When two talented teams come together, the results are nothing short of extraordinary. Brad Sobczak and Julie Jaroch of Meraki Finish & Design and Carrie Chimenti of Chimenti Studios collaborated on a breathtaking low-relief wall project, showcasing the versatility and beauty of Novacolor’s CalceCruda. This project, designed by interior designer Bill Koehnlein, highlighted the expertise, artistry, and innovative use of materials that both teams bring to the table.

Meet the Artists

Brad Sobczak and Julie Jaroch, the duo behind Meraki Finish & Design, bring decades of experience in architectural finishes and interior design. Since forming their partnership in 2020, they have delivered a seamless blend of design expertise and finishes, offering clients a comprehensive approach to elevating their spaces.

Carrie Chimenti began her sculpting journey in 1996 in Florence, Italy, where she trained in low-relief sculpture. With a BFA in sculpture from Miami University and an MFA from American University, Carrie has taught sculpture and collaborated with the renowned sculptor Beverly Pepper in Todi, Italy. Today, she specializes in Italian plaster finishes, Venetian plaster, and unique artistic wall designs. Working through Chimenti Studios, Carrie combines her deep knowledge of sculpture with her passion for Italian plaster to create stunning residential, commercial, and hospitality projects.

The Project

This particular project started with a vision by interior designer Bill Koehnlein of Collaborative Design, who sketched out the concept directly on the walls. From there, Brad selected CalceCruda, an elegant material known for its soft texture, durability, and excellent workability. The collaboration between Brad and Carrie brought this vision to life, with each artist contributing their unique strengths.

Carrie, with her extensive background in sculpture and Italian plaster, led the team in creating the low-relief designs that adorned the walls. “What was funny,” Carrie shared, “was Brad had forgotten I had a BFA and MFA in sculpture. So I showed up to the job completely prepared.”

Brad and Julie focused on color and scale, tinting the CalceCruda with custom shades and applying a lime wash over the finish. Brad noted, “We really liked the way it turned out. The product left a beautiful soft texture, had plenty of working time, and dried hard—perfect for durability.”

The project was executed with precision, using trowels, spatulas, and brushes to craft the textured low-relief walls. Carrie emphasized the joy of incorporating her training in Florence into this project, blending artistry and technique seamlessly.

A Shared Passion

This collaboration is far from the first for these two talented teams. Carrie and Brad have been working together since 2020, bringing their shared passion for high-quality finishes and artistic integrity to every project. Their complementary skill sets and creative synergy resulted in a finished space that exceeded expectations.

Thank You

A heartfelt thank you to Carrie, Brad, and Julie for sharing this incredible project with us. Your dedication to your craft and innovative use of Novacolor’s CalceCruda is truly inspiring. Whether you’re looking for elegant Italian plaster finishes, low-relief sculptural walls, or interior design expertise, these artists continue to set the standard for excellence.