Rooted in philosophy, psychology + science.
we are
Our strong grasp of people + place, along with a foundation in neuro-aesthetics, allows us to create spaces that improve the lives of those who inhabit them. We consider wellness + equity in all that we create. We truly design for the optimal expression of you, your team, + your space.on micro + small businesses in a state of transition.
we focus
Our clients are people with a need for change. Whether moving from online-only to your first brick + mortar, taking a leap out of a coworking space, or expanding your footprint for team growth, we will guide + empower you to make the best real estate + design decisions. Our knowledge of architecture, brand, mission, + the importance of a well-functioning space allow us to seamlessly translate your ethereal identity to the three-dimensional physical world. great design should not be a luxury.
we believe
Design is our passion + something we feel grateful to be able to express. We understand the true value that great design provides. We also understand the reality of budget constraints. We offer various packages + subscriptions to get you the services you need within the budget you have. Great design is open to all. 
kRISTA SAMMONS
founder + principAL
ncidq | iida
she/her
Design is the art of merging form + function - a collaboration of head + heart.
design is truly an important responsibility- one that has the power to improve or impair the lives of those within it.
photo by Eva Sakellarides
my experience...Throughout my 22+ years as a designer + strategist, I have transformed environments throughout the US, Asia, UAE, + UK. My extensive experience spans workplace, civic, tech, retail, residential, + hospitality sectors. I work closely with my clients to create spaces that reflect who they are, helping to define their vision + strategic approach, while giving a voice to those who inhabit spaces the most- the user.
My understanding of psychology, strategy, neuro-aesthetics, + design provides unique + innovative insights into the creative process + most importantly, the built environment. design for me is innate- When I walk into a space, I am immediately moving walls, raising ceilings, + altering lighting + finishes in my head. While this has been an incredibly rewarding career, it is so much more than a job to me. I am beyond grateful to get to do what I do.
a few facts about me...marathon day is my favorite day of the year, i hate to run, i live with my partner + 2 kids (5 + 15) in greenpoint, brooklyn, i was goth in high school, i am a certified labor doula, i originally majored in criminal psychology bc i wanted to be a homicide detective (until i learned i had to be a cop), i swam a race in the east river, i have a black belt in tae kwon do, i gave birth to my youngest in a tub in our kitchen, i hate birds + frogs + sudden loud noises, i love horror films, i believe every color works together, my first crush was michael jackson, i saw nirvana in concert + i believe in a free palestine :).
why design?My relationship with space began at age 7 when my parents enclosed our patio- outside was now inside? My mind was blown. soon there was a large hole between our living + family room* - what was once a strict divide was now an open, airy connection- allowing for effortless hellos + goodbyes - this was too much. my mom always taught me never to settle + this was the truest expression on the physical plane that i could imagine.
*side note- if ever there was a more useless space in my youth it was the “living room”. reserved strictly for vacuum marks + the annual christmas tree. As a new york apartment dweller the thought of so much wasted square footage is enough to bring me to tears.
2 years later they settled on a model home nestled vaguely between the beach + everglades. as the contractors broke ground, I was in awe of the dramatic changes with each visit. the transformation that both our home + my perception took inspired me. as i toured the site, my parents’ vhs camcorder in hand, i understood the magic of interior design- creating space from nothing, a sense of place from an idea.
Moving into my teen + young adult years i was enthralled with psychology (specifically as it related to serial killers). My understanding of experience impacting behavior was reinforced, eventually leading me to merge my 2 passions. As someone who was so affected by bad design (poor lighting, improper scale, bad proportions, lack of balance, etc.) + had grown up seeing the positive impact of good design, I made my move. With just a change of major, city, + university, I was on my way.