. Through the use of interior design, Harmony molds the environment in a way that communicates a particular mood or feeling. Imagine a home that is catering to the special needs of a child with ADHD, or a restaurant with the goal of eliciting a particular vibe. With her unique clinical design skills, she is taking design to a whole new level for her clients.
When asked what she likes best about her job as a designer, she says simply, "I love to share the knowledge we all have. There are so many homeowners out there who are capable of doing what we do. We just need to help them see it. The education we give our clients throughout the design process is the real value in our service." Harmony has been applauded for her prescriptive design style and natural tendency to educate her clients and has letters from many of them, sharing their own achievements in design.
"Design is like a different language." She continues, staring me in the eye. "When a client understands their space, they begin to understand themselves a little more." She is intense but her delivery is gentle - I believe everything she is saying. Her reputation within the community is of strong, impressionable design and it is justified in this moment.
In her spare time, Harmony excels in the areas of photography and the arts. Her journalistic approach to photography is intimate and revealing, showing much of her work in black and white. She softens when discussing her art, "My dad made a huge impact on my life as an artist. He is a talented photographer and his own artwork hangs in my grandmothers house in Maine. Design, on the other hand I have to credit my Mom for that. Every house we lived in as I grew up was beautiful. I learned early on how important a well-designed house can be to a family." Harmony is quick to credit her strong family bond for all her achievements, but her talent is hers and hers alone. Her paintings are contemporary abstracts, focusing on the unique art of stipple. The paintings take a lot of time, but the essence of each one is clear, colorful and full of movement.
Harmony has been married to her husband, Sam, for nine years. She currently resides in the Colonial Park area.
Interview by Carrie Wissler Thomas (President, Art of Association of Harrisburg)
The first thing I notice about Ashly is her passion for what she does. She is on the phone and talking with her hands, as she roams around the office space. She has the look of old Hollywood gone modern; poised, but energetic all at once. She is focused on her call. Ashly is emphatically discussing the arrangements for a table display at one of the historical buildings on Front Street. She has stopped to study her hands when I enter.
She sees me and waves me in to her office, smiling brightly. She tells me later that Harmony and Josephine have encouraged her to take on the role of Marketing Director for SPRAMA.design. It is an opportunity for her to utilize her Communications Degree and a role she takes very seriously, clearly excelling in. A lifelong resident of central Pennsylvania, she has developed prominent relationships within the community. She is an excellent resource to her clients not only for her design expertise, but also for her network within the community. I take a seat as she is finishing the conversation.
With the brunt of her design experience in residential design, Ashly continued her education beyond her Interior Design degree to include the unique area of Historical Design. Her skills in this un-appreciated field have given her an upper hand in Harrisburg. "There is so much history in the Georgian and Victorian design elements of our city", she says. Ashly has immersed herself in the culture of Harrisburg and she gives me a brief description. Much of the heart of Harrisburg is rich in architectural history, from the early 1800's through the 20th century. "I enjoy helping new residents of the City try to re-create the original designs and ambiance of their historic homes. I love to be open minded to any style or era of an interior space. Whether it is designing a living room inspired by a family heirloom or a bedroom featuring the latest abstract painting just acquired at the Artsfest. That is why I love being an Interior Designer, the possibilities are endless."
Her expertise does not end at the historical home. She is diversely equipped with the experience of a professional seasonal designer. Some of my clients call only when the holiday season is upon us. "Few of them have the time that goes into making it a festive place. I save them the time, and help to create a beautiful place for their parties and family gatherings."
Adding to the depth of Ashlys career is her life in theatre. It has allowed her to explore opportunities as Set Designer and Storyboard Illustration Director for local theatre events. Deeper in the interview, I ask her about her prolific desire to engage in the arts. She muses, "I am so excited to be a bigger part of Harrisburgs cultural development. I wanted to make my mark on this city and help augment the culture that is here."
Throughout our time together, she smiles and gestures often. Conversation coming easy to her. Ashly is the lively one in the bunch; the one I would call the Artist. Her charm is evident in her lilting laugh. Since first grade, Ashly has also been developing her other poignant talent as an accomplished vocalist. In her adulthood, she has performed across the country, but more recently performing in local venues as a featured vocalist for special events, weddings and her favorite: theatrical shows.
Married for 3 years, Ashly resides in Harrisburgs Olde Uptown District with her husband, Sean.
She welcomes me with a hearty handshake and the offer to take a seat. She is all business at first, but as the interview progresses, she relaxes and her personality begins to emerge. She casually sips a cup of coffee from an oversized mug; her dark eyes disappearing for a moment behind the rim as she finishes it off. " My second cup, she quips with a grin. Can I get you some?" She is pointing to the empty cup for emphasis. I like her instantly and I remember her clients testimonials: smart and down to earth, and another, Easy to work with. Like the girl next door. I am impressed with their accuracy.
Valued for her intellectual take on simple mechanics, Josephine has turned what people know of interior design on its head. The Engineer by nature, her inventive and resourceful design approach naturally lends itself to outside the box thinking and unusual design solutions that have earned her the reputation of being one of Harrisburgs youngest and most impressive designers.
After six years of schooling, she has an impressive repertoire of degrees that effectively round out her own definition of design. Her education is compiled of both Multimedia and Industrial Design degrees. I ask Josephine about the meaning of her Industrial Design degree, as it relates to the services offered by SPRAMA. She explains, "A successful design is the result of many smaller details within the design. All of those details have a purpose," she gestures with her hands for emphasis. "Whether Im working on a logo design, interactive kitchen plans, or a living room, I enjoy finding ways to make each of those details look beautiful. Equal parts function and form; that is really what Industrial Design is all about." The vast range in her abilities is intriguing and her casual delivery makes it even more so. She speaks with the certainty of a seasoned professional.
The most significant aspect of Josephines professional experience lies in kitchen and bath design. "When I was working with [a Lancaster-based kitchen and bath firm], I was inundated with projects. It was really a sink or swim situation. I had very little specific pre-job training, but it turned out to be a good thing. I learn best by doing." As though in salute to her creativity, a table nearby boasts stacks of kitchen tile and strange, sculptural tubes looking like they are made of steel. She nods toward them and says, "I love this project Im working on right now. The client is super-particular when it comes to style. Its going to look incredible when its finished."
Josephines experience in kitchen and bath design has not stunted her development in other areas. While she is fully capable of assisting any client who needs help with anything from fixtures and appliances to residential space planning and design, she has been working in another area of design that is near and dear to her heart: Graphic Design. After getting her degree in Multimedia Design, she began working as a freelance graphic artist. Her projects include logo design and branding, promotional literature, web development and publication editorial layouts.
Josephines connection with her partners is strong, but it is her upbringing in central Pennsylvanias well known Amish Community that keeps her rooted. Her rich heritage has taught her the importance of hard work and solid relationships. Those who have worked with her know her best for being reliable, knowledgeable and approachable. "My clients call all the time, even for the littlest things. I find a lot of satisfaction in knowing they are confident I will answer the phone when they call."
After a brief stint in New England, Josephine returned to her roots and currently resides in Lancaster.
refresh • reveal • reside
SPRAMA.design. • 308 north second street • Harrisburg, PA 17101 • 717.238.1001
