MEET THE DESIGNER

What is your design philosophy? Artistry should touch one's life every day through interaction with beautifully crafted and useful objects. I also believe that the success of a project grows from the use of superior materials, thoughtful design and the creative partnership between me and my team and our clients. Who has had a profound impact on your work? Ten years ago I visited Vienna, Austria. There I saw the work of the Wiener Werkstaette and the prolific designer Joseph Hoffman. The trip and Hoffman's work changed the way I design.How so? I thought of myself as more of a minimalist, but my personal style has become more sophisticated. The more I've learned about history and the decorative arts, the more my taste has become layered. Subsequently, my interiors have that feeling—they're not one-dimensional anymore. What's a signature element in your design? I mix unexpectedly related pieces from various historical periods and unusual color palettes. I also design a custom home scent for each client when our project is complete. You've created pieces for Kallista, Baker and McGuire. What's your process? I'm an intuitive creative, so I need to surround myself with articles of inspiration like books, music, postcards and decorative objects. I sketch many concepts and edit and revise them until the concept is ready for technical engineering. Each design unfolds this way, so you can imagine what a huge project it was to create my 150-piece collection for Baker. What are your favorite materials? I love materials with integrity that can stand up to use and the test of time. For example, enameled metal, patinated bronze, oiled wood and juicy lacquered finishes. Typically, I mix unusual textures and finishes: raw wood with lacquer or sand-cast metal with honed marble. It's all sculpture for me now. Name a dream client: Alitalia, the Italian airline. The experience of traveling to Italy is so disconnected from how you feel when you actually get off the plane. I'd love to completely re-brand them with new graphics, uniforms, menus and plane and airport interiors. If we're talking about people, then Gwen Stefani. She's such a strong, incredibly creative woman, and she's got great style.