Meet the Designer: Julia Sampsel
Meet KYMA’s studio set designer, Julia Sampsel.
As a military spouse, Sampsel is accustomed to changes.
The interior designer draws inspiration from the unique features each place she visits has to offer.
Now, her eye for design has set sight on KYMA’s studio.
Sampsel said, ” I just love making things beautiful. I love finishes. ”
She noticed how the current studio set depends on the green screen, using only digital elements, so she wanted to create a more distinctive home base.
Although she’s never designed a T.V. studio set, from a viewer’s standpoint, Sampsel said the number one element is being recognizable.
“When people come home, they recognize what station they’re watching,” she said.
Sampsel envisions the natural palette of the desert southwest infused with a modern twist.
“I wanted to think about the materials that are in this sort of environment and make it more local instead of feeling like any other set.”
From the craftsmanship to the materials, Sampsel teamed with KYMA’s local contractor, Master Finishes, to locally source almost every aspect of the project.
She’s confident Yuma has the resources to complete the job.
One of the key elements of the new studio is the lighting.
Sampsel decided to use 3-D decorative panels to reflect light and give a high-quality on-camera aesthetic.
“It really gives the set some dynamic elements to change the colors …that will reflect the time of day to help the viewers set the mood.”
As she watched her designs go from a blueprint to reality, Sampsel couldn’t help but think about the lasting mark she’ll be leaving in a place that was a temporary assignment.
She said, ” [My family] is here for probably about four years. But this will be a special thing that I will always look back on and know that I had an impact on the community which is awesome! ”
Sampsel also left her mark on another historic local site, Lutes Casino!
She recently designed and renovated their restroom.
KYMA’s new studio set will be revealed next week.
Copyright 2018 KYMA
