Nicola Casale, ASID, IIDA, NEWH
Vice President
Yellow Goat Design
We have the privilege of working with visionary project teams who engage Yellow Goat Design to deliver the statement lighting, screen and sculptural pieces that tell a story and create a unique experience in their interior spaces. Due to the confidential nature of our work, I cannot mention specific clients but I can share that we have a number of upcoming jaw-dropping installations in the fields of workplace, hospitality and multi-residential design. Stay tuned and keep your eye on Silicon Valley – we have major inspiration coming your way!
I have been inspired by so many people during my journey but I must give a shout out to Alli Webb, the founder of drybar. She is an entrepreneur, a girl boss and a problem solver. She designed a product that brings joy and confidence to women and was not intimidated to take a chance on her dreams. I admire her business sense, kindness and mentorship she provides to professionals across all industries. I am lucky that I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with her at an “Impact Series” weekend event – it was the highlight of my year!
Our company, Yellow Goat Design, designed and fabricated custom statement light fixtures for the AIA Center’s Boardroom. Titled “Pirouette”, each pendant is created from curved plywood blades and illuminated by an LED core. They are designed to be suspended as a cluster over the collaboration table and evoke the feel of a lantern festival in midsummer. Our goal was to add texture and layering through the light sculptures while sparking creativity and conversation among the guests of the Center.
I am thrilled that the Center will bring together members of the architecture and design community to collaborate in a notable and historic space. The upcoming panels, exhibitions and lectures will provide the opportunity for continued education and networking – with the bookstore and cafe as a bonus! I look forward to having coffee and catching up with colleagues in this beautiful space.
In 10 years, I see the Center being a consistent source of inspiration for designers, architects, artisans, contractors, consultants and other talented professionals in the field. I imagine it will be a base camp of conceptual thinking, idea sharing and relationship building in an ever-evolving space of exhibitions and product design.
I am looking forward to promoting Yellow Goat Design’s exceptional product design, collaboration and partnerships through various publications and events in the upcoming year. Our team is releasing some stellar, cutting-edge collections that will continue to inspire the design community as well as working on several confidential projects that we look forward to sharing in the coming months.
We are honored and excited to share our work at this vibrant Center and ignite creativity and community for the users of this space. Thank you AIASF for the opportunity to be a part of this special project!
An accomplished interior designer, organizational leader and executive, Nicola Casale is the Vice President of Yellow Goat Design (YGD), an award-winning lighting and architectural design company. Casale contributed to the growth and expansion of YGD’s North American division and launched the west coast branch in 2018. During her tenure at YGD, Nicola has collaborated with clients including Google, Uber, Netflix, Sephora, MGM, Four Seasons, Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt to design bespoke pieces for their interior spaces. Before joining YGD in 2014, Casale worked as an interior designer for ForrestPerkins, a luxury architecture and interior design firm based in Washington, DC. Casale graduated from The George Washington University with an M.A. in Interior Design. During her master’s program, she earned the Thesis Award for a luxury hospitality design concept and completed a program in retail design at the Domus Academy in Milan, Italy. Casale also earned a B.S. in Political Science from West Virginia University. Prior to pursuing a career in design, Casale was accepted to the White House internship program and worked for the Secretary of U.S. Housing and Urban Development. Nicola currently resides in San Francisco, California with her husband and two dogs.