We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Morgenstern and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The idea behind starting Kamp Studios came from a deep desire to channel our unique talents in a more meaningful way. We both felt that the creative potential we had was being underutilized in our previous roles. Kim’s strengths lie in her meticulous attention to detail, her organized, Type A mindset, while I thrive on creativity, adaptability, and curiosity. Together, we knew we could build something exceptional, blending those qualities to push boundaries and deliver excellence. That’s how Kamp was born—it’s not just a business, but a reflection of our combined passion for the craft and the process.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our journey at Kamp Studios has been anything but quick, and as we approach our 20-year anniversary, we reflect on just how many walls we’ve touched. When we first started, our goal was simple: to be invited into people’s homes and make them better—whether through graphic murals, faux finishes, or gilded ceilings. We’ve done it all. Over time, I developed a deep passion for natural materials and brought them into every client meeting, particularly in New York, where the typical aesthetic was white-on-white Park Avenue penthouses. At first, the reception wasn’t exactly warm. But we always believed plaster would elevate our work to the next level, and we had to wait for the design world to catch up with us.

The biggest lesson we’ve learned along the way is patience—knowing that you can’t rush your truth. And when you’re starting out, say yes to everything. Those early “yeses” have taken us to places we never imagined. What sets us apart is our intuitive ability to collaborate; we make the process seamless for clients and designers because we just “get it.” We don’t need to try too hard or overthink it—we’re the best at what we do because it comes naturally.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m usually focused on walls, so I’m not the best at playing tour guide, but when friends come into town, there are a few go-to spots I love sharing. First stop: Damian in downtown LA for some of the best Mexican food you’ll ever have. The ambiance is incredible too—perfect for a night out. We also make a point to visit the Apparatus Studio showroom in West Hollywood. Even though it’s a luxury lighting showroom, it feels like a second home to us. We’ve collaborated on two iterations of the space, and each time, the experience is completely transformed—it’s wild how different it feels with each design.

If you’re hanging with us, expect a laid-back vibe for the week. A highlight for sure would be starting a day with breakfast at Gjusta in Venice—it’s one of our favorites. Simple, easy, but unforgettable!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A huge shoutout goes to Athena Calderone. From day one, she’s been one of our strongest supporters, constantly inspiring us to push boundaries and develop new finishes and styles that only she can dream up. Whenever Athena starts envisioning plaster in a new way, we’re excited to rise to the challenge and tap into that creative spark she brings to every project. Her trust and vision have truly helped shape Kamp Studios into what it is today.

Website: https://Www.kampstudios.com

Instagram: @Kampstudios

Facebook: Kampstudios

Image Credits
Mike Zahar

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