6 THINGS WITH ANNA KROESSER + AMELIA STRAT

6 THINGS WITH ANNA + AMELIA OF KROESSER + STRAT DESIGN

Anna Kroesser and Amelia Strat, the duo behind Kroesser + Strat Design, have carved a niche for themselves on the East Coast + beyond, with over 15 years of collaboration. With a specialty in luxury residential, commercial and hospitality design, the firm is recognized for crafting fresh contemporary spaces that tell beautiful stories, maintain an approachable humor, and celebrate well-layered, livable aesthetics. Their designs aim to create unique environments that are inviting, deeply personal and visually appealing.

1. What started it all for you?

Like all great love stories, ours started in the back of a cab in NYC. We had been working together at a design firm on the Upper East Side for a couple of years and it was going really well, but our aesthetic didn't align with the firms and we wanted to be able to branch out.

One night after an evening client meeting, Amelia suggested we should do this ourselves — go out on our own. And so the wheels started to turn. It's been almost 15 years.

Before meeting, Amelia worked at a prestigious interior design firm known for its innovative approach and timeless elegance. She was immersed in high-profile projects, refining her ability to harmonize textures, colors, and architectural elements.

Anna worked in the event production world. Armed with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences and a keen eye for detail, Anna quickly immersed herself in the vibrant world of live events where she honed her skills, working on everything from fashion shows to corporate beauty events. It was during this time that Anna discovered a love for the intersection of aesthetics and functionality, realizing the power of design in shaping memorable moments.

2. What drives your creative spark?

The ability to constantly create fresh spaces for our clients, especially our residential projects. It is such a personal experience for everyone involved and there's no greater reward than seeing how happy our clients are once the project is complete and they can settle into their new space.

In addition to the creative aspect of what we do, owning our own business is a huge motivating factor. We love to be able to tell our children that we love what we do, that we're passionate about it, and while it isn't always perfect, we are proud of what we've accomplished thus far.

We obsess over it all! We are very focused on the details of our designs, not just aesthetically, but technically, functionally. We put so much into our projects and yes, we want them to look great, but we want our clients to have quality design as well — that's in the materials, finishes.

3. Most treasured home decor item?

Anna has a side chair that has been in her family for hundreds of years. The stretcher is worn down where generations of family members have put their feet. When she looks at this chair, she thinks of all of her relatives before who have sat in that chair, surrounded by their family, and wonder what they were talking about, what was happening in their lives.

4. What’s the best advice you've ever received?

That you can't be good at all things all the time. There are so many cups to fill in all facets of our lives and it's hard to keep up. And the best advise was that we have to stop trying to constantly fill up all the cups, because then our cups will be bone dry. Does that make sense?

5. It's 5 o'clock at home. What would you be pouring?

Really enjoying the mini WYNK Seltzers. Five o'clock PM with the kids is sort of the witching hour and we can start to feel a bit overstimulated. These seltzers aren't sweet, have 2.5 mg of THC so super mellow and just help us keep calm and push through to bedtime.

6. What are your 6 favorite accounts that you follow for inspiration?

@merit_la
@emilyforgot
@vogueliving
@craft_of_interior
@akindofhome
@interiordesignmag

"We have to stop trying to constantly fill up all the cups, because then our cups will be bone dry." -Anna Kroesser and Amelia Strat

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN LITCHFIELD