In Conversation with Martha Sturdy

Martha Sturdy

 

Most Islanders know of the Vancouverite artist, Martha Sturdy and her 30+ years of artistic endeavours. They know of her over scaled artwork and sculptures that are both bold yet minimalist, and her furniture and lighting designs that have taken not only locals, but the world by storm. She has donated large-scale works to public causes such as the Vancouver General Hospital and the Pemberton Sculpture project. Martha's designs are currently distributed by the highly regarded Baker furniture throughout the United States, on showrooms that concurrently house design sensations such as Barbara Barry and Andre Arbus. She's grown to be an international success, but her designs are still created in her Vancouver gallery/studio.

 

Martha works primarily with two types of materials (both independently and combinations thereof), resin and metal. Both mediums are prized for their unique characteristics and limitless design possibilities. Her inspiration and materials come from around the globe from her travels within North America, Europe, Asia and North Africa. But her design career begun on a much smaller scale; after completing her schooling at Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Martha began designing jewellery. She was an instant hit with the public and fashion magazines alike, and began selling out of high-end department stores in New York.

 

Martha Sturdy Art

 

Fast forward to the late 1980s when Martha created her first collection of resin tabletop and home accessories, it was this launch that led to connections within industry giants, global clientele, and top designers - she participated in trade shows in Paris, New York and London. A new venture was born and Martha undertook larger projects: furniture pieces, which eventually led to her developing her earlier interest in sculpture in 2000.

 

Martha Sturdy – Art

 

In recent years, Martha Sturdy has received several honours: an Honorary Doctorate from Emily Carr University of Art + Design, an induction into the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts (RCA), and a Golden Jubilee Medal from the Governor General of Canada. She has also graced the pages in many top magazines including NUVO, BCHome, a recent home feature in Architectural Digest, and being named 'one of the top 20 designers/artists to watch for in the next decade' by Metropolitan Home magazine.

 

As my readers know, I love promoting local talent and I couldn't be happier to have this interview with our local art world celebrity, Martha Sturdy. Please read on to get in on the conversation...

 

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

 

Martha Sturdy – As a very young child, around the age of five or six, I loved to spend hours outside creating elaborate structures in the dirt. I would design houses and cityscapes, and sculpt them out of whatever modest materials my yard had to offer.

 

Martha Sturdy – Home

 

Iván Meade - How would you describe your style?

 

Martha Sturdy – Clean, minimal and earthy. The latter is imperative; I believe modern design can be very unapproachable without an element of earthiness.

 

Martha Sturdy – Home

 

Iván Meade - I believe you have 2 signature materials, one being that wonderful resin that has your trademark name all over it and the other metal - I can already see the metal being a crucial part of your everyday life as a sculptor, but what is the story behind the resin?  What is the story behind that "aha" moment that has given you so much presence around the world?

 

Martha Sturdy – In my second year of sculpture studies at Emily Carr University of Art and Design, I took in invaluable class which covered metals, castings, wood and plastics. During the six weeks of plastic studies, we worked with Plexiglas, acetate and resin. That was extent of my formal training with the material, but I spent the next three decades perfecting my craft.

 

Martha Sturdy - Art

 

Iván Meade - I also believe that the fusion of these materials is really inspirational and showcases your work as art work, but also allows you to create everyday pieces with a sculptural quality. How was this transition for you? How were you able to create this full circle between being an artist, a jeweller, a product designer and finally becoming a sculptor once again?

 

Martha Sturdy – I have always had a penchant for the big and bold whether I was creating a bangle, a chair, a sculpture or an entire landscape, but as my career has naturally evolved I have been fortunate that my success has allowed me to return to my roots.

 

As I mentioned I studied sculpture in university, but as most young artists know, making a decent living as a contemporary sculptor can prove to be extremely difficult. Jewellery was a marketable transition that allowed me to work with the fundamentals of my education on a much smaller and affordable scale. In the early 90s, I began to experiment with larger designs which included home accessories, furniture and more recently art for art’s sake.

 

Martha Sturdy – Home

 

Iván Meade - What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

 

Martha Sturdy – Technology, and how it facilitates communication between the international design communities, is very exciting. Social media is becoming an important tool for artists and designers, and the opportunities for collaboration and promotion have never been more accessible. I have yet to commit to all of these new medias, but interviews like this and my upcoming guest blogs on Baker Furniture’s “The Language of Style” are amazing new ways for me to connect.

 

Martha Sturdy – Home

 

Iván Meade - If you could pick one word to describe your work, what would it be?

 

Martha Sturdy – Strong.

 

Martha Sturdy – Art

 

Iván Meade - You have accomplished something very unique when one sees a piece of yours, it doesn’t matter if it is a furniture piece, a bowl, or an over scaled sculpture, they all evoke emotion.  All these pieces have been created by you.  How do you achieve this emotional resonance with your pieces?

 

Martha Sturdy – Thank you, Ivan! That’s very kind of you to say. Throughout my career, I have had an incessant desire and ability to stay true to myself. My process is visceral and my statements are both personal and honest. I suppose it’s that unwavering authenticity that evokes emotion.

 

Martha Sturdy – Home

 

Iván Meade -Your sculptures are teeming with lavish and inviting textures. Why is texture such an integral component of your work?

 

Martha Sturdy – My designs are minimal so texture is imperative! Texture relaxes my aesthetic and ads and an earthy, soft and even sexy complexity.

 

Martha Sturdy – Art

 

Iván Meade - Do you think becoming a successful designer has hurt your credibility as an artist?  As we all know, the art community doesn't like commercialism or success via sales. 

 

Martha Sturdy – It’s very possible. Society tends to pigeon hole. I consider myself a renaissance woman with a broad skill set, and I refuse to be limited to the constraints of one medium. I strive to be creative in all aspects of my life - not just art and design, but my garden, cooking, wardrobe and of course, my environment.

 

Martha Sturdy – Home

 

Iván Meade - What do you do to keep inviting the inspiration to come - Do you have other passions that recharge your creative juices?

 

Marta Sturdy – I try to divide my time equally between the city and the country. To be honest, it’s the latter - the other half of my life - that keeps me truly inspired. I have no desire to be exclusive to art. Nature, animals, travel and family are endless sources of inspiration.

 

Martha Sturdy – Home

 

Iván Meade - What is your next design venture?

 

Martha Sturdy – I’m not quite ready to say.

 

Martha Sturdy – Home

 

Iván Meade - Lastly, You have already gone through many transformations with your work and found great success, what would you like your legacy to be?

 

Martha Sturdy – Legacy is a difficult thing to predict… but I would love if my example influenced a woman to work hard at her passion and succeed. If I can do it, anyone can.

 

Martha Sturdy – Art

 

I invite you to visit Martha Sturdy’s website at:

 

 

 

Martha Sturdy art and home products are locally available at:

Emporia on Government St and The Gallery at Mattick’s, in Cordova Bay.

 

Ivan Meade is a local designer and principal of Meade Design Group, a multidisciplinary interior and graphic design studio in the heart of downtown Victoria –www.meadedesigngroup.com

In Conversation with Alberto Pinto

Alberto Pinto

 

Alberto Pinto's firm is based in Paris, France and takes on a vast array of projects including homes, corporate offices, jets and yachts on a global scale. His name has become a brand; from his work in interior design he has also launched lines of linens and tableware, decorative taps, furniture and even penned several books - including his latest 'Alberto Pinto Today'.

Alberto and his firm pride themselves in their ability to create a beautiful space no matter what the style. His portfolio is filled with everything from modern, classic, traditional, oriental and beyond.

 

Alberto appreciates a challenge which led him to taking on more unique spaces such as private yachts and jets. Regardless of the style, Alberto thoughtfully approaches every surface and every detail with his refined eye. His creations are filled with customized elements; upholstered walls, custom designed broadloom, architectural features and stunning artwork.

Mr. Pinto graduated from 'Ecole de Louvre' in Paris and opened a photography agency in New York specializing in decoration and interior design. It was during this time he developed his passion for interactions within a space. He was also influenced by the travels his career brought him - Mexico, India, and Italy among others. His firm now employs 60 people full-time and has become a media darling, with projects attracting the likes of Elle Décor, Interiors, Architectural Digest, H&G, Veranda magazines, Altitudes (jet magazine), Boat Design to name a few.

I'm very excited to get Alberto's opinion on the world of design, this will be our first interview with someone from France so I am sure it will bring a whole new perspective to our 'in conversation with' series. Please read on to get in on the conversation…

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

 

Alberto Pinto – The turning point in my career took place rather by accident when I was based both in New York and Paris. During this intense working period, I was asked to do interior design for a very prestigious New York socialite. Calls for consultations and design work came so thick and fast that I decided to start this new business and form a new base in Paris.

 

Interior Design by Alberto Pinto

Iván Meade - You have accomplished something very unique in the interior design world; creating a strong, extremely well recognized and beautiful signature style - In this same manner however, your style keeps evolving - How or where do you find your inspiration?

Alberto Pinto – Very young my principal interest was travelling and I have always been curious by nature. I was inspired; eyes wide open, and captured these images like photographs in my mind. All this, plus a bit of Art culture at the « Ecole du Louvre » mixed together with my personality and perception of things makes my signature style. My style keeps evolving because I keep up to date with the times and I always move forward with a great curiosity and an open mind.

 

Interior Design by Alberto Pinto

 

Iván Meade – What is the story behind your design studio at the Hôtel de la Victoire?

 

Alberto Pinto - We were a team that had grown in need of space when the opportunity arouse to move our office to this beautiful formal private mansion from the 17th century – where apparently Bonaparte spent a night – It was a succession of large spaces which was perfect for the creation of friendly workspaces. We immediately felt the potential to create large open spaces with high ceilings, ideal for setting up offices in a spirit of loft, very open, helpful to work team.

 

In 2011 we are also taking over an extra 1500 m² to allow the agency to accommodate new teams specialized in hotels, to expand our design studio and where we can receive our suppliers to work with them.

 

Hôtel de la Victoire – Design Studio

 

Iván Meade - What is the inspiration behind your Arts de la Table, Table Linens and Furniture designs?

Alberto Pinto - I have loved Arts de la Table since my childhood and for me it is a hobby. The idea is to always have something refined whether for two or twenty guests, for a familial or a formal lunch or diner. I have neither specific inspiration, nor great theories it comes to me like it comes. I like strong pieces I mixed by color scheme or by contrary following my inspiration and always in a quick way.

 

Etna Lamp by Alberto Pinto

 

Recife by Alberto Pinto

 

Iván Meade – You have in my opinion one of the best and most complete portfolios in the word of interior design – Including Castles, Residences, Villas, Hotels, Offices, Yachts and even Private Jets. Which of these was your favourite type of project and why?

 

Alberto Pinto - I am extremely lucky to be in charge of all these projects where there is always a common theme in the knowhow and in the great sense of quality. Every one of these project had something particular which made it interesting. It is impossible to tell you which one I prefer because the place is as important as the client. The good combination of both is ideal.

 

Boeing 737 BBJ Privé by Alberto Pinto

 

Yacht Privé by Alberto Pinto

 

Iván Meade – What is the best advice you could give to somebody who is new in the world of design?

 

Alberto Pinto - To keep their eyes wide open, to try to photograph mentally the maximum of images and to keep also in mind to learn something new every day.

 

Interior Design by Alberto Pinto

 

Iván Meade – How will you describe the value of design?

 

Alberto Pinto – Eclecticism

 

Interior Design by Alberto Pinto

 

Iván Meade - What is your guilty pleasure?

 

Alberto Pinto - We can always do better. 

 

Interior Design by Alberto Pinto

 

Iván Meade - What is the most practical thing you own and what is the most rare?

 

Alberto Pinto - A 40 year old library collection on decoration and architecture.

 

Interior Design by Alberto Pinto

 

Iván Meade - What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

 

Alberto Pinto - I am less excited today than during the last decade, but I would say today I find fantastic on one side design is available to everyone even if the quality is not necessarily there and on the other side top quality is more expensive than ever . But I have the feeling design is less interesting today, easier to understand or appreciate.

 

Interior Design by Alberto Pinto

 

Iván Meade - What is your next design venture?

Alberto Pinto – Two projects very different in style and type of intervention

• Odeon Tower in Monaco : a very ambitious project : a unique address in Monaco. An exclusive residential offering that combines space and comfort, detail and quality finishes along with breathtaking views and upscale services. Impressive figures (surface area, number of floors).

• The Parisian “Hôtel Particulier” from the 17^th and 18^th centuries: very delicate programs of restauration for these historical places. Lambert, Soyecourt, Kinsky.

 

Hôtel Particulier Paris by Alberto Pinto

 

Iván Meade - Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

Alberto Pinto – One characteristic aspect of my work is the complete refusal of monotony and boredom of formulaic compositions. I like to juxtapose different shapes and eras.

About colors, I like strong, honest hues and do not hesitate to play with powerful contrast to give my interiors as much energy as possible.

 

Last but not least, the high quality of finishing is made possible because of the privileged partnership with French and European craftsmen and artisans d’art.

 

Interior Design by Alberto Pinto

 

I invite you to visit Alberto Pinto’s incredible websites at:

 

IN CONVERSATION WITH JEFF ANDREWS

Jeff Andrews

 

Jeff Andrews works flawlessly with an amazing balance of rustic, modern and classic elements to create spaces that embrace his client's personality and style. His spaces are warm and comfortable with layers of textures, forms and patterns that create an incredible and completely liveable ambiance.

 

On top of being featured in an endless list of press (including Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, and Better Homes and Gardens to name a few), he has received high praise from A-Listers such as the Kardashian family, Ryan Seacrest and Michael C. Hall, all raving about how well Jeff had interpreted their style and how personable he is. He has worked on projects internationally as well as locally, near his L.A. based firm.

 

Andrews began his career as a dancer, than choreographer and eventually was involved in everything to do with a production, including set-design. This foray piqued his interest and after he decorated his own 1920's duplex, he was hooked on interiors. It is his past as a dancer that influences his primary focus when it comes to designing a space: movement. I think this is a brilliant word for an element of a room. It's that sort of seen but unseen layer that really connects a space. From the path your eye takes while taking in a space, to the physical ability to move, to the life a room takes on, it's all 'movement'. It is Jeff's own philosophy that a room should never really be considered 'finished' or 'complete'; it should be in continual motion, little tweaks here and there when the mood strikes, or subtle updates as time goes on. It should move and live with you.

 

A unique perspective on design indeed, and I cannot wait to learn more about it. Please read on to get in on the conversation…

 

Jeff Andrews - First let me thank you for the amazing introduction! I am beyond flattered.

 

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

 

Jeff Andrews – The idea of “the big picture” has always fascinated and interested me so in that respect design has always been a part of my life. My first professional interior design experience was with my now good friend Eleanor Mondale. She hired me to “style” a recently purchased home and I ended up designing the entire house. It was an a-ha moment for me for sure. Through the process with her, and her encouragement and trust, I found the courage to trust my design sense and aesthetic and pursue it as a career. We have since worked on homes in New York, South Hampton and Minnesota. Not bad for a rookie!

 

Interior Design by Jeff Andrews

 

Iván Meade - Who or what has influenced your style?

 

Jeff Andrews – I have been (and continue to be) influenced by so many things. Amazing master designers like Billy Haines, David Hicks and Andre Putman have definitely inspired me. More contemporary designers like Barbara Barry, Kerry Joyce and Roy McMakin have continued to influence me on different levels. I would have to say that I am most influenced by people of talent and taste that have lived a life of style that we most of us can only dream of and learn from…Yves Saint Laurent, Rudolph Nureyev and Coco Chanel to name a few. It is all about pulling bits that inspire you most and making them your own in design that make it a personally rewarding experience.

 

Interior Design by Jeff Andrews

 

Iván Meade - You have accomplished something very unique in the interior design world; creating a strong, extremely well recognized and beautiful signature style - In this same manner however, your style keeps evolving - How or where do you find your inspiration?

 

Jeff Andrews – Well first of all thank you! that is quite a compliment. I am majorly inspired by life in general. The lives of my clients, their needs and dreams of the perfect home keep me at the top of my problem solving, people pleasing, creative best. I feel that my personal style is a constantly evolving process that is fuelled by approaching each project with new eyes. If you trust yourself, your true creative eye will never let you down.

 

Interior Design by Jeff Andrews

 

Iván Meade - You have had the opportunity to work with many well-known clients such as Kardashian family, Ryan Seacrest and Michael C. Hall; is there anyone that you haven't worked with, but would like to?

 

Jeff Andrews – I have had some amazing clients! Celebrity does not make them better though. The advantage is that people get to see the work. The process is really quite the same in that there is a client/designer trust that has to be developed early in the relationship. The collaborative process has always been a big part of work for me. I think there is some divine path that leads me to the people I am supposed to work with and learn from. I can’t say that there is a particular person I am dying to work with. I love the journey I am on and time will tell….

 

Interior Design by Jeff Andrews

 

Iván Meade - Do you ever get star-struck when meeting these clients for the first time?

 

Jeff Andrews – Not really star struck. Sometimes it is difficult at first to separate the public persona or character from the real person. That fades fast. It is a very personal process when you are working on and in someone’s home. The process and progress quickly becomes the main priority. And as I said before the trust is key.

 

Interior Design by Jeff Andrews

 

Iván Meade - What is the most practical thing you own and what is the most rare?

 

Jeff Andrews – The most practical has to be a tape measure. Proportion is so important to me and at times my most challenging detail. I have worked with a few basketball players and let me tell you that design is a challenge on a completely different level with very tall people! The most rare.

 

Interior Design by Jeff Andrews

 

Iván Meade - Browsing through your portfolio one can see that you have worked in Italy as well. How was your experience working in Europe?

 

Jeff Andrews - Amazing! For furnishing the home we shopped at vintage stores in Milan, London and Rome…I mean what could be better?

 

Interior Design by Jeff Andrews

 

Iván Meade - What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

 

Jeff Andrews – I am excited about the possibilities. The economic restraints have made people more creative and more responsible about design. It is not really about how much money you have but what you do with it. Sometimes with large budgets people get lazy and predictable. I am most excited about what the future will hold for me in design. I have never been more motivated!

 

Interior Design by Jeff Andrews

 

Iván Meade - What does it feel like to be announced as one of Top 20 Young Designers in America by Traditional Home?

 

Jeff Andrews – The fact that you said “young” designers makes me feel amazing! Seriously, to be at the top of any designer list is such an honour for me. Traditional home is a great platform for designers and the new Tradhome is the future of on line design inspiration. It embraces the New Traditional design style that is rooted in tradition yet entirely void of rules and open to interpretation based creativity and lifestyle. I am proud to be a part of it!

 

Interior Design by Jeff Andrews

 

Iván Meade - Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles, what would you like your legacy to be?

 

Jeff Andrews – Interiors that have movement, a voice and will last the test of time.

 

I invite you to visit Jeff Andrew’s website and social media at:

 

FACEBOOK - TWITTER

IN CONVERSATION WITH GRANT K. GIBSON

Grant K. Gibson

Grant K. Gibson doesn't necessarily fit into a box when it comes to design style. But that is by no means a drawback! He masterfully executes designs that are traditional, modern, youthful, eclectic, or rustic - but they are always immaculately well done. And wouldn't you know, he's a witty blogger too?

Grant founded Grant K. Gibson Interior Design in 2002 and now works across the continent with offices in San Francisco and New York. The firm strives to create spaces that are direct representations of his clients, without any imposed nuances or elements that are not befitting of their personalities. 'No project is too large or two small in our eyes" says the company profile, as well as a firm stance on attention to detail and customer service and satisfaction.

Our readers have most likely heard of Grant before, he has had numerous features in Elle Décor, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, and Better Homes & Gardens. He has also received prestigious positioning within these pages, including being names as one of "The 10 Designers to Watch" in Domino, and the "5 Designers to Watch" in Elle Décor.

His blog has also been well-received, Grant's focus is typically design-related, but he certainly touches on other elements of his life including his love of fashion, food and travel.

He is a true design star and we are thrilled to get his input for our 'In Conversation With' series, read on to get in on the conversation…

Ivan Meade - What was your first experience by design?

Grant K. Gibson - I would have to say that my first design experience was designing my childhood bedroom. Even at a really young age, I was always changing things around and moving things, painting the walls and taking up carpet to show the hardwood floors hidden under.

My path to design really started when I was in college studying for a degree in psychology (which has totally come in very handy in interior design) I was on the path to become a psychologist when a good friend told me about an art history class that she thought that I should sit in on. Before the end of the lecture, I had already made up my mind that I was going to switch majors. That really started my love of art and architecture and design. In New York, I then interned and worked a few antique stores and then started to do my own apartment as well as friends who liked the way that I did my apartment.

I then thought, why not try to do my own thing and start my own company in interior design. The dream was then born and then I ended up moving to San Francisco, where I really started to get serious about my design company. New York always holds a spot in my heart, so I am happy that I can have the best of both words and work between both cities with offices in both New York and San Francisco.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade – What is the most practical thing you own and what is the most rare?

Grant K. Gibson - I think that the most practical piece that I own is a custom table that I designed with a very tailored slipcover over it. I love that it can serve as a desk or table and I can make a mess with paperwork or books or fabrics, but then at the end of the day, I can put things in baskets and hide them away. Under the table, I also have a small file cabinet for important papers and a printer. I don't like to look at those things, so it is wonderful to keep those things hidden.

As for the most rare piece that I own. It would be a Beidermeir secretary that I have in my dining room. I purchased it around 5 years ago as a birthday treat to myself. It was from a dealer in New York. I simply fell in love with it and just bought it on the spot. It was the most spontaneous purchase that I have ever made, but I look at it everyday and it makes me smile.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade - What should every room have in it?

Grant K. Gibson - Every room should have good lighting. With this, I suggest having everything on dimmers. This is from the overhead lighting and table/floor lamps. Lamps that are on too bright are too harsh.

I also think that it is key to have a layering of lighting, so that it is not all from one light source. The layering adds dimension and depth to a space. Bad lighting can really kill a room.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade - What do you think the homes of today are missing?

Grant K. Gibson - Were do I start? Architectural details? History? creativity and originality? I don't understand builders that construct new houses that have horrible construction or lack of architecture at all. These details really help to make a space. When I say creativity or originality- by this I mean I see lots of people with these cookie-cutter designs. They have what everyone else has. This is the problem that we face with so many big companies. I feel like creating custom, fine crafted pieces are like pieces of art and make a space feel unique and individual. I am not suggesting that a whole house has to be custom, but mixing styles and sources and making it your own is what I think is interesting about a space.

An interior is about the people that live in them. It should reflect their lifestyle- how they live and what they like.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade - What do you look for in a furniture piece?

Grant K. Gibson - Like we just talked about with custom design, I tend to do a lot of custom pieces for my clients. When I look at pieces or am working with my vendors to create pieces, I am looking for quality and something that is timeless. I like pieces of furniture to be able to last for many years. If someone gets tired of the fabric, it can be re-covered.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade - One of the elements that I really like about your design aesthetic is that you always use real art in your projects and elements with old world patina - Is this part of your design philosophy?

Grant K. Gibson - Thank you. I do like to mix in things with a touch of old world charm. Trust me, not all of my clients like that look at all. I like to think of myself a traditionalist- but a new traditionalist. I love and respect things that come from the past, but I like to mix them up and play with things and make them more current today. I like to keep things light and not to heavy handed. I think of this as being not the way that your parents or grandparents would have had. I work with a lot of young couples that want to keep it fresh and fun. I do like to add an element of humor and surprise if I can to every project. I would say overall that I have an eclectic style and have really enjoyed learning and pushing the limits with my clients over the past years.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade - What is your approach to lifestyle and design?

Grant K. Gibson - I wake up everyday and I pinch myself. I have been very fortunate in life and I love what I do. So many people have jobs that they are not passionate about. My job keeps me on my toes (and can be a challenge for sure). It's not like all I do is go shopping and pick out pretty things all day long. I think that overall, I have a pretty positive outlook and attitude on life. I am a pretty relaxed and funny person. This I feel like reflected in the designs that I work with in my client projects. I am pretty clear with my clients from the start that there will be delays and always some issues along the. I like to tell them that really there is no such thing as a "design emergency". At the end of the day, we still have people without jobs, children starving in the world and so many other things to think about. It is not that I am a lazy designer and make excuses at all, I take each project very seriously. I just feel that we don't leave this world with any of the things that we have collected or purchased. Buying things doesn't solve problems or at the end of the day make people happy.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade – You seem to really enjoy blogging, which is part of what makes your blog so much fun to read. What is your favourite thing about blogging?

Grant K. Gibson - For me, my blog is very one sided. It is pretty much about me and my life. I don't really blog too much on other designers or use recycled photos of spaces. I love writing about my travels and my projects that I am working on. I have loved connecting with other designers and bloggers out there. That part has been wonderful to meet other people that are interested in the same things.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade – It’s great that you share some of your personal life with your bloggers as well, such as your own personal and clients projects. What has that process been like?

Grant K. Gibson - When I started my blog, I started it so that I could share photos of a trip to Paris with friends back home. I thought that it was a way that I could put up photos and talk about my time. After returning home, I thought about it and I decided to just start writing more and keep it up. That was around 3 years ago. For me it has been an amazing tool to put myself out there and for people to get to know me more. I have actually found many clients because of it. They have told me that they felt like that were able to get to know me more by reading my blog. By my cooking or traveling or all of my adventures. I think that often a website is static and it doesn't get updated very often. A blog is meant to get updated frequently (I try to blog once a week) and be up to date.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade - What is the best advice (design related or otherwise) that you have ever received?

Grant K. Gibson - Years ago, a very wise and well known design in this industry told me to: Never forget that you are the designer and they are the client and not to live the same lifestyle that the client does. He meant that so many designers get caught up in the design world and end up trying to live the same lifestyle that the client does. This designer also told me to give the client what they want. That has been key for me. There are times that I might not like exactly what they have selected. I have to remember that they are the ones that will be living there at the end of the project- not me.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade - What does it feel like to be announced as one of Top 5 Designers to watch in America by Elle Décor Magazine?

Grant K. Gibson - I am still on top of the world from this. I have been reading Elle Decor forever. I always had big dreams of being published in the pages of Elle Decor one day. When Margaret Russell picked up the phone to call me to tell me that she wanted to select me as one of the Top 5 designers to watch- I nearly dropped the phone.

I feel honoured and know what a special and unique being selected by Elle Decor is. To be honest, my life hasn't been the same since. I have received a great group of wonderful new clients and I couldn't be happier.

Interior Design by Grant K.Gibson

Iván Meade – What is next for Grant K. Gibson Interior Design?

Grant K. Gibson - Well, I am always playing with the idea of a line of fabric and furniture and I have actually started a book. All of which might take me years to complete. I am in no rush and I am not going anywhere!