In your opinion, what is the most fundamental element of interior design? Where do you start on a new project?
The foundation of every project is trust. Building trust with our clients is imperative. It’s essential to work with a designer you feel comfortable with because, without that trust, it’s nearly impossible to deliver a successful outcome.
Has there been a defining experience that has significantly influenced your design viewpoint?
Attending Art Center College of Design was pivotal in shaping my approach to design. There, we were taught to approach every project as a design problem. Whether it was a packaging project, environment or even strategy work, the focus was never solely on the item itself but always on the underlying thinking and strategy driving the solution.
Your team is made up of “creative rock stars.” How does your teamwork shape the overall designs?
Curating our team of creative partners, builders, and craftspeople has been a long process, but it’s been worth the effort. With a strong team in place, we can focus entirely on the work, rather than dealing with quality or personality issues that can derail a project. Having this level of trust and collaboration makes our designs more cohesive, efficient and successful.
How does a background in space planning, visual merchandising, and environmental design influence your thinking?
Space planning is all about understanding the mass, scale, or SKU count, and designing backward from that foundation. It’s a process of maximizing the functionality and experience of a space while ensuring every element serves a purpose.
What types of residential projects do you take on?
Our expertise lies in turnkey projects—from concept and design to move-in day. We excel at overseeing every step, from initial ideas, plans and then design-build oversite, to furniture and soft goods. We consider ourselves a lifestyle brand, leaving our projects and clients better off than when they started with us. We’ve been fortunate to attract clients who trust us with this level of involvement, but we do take on smaller remodels when the opportunity arises.
How would you describe your relationship with design? How has it changed over your career?
My love for design hasn’t faded—it’s still thrilling. When a project is complete, it feels like Christmas to me. Seeing clients happy and knowing we’ve improved how they live in their space is the most rewarding part. Over time, my perspective has evolved. Early in my career, I was more rigid and didn’t want to change the concepts as readily. Now, I prioritize collaboration and compromise. It’s about creating designs that are not only beautiful but that align with what our clients truly want and feel good about.
You have a wide-ranging portfolio. What speaks to you about these different projects?
My earlier design work involved branding, packaging, packaging engineering and graphic design. Now, my focus is on home, office and retail space, but I find that all of these skills are interconnected. My past experience enriches my current projects, allowing me to approach design from a multifaceted perspective.
What are a few indulgences you like integrating into a space?
We try to pick 1-3 indulgences – lighting, materials or both, so not everything is high-end. It’s a nice mix.
What’s on your inspiration boards now?
I am currently obsessed with Ann Sacks Calacatta Viola Marble tile. It is old world meets modern – so lovely.
