We think there’s something you should know about us. We’re different. As in “broke the mold” different.
But you should also know that we prove that different is great!
In fact, you may notice images on our site of a beautiful agate-patterned wall in stunning shades of blue. This wall greets visitors to our offices in Rhode Island the moment they walk in, and it’s there not only because it’s everything our aesthetic is about – bold, colorful, sophisticated, unique.
This agate design is front and center because it perfectly symbolizes BID’s company culture. Like agate, the BID team is one very strong, beautiful whole made from smaller individual layers – pieces that by themselves are unique from one another but together, they create something so solid and so dazzling, it’s unlike anything else.
Each member of our team is a mix of creative and professional talent, and delightfully quirky personality traits. That’s why, when you put us all together, we’re a powerhouse of design ideas, know-how and experience who handle your project’s every need as a well-coordinated team and who take the very best care of you every step of the way.
the blakely team has your back
Janelle Blakely Photopoulos
Owner + Creative Director
“I believe design has a profound impact on overall wellbeing. I see the transformations, not only in our clients’ homes but also in their lives.”
With a bright aesthetic and a brave approach to design, as well as an unwavering commitment to integrity, Janelle Blakely Photopoulos leads the team at Blakely Interior Design and its clients to inspiring, uplifting places they never dreamed of going.
Janelle founded BID in 2012 as Fresh Nest Interior Design, later changing the name as a way of carrying on her family’s name. Since then, she has quickly established the firm’s reputation for creating beautiful, colorful, livable interiors, making it one of the most sought-after interior design firms in Rhode Island.
Janelle’s artistic nature and eye for design are equally matched by her business acumen. She originally earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing at Syracuse University (all while dancing her heart out as a Division 1 cheerleader and dance team member!) and then built a successful career honing her management and creative problem-solving skills in corporate America as a marketing executive with AT&T. Janelle later realized her “true calling” and attended the Rhode Island School of Design to learn the technical aspects of interior design. After founding BID, she was accepted to and completed Goldman Sachs’ prestigious 10,000 Small Businesses program, where she received a crash course “mini MBA” education in entrepreneurship, benefitting from the input and mentorship of top business executives.
Today, that all translates into the rock-solid foundation of integrity, creativity, detailed processes and great communication on which Janelle has built BID. It’s this foundation - plus the team of carefully curated professionals she’s built - that consistently give Blakely’s clients an exceptional design experience and remarkable results.
Further living out her own personal values, as well as BID’s, in 2018, Janelle established the Rhode Island chapter of Savvy Giving by Design, a nationwide non-profit whose mission is to provide comfort, support and healing to families with a child facing a medical crisis by transforming the interior spaces of their homes at no cost to them.
Janelle and BID are frequently featured in the press, including local and regional publications throughout Rhode Island. She was also nominated for Rhode Island’s 2018 Small Business Woman of the Year.
If she’s not at work, you might find Janelle having a dance party in her kitchen with her three kids, devouring the business books she’s addicted to or accidentally stealing your pen (she swears she doesn’t realize she took it!).
Judy Schraer
Business Manager + Client Concierge
“I get great joy from making ‘magic’ happen for our clients!”
Judy’s background in real estate flipping puts her in the unique position of understanding both the fine details of home design projects and what homeowners go through during their projects. Her official duties as Business Manager include handling all the nuts and bolts of procuring the products for our clients (creating proposals, placing and tracking orders, and scheduling installations and deliveries). As Client Concierge, Judy makes sure all the details are always taken care of and that things run smoothly for every project. She also regularly does little extras - surprising and delighting the client with thoughtful gifts and acknowledgments of the entire BID’s appreciation for the client.
Unofficially, Judy acts as “the (wo)man behind the curtain” at BID, pulling all the levers to make everything happen for everyone, from managing orders to watering plants to fixing just about anything that breaks around the office.
She tells it like it is and her strong attention to detail and encyclopedic knowledge of “how stuff works” make Judy an indispensable asset at BID.
Bringing her adorable dog, Elton John, to work with her every day doesn’t hurt her popularity around here either!
Meridith Marion
Procurement Coordinator
“My goal is for the procurement process to operate seamlessly so that the design aesthetic can truly shine.”
Meridith earned her Interior Design Certificate from RISD in 2006, and brings more than 7 years of experience working on high-end residential design projects to BID. As our Procurement Coordinator, she works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every piece of the design puzzle is in its proper place. She creates proposals, places and tracks orders, and manages every detail throughout the course of the design process.
Her priority at BID is keeping all the balls in the air and then making sure they land where we designed them to, which she does with grace and a wonderful sense of humor.
Outside of the office she can be found exploring the natural beauty of the State of RI, listening to live local music, and encouraging her young daughters to express themselves to live vibrantly through art and creativity.
Becky Cordle
Design Director
“Swift problem solving is basically my hobby.”
Becky studied interior design and fine art in college and earned her interior design certification from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2016. In addition to creating beautiful roomscapes with punchy patterns and vibrant colors, Becky ensures every detail of our clients’ projects is executed beautifully. She plays an integral role in developing initial design concepts and space plans, as well as orchestrating the many “moving parts” in each project.
A master at meeting deadlines and sticking to budgets, Becky is a key creative force on the BID team. She is calm under pressure and is always quick to find a solution to any problem that should arise - design-related or not. Even better, she has a heart of gold and she brings her fantastic sense of humor with her everywhere she goes. She’s a BID rockstar if ever there was one!
Becky does other rockstar things, as well, like running marathons and climbing mountains - on purpose, even!
Jessie Barber
Marketing Coordinator
"Behind every great design is a great story, and I love sharing both with our engaged design community."
With a recently completed bachelor’s degree in textile marketing from The University of Rhode Island, and an associate’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in textile design, Jessie brings a great mix marketing and design knowledge to the team. Her strong interest in color, pattern and all things pretty make her fit right in here at BID.
Jessie is the woman behind the screen, curating Blakely’s social media platforms and website to ensure you are always up to date on our latest design projects, events and anything else new and exciting. She plays a substantial role in the creation of all marketing content from blog posts to advertisements, ensuring all materials are consistently in line with the vibrant Blakely brand.
Like any native Rhode Islander, Jessie enjoys spending her free time by the ocean whether it’s laying on the beach or taking a boat ride to Block Island.
Brianna Chace
Assistant Designer
“I love creating spaces that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing, but perfectly embody the client's personality.”
Having recently obtained her bachelor’s degree in interior design from the New England Institute of Technology, Brianna provides an excellent eye for detail and strong sense of creativity. As Assistant Designer, her main role at BID is to support the designers and project managers in creating CAD drawings, communicating with vendors, sourcing products, and specifying finishes & materials - she does it all! Brianna’s level of enthusiasm and willingness to help on any level makes her a valuable member of the team - not to mention the addition of her bright personality!
In her free time, Brianna loves to unwind by exercising her artistic talents through painting and drawing. She also considers herself a “taco connoisseur” and will never say no to Mexican food!
