Interior Designer, Breslin Ridyard Fadero Architects
Career advice led Lehigh Valley native, Chloe Hoyak, to the Deep South for three years. Now, she has returned home starting her career in a community she loves.
As Chloe was pursuing her associate degree in Interior Design at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, she was also working at a small residential design firm. While thinking about the next steps of her education, the firm’s owner suggested she look at schools down South.
With extensive research, Chloe discovered that Savannah College of Art and Design, a reputable college awarded as the top-rated interior design program in the country, was her best option. Chloe was thrilled to be accepted to the college located in Savannah, Georgia despite the fact that it was a 12-hour car ride from home and family.
“I went to Savannah to finish my degree and although I was only there for three years, I really enjoyed the experience, but it was a major adjustment. Being in the south had its benefits but there is no better place than home, which is why I came back,” she said.
Today, Chloe is an interior designer for Breslin Ridyard Fadero Architects, an Allentown based firm that specializes in educational building projects.
“I always thought that I would become a residential interior designer until I landed here,” she said. “I love what I do! One of the many things I love about where I work is that every day is a new day and a new project. But, nothing beats the feeling of knowing you were part of helping create an environment where children can thrive.”
Chloe is particularly happy that she is able to apply her creative talents in the Lehigh Valley. She describes the community as close-knit, with plenty of room to shine. She also enjoys having access to visit and explore, as well as pull inspiration from nearby cities, such as New York and Philadelphia.
The Lehigh Valley provides a fast-paced Northeast lifestyle, balancing both rural and urban communities, which Chloe prefers.
By living close to her family, Chloe has also been provided other advantages. She has teamed up with her father to redesign and renovate her grandparents’ home. Her plans are to buy and move into the house when the project is done.
“It’s a very rewarding father-daughter project,” she said. “Even though I’m an interior designer, I have learned a lot about construction.”
When she’s not renovating her grandparents’ house, Chloe enjoys the restaurant scenes in Easton, Allentown, and Bethlehem.
“I can’t say one bad thing about this community.” she said. “It has so much to offer and it’s not like you have to drive too far to experience something a little bit different from where you are now.”
Live like a local:
Favorite place to eat: I love going to downtown Easton and Allentown, and of course, Main Street in Bethlehem. We really have a lot of great restaurants across the Lehigh Valley. You can’t go wrong.
Favorite weekend activity: Waking up early Saturday morning, coffee in hand, heading to the Allentown Rose Garden with my fiancé to walk our dog, Oakley. I look forward to it every weekend because it’s our “catch up on the week” date.
Favorite ‘hidden gem’ of the Lehigh Valley: It’s probably not so hidden anymore, but we really love going to the new restaurant on the west end of Allentown called the Greenhouse Enoteca. It brings back nostalgic memories for me. When I was young and it was an actual greenhouse, my mom and I would go there to purchase flowers for our house.