The New Face of Northwest

Written by Emily Lyons Photography by Magenta Livengood

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What time, place, or concept most inspires you?

The view and relaxing environment at my house on the Eastern Shore allows me to clear my head and focus on solving client design issues.

How would you describe your personal style?

I like comfortable, warm, and clean-lined interiors … modern without being trendy. I prefer monochromatic environments with layers of texture and diverse materials.

Who are your strongest professional influences?

Bill Gates, Murray Moss, Richard Meier, and Salvatore Calatrava.

What’s the trickiest project you’ve ever done?

A 350-square-foot carriage house. I had the challenge of making a very small space an area for dining, watching television, and hosting overnight guests.

How did you know design was going to be your profession?

In college, I was a triple major: pre-medicine, design, and art history. Afterward I pursued healthcare consulting for many years. But business and design were my passions, so when I began helping my friend and business partner Eric Kole write the business plan for Vastu, I became increasingly interested in leaving consulting and joining him. We opened in April 2003 and I’ve never looked back.

Name a design trend of which you’ve seen enough.

Colored LED lighting everywhere!

Name a local building or public space you admire.

DC’s National Building Museum.

Name your favorite:

- Recent inexpensive purchase for the home:

While visiting Milan, I purchased the hood ornament of a 1950s American-made car at a mid-century vintage shop.

- Recent high-end purchase for the home:

I recently renovated our media room/study. It has a large custom-designed gray flannel sectional from Los Angeles, a custom rosewood book wall and coordinating desk system from Brazil, a chair for reading, and a surround sound media system.

- Room in the house:

The media room/study – it’s relaxing.

- Way to unwind at home after a long day:

Sketching floor plans for an eventual glass and steel beach home renovation … while drinking a glass of wine.

- Design book:

Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture and Wallpaper magazine.

- New design item for the home:

I am constantly looking for new things for my home and making tweaks, but I think it’s best to consider our place “done” and focus on clients … for now.

- Great housewarming gift:

Free design help! I’d much rather contribute with good, lasting guidance than the typical bottle of wine or scented candle.

As simply as possible, what is your design philosophy?

Warm. Comfortable. Modern.