What time, place, or concept most inspires you? Paris. It’s the only place where everyone and everything seem perfect year-round.
How would you describe your personal style? Mostly classic, but I love to mix antiques with modern design to create fresh, inviting, and thoroughly comfortable spaces.
Who are your strongest professional influences? Dorothy Draper is a big one – I’m working on a project she installed in 1940 at The Washington Design Center.
What’s the trickiest project you’ve ever done? There was a project in Winter Park, FL, that was designed from drawings and not an on-site visit.
How did you know design was going to be your profession? I moved my grandmother’s furniture around weekly at a very young age. There was something I loved about furniture and placement … just thinking about it reminds me why I love my job.
Name a design trend of which you’ve seen enough. Shag carpeting. It was installed in my bedroom as a child and for some reason, it’s back.
Name a local building or public space you admire. Living in Washington, DC, I must say the White House or the U.S Capitol. While they don’t quite influence my design, I love flying into DC and looking down on those stately, well-proportioned buildings.
Name your favorite: - Recent inexpensive purchase for the home: I collect creamware and found a great soup terrine in a local consignment stop for $50.00.
- Recent high-end purchase for the home: I just completely redid my Watergate apartment; the flooring may be the high-end item for me. Design must begin with the floor.
- Room in the house: I love the bedroom because it begins and ends my very long workdays.
- Way to unwind at home after a long day: I use my balcony as a place to entertain and enjoy this time of year.
- Design book: My clients and friends know I love design books and use that knowledge as an easy gift options. I was given Bunny Williams’ new book [Bunny Williams’ Point of View, Stewart, Taboori & Chang] four times – I kept each one to remind me how much I love my work and my friends.
- New design item for the home: My new Rohl shower is a hit for both design and function.
- Great housewarming gift: Champagne! It’s never wrong, it goes with everything.
As simply as possible, what is your design philosophy? Edit, edit, and re-edit. It’s great to own beautiful things – but why show them all at one time?
