UnEdit Designer Series
Welcome to our Interior Designer Series, where we delve into the creative minds and innovative designs of our talented collaborators. Here we will feature exclusive interviews with top professionals in the field, offering insights into their inspirations, design philosophies, and the latest trends shaping the world of interior design. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the stunning spaces that these designers bring to life, and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating beautiful and functional interiors.
How did you get started as an Interior Designer?
Sometimes I say the idea of becoming an interior designer was bestowed upon me. I was in college for occupational therapy and woke up one day with the unrefined and unforeseen thought, “I want to go to school for interior design.” I called my parents to share the news, and before I knew it I was leaving college in New Hampshire and enrolling in FIT to pursue a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts with a concentration in Interior Design.
However, I think the seed was actually planted early on in childhood. Aside from being a multifaceted artist from a young age, my childhood experiences outside of school helped pave the way. I remember a period of time when mom and grandmother would spend Saturdays touring model homes of new developments going up in the area for fun. I would always tag along because I loved not only how these spaces looked, but how they felt.
After re-starting college life at FIT in New York City, I never looked back. My career evolved working in small boutique architecture and design firms so I was privy to every part of the design process. I developed a robust understanding of how to actually build the things I was dreaming up and quickly became fluent in the dynamic language of design. In addition to being recognized for my unique creativity, I was often appointed to lead design meetings with clients because of my authenticity and passion for the work. After spending 7 years on the East Coast honing my craft, I moved out West to start a whole new adventure. I freelanced for a year working on projects in some of the most exclusive zip codes, and eventually found my way into Restoration Hardware where I was crowned with the title of in-house designer for VIP and Celebrity Clientele. I’ve spent seasons with David and Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, Zoe Deschanel, Sean White and Robert Herjavec, to name a few. And when that chapter came to a close upon moving back to NYC, it was time to finally build my own firm when one of those VIP clients retained me to design their beach in Santa Barbara county. 5 years later, though we’re still going strong, it feels like we’re just getting started and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
How would you describe your design style and where do you find inspiration?
My personal style can be described as a modern, masculine aesthetic; I love deep moody spaces with bold pattern and heavy texture. You can find me wearing some combination of black, blue, brown, green and cream on any given day. But when it comes to my projects my personal aesthetic actually does not matter. My job is to listen to what my client wants for their space, and then make it happen. While my professional opinion and expertise matters, my personal aesthetic does not.
As cliche as it sounds, I find inspiration everywhere. I find myself drawn to balance and composition first, which can be found equally in opulence and in the mundane. I often say I should become a photographer because I even surprise myself when I catch the things my eye is drawn to.
What is the best part of your job as an Interior Designer?
Creating beauty in this world that needs more of it. While beauty is essential to our wellbeing, the spaces we inhabit play a key role. I get to create those spaces, and I am so grateful for the privilege to do so.
What trends are you seeing in the bathroom space for 2024?
There are many articles already published that can answer this question. For me, the biggest trend I like to follow is not to follow the trends. I think the interior of someone's home should reflect who they are as a person first and foremost. I capture that essence by getting to know them and reinterpreting that into the design. Year in and year out, as trends change, this approach never seems to go out of style.
What do you consider timeless for bathroom design?
Simplicity. A “less is more” approach works well for timelessness design because there’s less commitment to a color or pattern that one may eventually grow tired of. That said, I say take the opportunity to go bold. Life unfolds in seasons and chapters. May the design of your bathroom do the same.
