StarMaps works with creative individuals and companies in the fields of design, architecture and the arts.
Our job is to get their unique vision and mission out into the world.

StarMaps was founded by a former founding editor of *Surface magazine who then went on to launch Target’s groundbreaking “Design for All” campaign and steered the ship for the international expansion and acquisition of Beats headphones. In short, we understand how to position and launch communications from both sides of the desk.

Our clients collaborate with us on a wide range of their communication needs, from defining their brand to to photoshoots to events to social media management, and of course press outreach. We are here to support communications and brand needs, whatever that unique program looks like for you. Read more about our services.

Our process is rooted in dialogue.
It always respects the art.

Highlights of our experience and accolades.
• Co-creator, Ten American Avant-Garde Designers award and exhibitions, Milan, Italy, and NYC
• Brand strategy & launch of luxury conscious skincare brand, LXMI
• Spacescent, acquisition by SFMoMA
• Experiential collaborations with brands that include BMW, Kohler, Swarovski, Adobe
• Co-creator, Sunday Supper events, various locations
• Published in seminal ‘zine, Rollerderby

Get In Touch
Cover of Surface magazine, edited by StarMaps founder Jenny Shears.
Iconic Target bullseye branding.
Beats branding, created by StarMaps founder Jenny Shears. A pair of black Beats headphones with the Beats logo, accompanied by pink text that reads, "Stand out in the crowd, get lost in the music." The background is black.
Photographer John Muggenborg photographing an interior renovation by interior designer and architect Tina Manis of Studio Tina Manis in the greater New York area.
Lois Samuels and Stefan Lawrence in the showroom of Twentieth Design & Art Los Angeles
StarMaps founder Jenny Shears interviewing architect Thom Mayne of Morphosis in his home in Los Angeles.

Benefits of Working with StarMaps

StarMaps Agency operates as a senior-level strategic partner, offering a level of attention, editorial rigor, and industry fluency that is typically only available through large PR firms at significantly higher fees. Our retainers reflect the value delivered across several dimensions:

Founder-Level Expertise on Every Deliverable

Clients receive direct access to an experienced PR strategist and writer with deep knowledge of interior design, hospitality, architecture, and creative industries.
Your messaging, pitches, narratives, and press materials are crafted with the precision and perspective needed to land in top-tier publications.

High-Quality Editorial Content That Drives Coverage

Press releases, project descriptions, bios, award narratives, and pitches are written with an editorial standard that meets the expectations of design and lifestyle journalists. This level of writing is a differentiator. Tt removes friction for editors and increases placement success.

Relationships With the Right Media — Not Just a Media List

We maintain active relationships with design, architecture, hospitality, fashion, travel, and lifestyle editors across local, national, and global outlets. Clients benefit from targeted placements, curated introductions, and opportunities shaped in real time.

Strategic Guidance Across All Public-Facing Touchpoints

Our work extends beyond pitching. We help clients navigate:

  • project announcements

  • photography timing

  • award cycles

  • editorial calendars

  • industry trends

  • new opportunities based on market movement

    This strategic advisory support is built into the retainer and cannot be replicated by task-based PR.

Multi-Project Management & Consistent Pipeline Development

Interior design and hospitality work moves in phases—construction, install, photography, soft opening, project launch, awards, revisits. We proactively manage communications through these cycles, ensuring you always have fresh angles and media opportunities.

Expanded Services With No Additional Agency Layers

StarMaps provides capabilities typically billed separately at most firms:

  • award submissions

  • editorial copywriting

  • messaging development

  • LinkedIn narratives

  • SEO-sensitive web copy

  • influencer collaboration support
    Because these are integrated into the relationship, clients get a wider scope for a more efficient retainer.

High-Touch, Boutique Service

Our size is intentional. Clients benefit from speed, flexibility, and direct senior attention — something not possible at larger agencies where clients often get delegated to junior teams.