This month, we asked our designers: What did you want to be when you grew up, and how does that influence your design philosophy now? It turns out our childhood dreams are alive and well in the work we do today! Check out what our team had to say.
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As a child I was obsessed with James Bond. When I was eight, I caught part of Goldfinger starring Sean Connery one night when I snuck out of bed. After that, the idea of being spy seemed so glamourous, exciting, and cool! I fell in love with the idea of being a spy for the action-packed and exciting (so it seemed to my eight-year-old self) lifestyle. From the glamour and beautiful architecture used to depict Casino Royale to the natural beauty of the beaches depicted in Doctor No, there are countless sources of inspiration in the James Bond series, and I try to find ways to bring some of that beauty and glamour to my designs – Sarah Dick, Junior Designer
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I wanted to do a bit of everything, so I focused on being knowledgeable at one thing (in my case, architecture), but also on knowing a little about a lot of other fields. This has helped my design approach by letting me more easily see other’s perspectives, and anticipate challenges related to other aspects of design and construction – Paul Gorohkov, Documentation Manager
Photo Courtesy of Cherish-Joie Charles
As a child I was captivated by science and art! I loved learning, playing instruments, and going to museums of all kinds! Ultimately, I aspired to be an obstetrician and studied biology and music in my undergraduate career. Although I’ve chosen to take a different path as an adult, (and have recently finished my MFA in Interior Architecture!) the throughline has been an innate fascination with how art and science come together to inform the spaces we inhabit. As I segue into the realm of professional practice, I hope to create interiors that respond to both the aesthetic considerations and the physical and psychological best practices to support the people at the center of the work – Cherish-Joie Charles, Intern
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When I was really little, I wanted to be a pizza maker. Then I went through a phase of wanting to work with animals, specifically a veterinarian at a zoo. Throughout middle and high school, even up until my junior year my plan was to pursue a degree in some form of visual arts. The constant love in my life has always been creating. I love to create art and to craft but I also find extreme satisfaction in making thorough plans for a trip or hosting an event. It was my AP art professor that introduced me to the world of interior design. She noticed that architectural components were often present in my work and that I was very fastidious in the way I worked during class. She sparked my interest and I found that it would offer a way to express creativity while also providing a structured and collaborative professional environment. I find that almost every phase of the design process has to be a mixture of stretching the imagination to develop exciting and inspiring interiors and keeping a foot solidly planted in the physical world which has limitations; not to mention the design has to adhere to many laws and regulations. For me, interior design appeals to the two sides of my personality that can often be at opposite ends of the spectrum – Amy Hinds, Design Manager
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When I was younger, I wanted to own a dance studio with an attached Subway restaurant. For context, we often got Subway for dinner after my evening dance classes so I figured housing them both under one roof was a great business model. As I grew older, that sense of artistry and creativity from dance found a new outlet in design. But who knows, I still might get that Subway franchise one day! – Jennie Crouch, Vice President
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When I grew up, I wanted to be a musician. I played the flute for 9 years and was considering going to college to study music performance. My designs today are influenced by music in many ways. To me, the principles of design such as pattern, harmony, balance, rhythm, and movement are all aspects we also see in music – Connor Seiger, Junior Designer
Image Courtesy of Caroline Boyle
While I wanted to be a million things growing up, from a pastry chef to a marine biologist, I do remember loving to watch HGTV, my own real gateway to the world of design at that time, and being so inspired. I would pretend to design my own spaces for imaginary clients by opening a word document and using the lines and boxes to draw out a floor plan. I’d then go online and search up the furniture and finishes that would go in the spaces. I’d put together client presentations and diagrams. While I don’t think I even knew it was an option to do that professionally one day, little me would be so excited to know this is my reality! – Caroline Boyle, Junior Designer
Image Courtesy of Amina Elshaer
Growing up, I wanted to be an artist and open a showroom one day! The thought of going wild with my imagination and creating pieces to express my emotions was intriguing. In my designs, I enjoy centering around concepts to create feelings and experiences. Generally, my designs are minimal yet add surprising details to give the space the personality it needs – Amina Elshaer, Junior Designer
Image Courtesy of Amina Elshaer
I wanted to be a veterinarian but then realized that I would be surrounded by animals at their most distressed moments and decided I could not cope. I discovered compassion and empathy, and these are constants in my mind as I design – Sabine Roy, President & CEO
