Category Archives: Designer Profiles

2011 Fall Introductions from F. Schumacher

Looking for a some Fall inspiration?

Check out the latest  fabrics from Schumacher. As a part of the 2011 Fall collection designer Martyn Lawerence Bullard(above) gives a new spin on the exotic prints and large scale patterns, which are inspired from his travels. I just love the bottom left Pasha Paisley in Sky.  

Burnt orange is making a comeback and so is velvet, so watch out! Patterns make a statement in any room when done in the right proportions.

All Images from F. Schumacher Website

Designer Profiles: An Interview with Rob MacNeill

Rob MacNeill Design Lines Ltd.

 

It’s with the warmest welcome, that we introduce Rob MacNeill, the newest member of the Design Lines team. Rob brings a wealth of technical and architecture knowledge to the team; focusing on design and construction documents. When he is not with the team, he is working in his studio creating his next piece of art. We are thrilled to have him on board! Without further ado here is a little more about Rob.

How would you describe your professional style?

 Understated, Simple, and Balanced

 What are your inspirations?

Sculpture and music

 What is your design philosophy?

 Being innovative with design solutions, always fresh.

What are your three must-haves?

 1. NPR Radio 2. My cast iron frying pan 3. My bicycle

What piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in the design industry?

 Make sure you get a variety of different design disciplines within your career; do not expect to know what you want to do right out of college, it is okay. Remember to be open to possibilities.

What is the last place you saw that made you think, I wish I’d done that?

 North Carolina Museum of Art

How has the economy affected design?

 The economy has allowed people to recognize what they really want to do and what is really important in life.

What has been your smartest business decision?

To simultaneously focus on two different careers, which allows one discipline to inform the other.  

What does value mean for you?

 The ability to offer a new and innovative solution to an old problem.

What’s on your DVR?  What shows do you keep up with?

 I enjoy watching a reality T.V. show called “The Next Great Artist” and also “Art 21” on PBS.

What are you reading right now?

 I just finished “New York Underground” and I am currently reading, Julia Child’s “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” and “History of Art 1945-Present.”

If you weren’t in interior design, what would you be doing?

I would probably be working in the public health sector. I have always been interested in science and this field of science has real life applications to human welfare.

How did you get started in this field?

 I was inspired by a professor/mentor of mine who taught art history of architecture.

Where’s your favorite place that you’ve traveled?

 A monastery in Serres, Greece.

Where’s one place that you love to have the opportunity to work on a project?

Venice, Italy

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

The feeling of creating something that is beautiful.

Designer Profiles: An Interview with Hilaire Pickett

 

Hilaire Pickett Design Lines

 

What is your background and degree in from school? Which school?

I graduated with a degree in Corporate Communications from Elon University right outside of Burlington, North Carolina.

 How do you take your field and incorporate into Design Lines everyday work environment?

 I facilitate the business to business partnerships, networking, internal strategic planning, manage our social media channels, media relations, our special events, community outreach and support the designers whenever needed.

What is your work philosophy?

 Whatever it takes, I am there to get the project done and done right.

What is the one design element that you have learned is a must from being around the other designers?

 Small details add up and do make a difference in the design of a room.

 What are your three must haves?

A boat so I can wake-board, my iphone and a good purse

What’s on your DVR or what is the one show you can’t miss?

 I am not really a big fan of TV but right now I enjoy watching Cake Boss on TLC or the Bachelorette on ABC.

Out of all your travels what is your favorite place and why?

It’s a tie. I love love London and Italy. I studied and lived in London for a month and Italy for about 4 months while in college.

What color scheme would you do right now for your master bedroom based on color schemes you have seen around the office?

 A work up Molly did of a yellow, black & white bedroom.

If you could say that you have a design style, what would it be?

 Comfortability all the way. I am attracted to the the farmhouse, rustic look.

 What is your favorite paint color?

 Benjamin Moore “Grassy Meadows-571”

What is the most enjoyable experience(s) you have had while working with Design Lines, maybe an installation, maybe a rep meeting?

In 2008 when I was working part-time, Design Lines had a huge three day install up at Lake Gaston. I remember Brittany and I stuffing the company van will all the window treatments, bedding, pillows and accessories. Little did we know that when we arrived at the house, we were greeted with a Nor’eastern wind storm. Needless to say we had a very memorable experience and enjoyed every minute of the installation.

Another memory was being present at the 30th anniversary party for the firm. This was a very special night and I couldn’t be more proud of team’s accomplishments. That night was a culmination of 30 years of hard work, sweat, laughter and many memories. It was wonderful to see clients, family, friends and partners who have helped make Design Lines a success. I cannot wait to see where the next 30 years will take us!

What is your favorite blog to follow?

 Gosh, this is such a hard question. I enjoy reading so many design blogs.

If you could go anywhere in the world and showcase your talent, where would it be?

London

Designer Profiles: An Interview with Lauren McKay

Lauren McKay, Allied Member ASID

 

How would you describe your professional style?

I think each space should perfectly fit the person living in it by bringing in unique or personalized items. People should fill their homes with things that make them smile!

What are your inspirations?

Blogs, magazines, and the other talented designers at Design Lines!  If I am doing a specific room, I will start by finding inspiration from a textile or rug.

What is the essential element of any room?

 Comfort.

What is your design philosophy?

Design is powerful and life changing.  I also believe that everyone deserves good design which has been reinforced by Judy.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned about business?

Keep track of details and staying on top of everything is key.

What are your three must-haves?

 1. The color green 2. Orbit chewing gum 3. Great artwork in every space

What piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in the design industry?

Get as much real-world experience as possible while in school.  Even working retail or in a showroom can be very beneficial.  

What is the last place you saw that made you think, I wish I’d done that?

 21 C Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky – the hotel is a museum and every space is amazing!

How has the economy affected design?

People want to be sure their space is lasting and also a good investment.  

What has been your smartest business decision?

 Applying to be an intern at Design Lines.

What does value mean for you?

Getting more than you expected.

What’s on your DVR?  What shows do you keep up with?

 Sarah’s House on HGTV, Modern Family & Lost

What are you reading right now?

“The House That Cleans Itself” by Mindy Starns Clark and the Bible.

If you weren’t in interior design, what would you be doing?

 Photography.

How did you get started in this field?

 When I was in high school I took art classes and really enjoyed them. I did a lot of research on the interior design field and felt this is exactly where I should be. I thought it was a good fit. My feelings were confirmed when I found out my great-grandmother was an interior designer.

Where’s one place that you love to have the opportunity to work on a project?

In California, because they seem to have a different perspective on design.

In your eyes, what are the biggest trends for 2010?

 Clean lines, classic forms, and bolder color than we saw in 2009.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Seeing a client smile after their space is finished.

 

To see more designer profiles of the staff click here.

Designer Profiles: An Interview with Brittany Ruch

 Brittany Ruch, Allied Member ASID

 

How would you describe your professional style?

I lean towards a collection of styles; a touch of French here, mid century modern there, and a mix of neutrals (usually grays) paired with vibrant color.

How has your aesthetic evolved?

 I’m past everything being so matchy-matchy. I don’t love it when things are too “done”. 

What are your inspirations?

My environment- be it a new town, or my favorite restaurant, I love design mags, and I think a lot of what I love is rooted in my heritage and my past living in three time zones. 

What is the essential element of any room?

 Mirrors! They can transform spaces making them appear larger, brighter, or more interesting. 

What is your design philosophy?

 You can’t afford ugly

What are your three must-haves?

 Vintage dresses, a sketchpad in my pocketbook, and my best girlfriends.

What is the last place you saw that made you think, I wish I’d done that?

 Alpine house restaurant at the Canyons resort in Park City, Utah

What are you reading right now? What’s on your DVR?

 The Tall Book by Arianne Cohen, Oprah

If you weren’t in interior design, what would you be doing?

I would be a floral designer.  My favorite flowers of the week are pink peonies and the best florist in Raleigh is the English Garden

Favorite paint color and why?

 ICI’s Scroll Beige – the perfect griege (gray+ beige) goes with everything!

How did you get started in this field?

My father is a home builder in Illinois- I loved seeing how you can directly affect people’s lives by shaping their spaces.

Where’s your favorite place that you’ve traveled?

 Vienna, Austria. The people there are blissfully happy.

In your eyes, what are the biggest trends for 2010?

 Gold accessories and beachy colors like coral & lilac.

 

To see more designer profiles click here. We still have Lauren and Hilaire to interivew in the coming months stay tuned!

Designer Profiles: An Interview with Ashley Thompson

Ashley Thompson, Allied Member ASID

What are your three must-haves?

Jazzercise, high heels, and my pets

How would you describe your design style?

Clean and transitional with a twist and a focus on function. My rooms should contain at least one “wow” element, and never be “average”

What are your inspirations?

Magazines and movie sets

 What is the essential element of any room?

Ottomans,they are more functional than a cocktail table and allow the chance to introduce a fabulous fabric to the space.  Any touch of black, be it small or large, is also a must!

How would you describe yourself in a word? 

Organized

A favorite Design Lines moment:

Designing a nursery and then seeing children in it!

 An ideal summer day is…

Sitting at the beach with my husband & family, drink in hand, snacking on boiled peanuts. 

  What does value mean for you?

Functional, well-priced, quality-made pieces

 What’s on your DVR?  What shows do you keep up with?

The Real Housewives of (any of them)

 Favorite paint color and why?

Benjamin Moore’s Wedgewood Gray HC-146– It meshes well with any color it works well in a bedroom or a bath.  Farrow & Ball’s Powder blue is also a similar favorite, but it has a hint of green in it.

How did you get started in this field?

 As a high school senior I became interested in the psychology of color.  I think it’s really interesting how color can affect your mood.  My parents had worked with a designer for their beach home and then I had the chance to intern with her at the beach. 

Where’s your favorite place that you’ve traveled? St. Thomas

 Where’s one place that you love to have the opportunity to work on a project?

Locally- a high end hotel

Abroad- the Virgin Islands

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

The opportunity to work with such great clients and co-workers and doing something different everyday.

Getting to Know Us! An Interview with Molly Simmons

Molly Simmons ASID

 

1. How has your aesthetic evolved?

Probably through growing older and becoming more experienced…earlier I was influenced by traveling yet now by day to day living.

2. What are your inspirations?

 I get inspired by room setting photography. Analyzing the images and pulling inspiration for design.  

3. What is the essential element of any room?

Comfort!

4. What are your three must-haves?

 Lucchasse cowboy boots, sunlight, and fun music.

5. What piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in the design industry?

 Work toward being well-rounded in your design capabilities, things you engage in daily could ultimately be a design opportunity. Remember everyone deserves good design you never know how someone thinks about design.

6. What is the last place you saw that made you think, I wish I’d done that?

 Latest issue of Interiors Magazine (February – March 2010) “Cadence of Grace” feature by Lynne Scalo.

7. How has the economy affected design?

People will make decisions on how they spend money based on perceived value.

8. What are you reading right now?

 The Virtuous Woman, Red Badge of Courage with my 12 year old son.

9. If you weren’t in interior design, what would you be doing?

 Landscape design.

10. Favorite paint color and why?

 Clunch White by Farrow and Ball. The perfect backdrop for 1,000 other colors.

11. How did you get started in this field?

 As a child my mom’s best friend was an interior designer and I used to go rug shopping with her and places all throughout Wilson. I have never thought about doing anything else.

12. Where’s your favorite place that you’ve traveled?

Prague in the Czech Republic – it was beautiful but war torn. At 24 years old I could see through the grime and poverty…the buildings and cobble stone streets were beautiful. You can not mask that kind of beauty.

13. What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Interacting with wonderful people outside and inside the office. People reach out to us for positive change, which usually initializes a great relationship.

Interviewed by: Judy

To see Judy’s Profile click here or head to the Designer Profiles category. On March 18th we will be interviewing our Business Administrator Laurie Webster so check back then!