KATIE PICCIRILLO
MARKETING MANAGER

kpiccirillo@aedesign-inc.com
720.259.0517

WHERE IS YOUR HOMETOWN?

I grew up in Waupaca, a little town in central Wisconsin. It was very Norman Rockwell there – lots of parades and festivals, the hometown football team, a white gazebo in the town square and strong feelings about summer tourists. My 90s country music playlist has its roots here.

WHAT BOOKS ARE ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND?

I’m a big reader! Most of my favorites are fantasy and sci-fi, but I’ll read just about anything. Some of my favorite fiction authors are Tamsyn Muir, Guy Gavriel Kay, Nghi Vo, N.K. Jemisin and Carlos Ruiz Zafón. I’m always happy to chat about books, from old school fantasy to modern fluffy romance.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELIEVE STRESS?

I love weightlifting for stress relief! It is a great mental challenge and I appreciate the focus on strength, form and function. Weights + a good podcast = my happy place.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT?

I love to eat – sharing food is so important to my cultural heritage, and trying out a new spot is one of my favorite things. It is tough to pick just one, but a few of my favorites are: Decent Bagel in Nederland for the best BEC I’ve had this side of the Mississippi, Yuan Wonton food truck for spicy dumplings and incredible noodle dishes, and Truffle Table for convincing yourself that wine and cheese can be dinner.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE OUTDOOR ACTIVITY?

I appreciate simple, easy pleasures – a mellow hike, a pretty walk, a gentle paddleboard. After spending a long time seeking out longer hikes, harder climbs, and steeper skiing, I’m in my “just show up” era now! I love taking a book or some art supplies and posting up somewhere pretty to relax. I’m the friend who packs snacks and a guidebook and keeps saying “ooh look at this” about every plant and rock.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

I like to learn new things, and take a lot of classes just for fun at all our great community centers around the metro area. I’ve recently taken violin, pottery, painting, cooking, and ukulele classes! Being a beginner at something can feel embarrassing or stressful at first, but it is a skill you can definitely develop, and I’m getting better at being bad at things for a while.

I also enjoy thrifting clothes and home goods, scrolling craigslist and marketplace for a good deal, and refinishing furniture. I collect houseplants, love to host a themed dinner party, and am constantly redecorating our house alongside my husband and our two kittens. I used to work as an event florist and wedding stylist, and all things design-y make me happy!