– How and why did you get into the design Industry?

I started out in the design industry actually as a fashion merchandising major, but I worked for an interior designer. After college, I began a faux finishing company but it wasn’t my dream. After two years I decided to move to Manhattan and go back to school for interior design. That decision changed everything.

– How would you describe your design style? Do you have a signature touch with your designs?

My personal style is more transitional with a little edge. Clean lines, but mixed with some antiques. More abstract art and wall coverings with an edge. Clients tend to come to me because of my use of color, but  I keep the overall feel clean without being over the top.

– What do you love about being a designer? 

I love the inspiration I find and constantly learning. I think this business is about staying fresh and creating sophisticated, elegant interiors which means you need to stay inspired and proactive in learning new finishes, textures, lines, etc. Being able to travel a lot for what I do, I am able to see a lot of different pieces and continue to be inspired.

– Where do you draw your inspiration from? 

Traveling! I’ve always said traveling is a constant source of inspiration for me. I think it’s extremely important to surround yourself in different environments and different cultures. If you stay put too long, you become stale without even realizing it.

– What are some of your most popular designs/projects? Tell us a bit about some of your designs/projects and what you love about them. What’s your favourite and why? 

Vanderhorst tends to be one project everyone asks me about. I think it’s so different and not your typical piece of southern architecture. We had a really talented team that designed the space, and the team really makes such a difference on a project. My projects vary in terms of renovations to new construction, and in terms of style and location. I love the variety of clients that I have, which challenges me and that’s what makes it fun. I would get bored doing the same thing over and over. 

– Back in 2010 you were considered by House Beautiful one of the Next Wave interior designers to watch. How important was that for your career? How did it change your life? 

House Beautiful was such an honor, and really did change my career because they believed in me and my talent. It’s opened doors, and to see the names that have been on that list in the past, and to be in that company is surreal. I am forever grateful for that honor.

– Is there anything exciting that you are working on at the moment that you can tell us about? 

I am working on a renovation in Pawleys Island. These are clients I’ve had since the beginning, and this is our second home together. They are extremely knowledgable in antiques and manufacturers, and they share the joy of design with me. We work together and it’s rare to have a client like that. I value that very much. I also have an incredible new construction on Kiawah Island, just outside of Charleston. The property itself is a gem, and my clients know a lot about construction and custom interiors, which makes it enjoyable because they take interest in what we’re doing and they’re educated about the process. 

– What colours, textures and furniture pieces do you love the most? 

I can’t really name one color/texture/piece that I love above all others. However, I am obsessed with lighting. It can make or break a space. In terms of textures, I believe it’s extremely important to mix textures so things feel layered and don’t fall flat. 

– If someone gave to you an empty blank room. How would you style it? 

Oh wow, that’s a tough, but fun question. I would probably start with the floors, art and lighting. Find an incredible custom piece as the focal point and build off of that in terms of textures and colors.

– What décor tips would you like to give to Home Design Ideas readers? 

Take the time to invest in pieces. Don’t feel like everything has to be done perfectly when you move in. Great design is evolves over time. 

– Describe yourself in three words. 

Unique, ballsy, evolving.

– What is your philosophy on design and life?

Stay true to yourself. Don’t go what’s trendy or try and keep up with the Joneses. It’s about living the life you want surrounded by the people and things that mean something to you. A well designed life.

– What are your design dreams/goals?

I would love to expand into lighting and wallpaper. Lighting can take on so many different forms and can truly be works of art. Wallpapers make sense to me because I started off in this industry applying finishes to walls, and I’m mystified by what can be done and how it can change and impact a room.