Meredith Cocco
Be present - in moments you’ve worked toward or in anticipation of change - pause and savor.
#WomenWhoBuild meet Meredith Cocco, Founder and CEO, FrenchCocco
Meredith’s interests reside at the intersection of art and design, taking inspiration from travel, history and literature. She has led marketing and communications for global architecture and interior design firms for the past 15 years. In 2022, she founded FrenchCocco, a creative agency offering curated marketing, brand and strategy development and execution to mission-driven businesses. Meredith lives in New York City and holds a degree in Architectural Studies and Art History from Brown University.
ArchNative sat down with Meredith to discuss the launch of FrenchCocco, a woman-owned creative agency, applying a career in AEC to a new practice while balancing motherhood.
Tell us about yourself.
I’m a strategic thinker, design marketer and creative cobbler, I’m also a new business owner and new mom. My interests reside at the intersection of art and design. I’ve been living in New York City for almost 12 years now which means I’ve walked marathons of city blocks (my favorite thing about NYC is probably the endless opportunity to walk anywhere, everywhere & nowhere). I also love to escape to the beach.
If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Thoughtful. Focused. Resilient.
Tell us about your background in AEC.
I had a summer internship working in the marketing department for an architecture firm in Philadelphia - I was going to work in the model shop but the marketing team had an opening and it clicked. I found a niche to apply a range of skill sets - writing, graphics, strategy, research, organization, etc. within the design industry. I then went on to work for a wonderful firm in Boston where I had an incredible team of mentors who really laid the foundation for my next decade of professional pursuits. My background in the industry also includes working directly with inspiring, driven and gutsy women in leadership positions. This has informed my own path.
How do you feel your background has prepared you to launch FrenchCocco?
I’ve been fortunate to work with firms that were both entrepreneurial and creative in their marketing approach which really allowed me to experiment and stretch myself. I’ve been able to successfully work with all kinds of people and I have a really clear sense of how mission and purpose impact leadership and drive organizations forward.
What inspired FrenchCocco?
I’ve always wanted to have my own business - my grandmother (the French in FrenchCocco) had an antique store and when I was younger I envisioned I might have a shop of some kind selling things I made. After 15 years working with professional design firms, I came to a pivotal moment where I realized I had put in the work and could stand on my own. It has been very rewarding to help clients and also nurture my own creative pursuits.
Where do you draw inspiration?
Travel, history, literature, and The Rolling Stones.
How do you define your creative process?
It is an outcome of inspirational encounters and experiences: meeting and visiting new people and places, witnessing history, hearing the stories of others, and appreciating art and nature. For strategic pursuits, I am both macro and micro and while my work toggles between the two, I like to start with the macro - establish the purpose and then everything else flows.
What do you see for the future of FrenchCocco?
A creative home to nurture a range of interests - connecting with peers, brands and companies that I admire and whose missions I want to support.
How do you balance motherhood with a business?
Everyday is a new adventure. I found a lot of freedom and clarity in the choice of becoming a mother. It also opened the door to take some risk. My life has changed drastically and going for it entrepreneurially felt like an opportunity to reach a goal. I am creating the lifestyle I want, and becoming a mother fueled the inspiration and initiative. In terms of balance - it is literally a week to week effort. I try to work smarter and go with my gut - I’ve found that when you have a lot going on, you are forced to become more focused and decisive. I’ve recently tapped into a network of business owners that are new moms which has been an immense source of inspiration & support.
What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid of taking risks and making mistakes - they are essential to growth (and when you do make a mistake - in the arc of life, it is just a blip on the radar). Be present - in moments you’ve worked toward or in anticipation of change - pause and savor.
Interview Conducted by:
Natalie Dargham