Whether big or small, we’ve all gotten advice that has stuck with us throughout the years. This week, we asked 10 designers—Linda Boronkay, Bambi A’Lynn Bratton, Lindsie Davis, Nicola Fontanella, Stephanie Mahaney, Catherine Olasky, Taylor Stebbins, Anastasia Tempynska, Cynthia Tran and Brianna Untener—for the best industry guidance they’ve ever gotten.
Simply the Best
“The best piece of advice I’ve ever received was, ‘You’re only as good as your last job.’ This has stuck with me for as long as I can remember and has served as a reminder to seek the best of the best for every project and client. We always look to add value to a property in various ways. This speaks volumes about our work.” —Nicola Fontanella, Argent Design, London
Many Roads to Success
“One wildly talented decorator that I worked for early in my career was Nancy Boszhardt, who at the time ran many prestigious projects in Bunny Williams’s firm. She used to say, ‘There is not one right answer.’ I think as designers we can be so put off when something is discontinued, or becomes impossible for logistical reasons, or is rejected by a client when you know it’s the right piece or technique or layer that a project needs. It’s always helpful to remember that there is never one right answer, and part of maturing in this industry is when your ‘work-around’ skills are honed, and therefore finding solutions and alternatives becomes a really easy and fast process. It has taken me 25 years of improving at this, and I hope I will only grow in this area as I know the industry better and continue to gain exposure and experience.” —Catherine Olasky, Catherine Olasky Ltd., Houston, London and New York
Know Your Client
“Prioritize understanding the client’s needs and lifestyle above all else. Successful design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating functional spaces that reflect the personalities and habits of those who use them. Listening actively and asking the right questions can reveal insights that might not be immediately apparent.” —Linda Boronkay, Linda Boronkay Design Studio, London
Stay on Your Toes
“The best industry advice I’ve ever received is to anticipate, anticipate and anticipate more! Also, I remember being told it usually takes around seven years for a new business to really take off. And it actually did take seven years for me. So, if it’s only been five years and you haven’t found success, don’t throw in the towel.” —Bambi A’Lynn Bratton, Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design, Austin
Be Authentic
“Stay true to your style! While it might be tempting to chase trends to attract new business or stay current, I believe that doing so can dilute your personal brand and work. Your design style is always evolving and growing, but maintaining a clear aesthetic as your guiding principle is essential. It ensures that your unique vision remains at the forefront and resonates authentically.” —Taylor Stebbins, Rinfret Ltd., Greenwich, Connecticut
Outside of Your Comfort Zone
“First and foremost, every project is an opportunity to learn something new and push the limits of creativity. A builder once told me that if I wasn’t making him a little nervous, I wasn’t doing my job! Second, never be afraid to ask questions. Learning doesn’t make you less than; it only sharpens your knowledge and helps hone your craft. It’s easy to be intimidated by those with more experience, but another builder reminded me that we all put on our pants in the same way—one leg at a time. Don’t be afraid to speak up and learn from those around you. Finally, always be an intent listener and team player. If you aren’t listening to others, you are only designing for yourself; if you aren’t collaborating with others, no project will come to fruition. Without a teamwork mentality, your designs are just pretty pictures on a sheet of paper. It takes a team to execute a vision, and everyone brings equal value to the project.” —Lindsie Davis, Blueberry Jones Design, Austin
The Golden Rule
“The best advice I’ve ever heard was very recently when listening to The Business of Home Podcast with Tom Scheerer. Given that I focus on new construction and large-scale renovations, the majority of my projects span multiple years, so open and honest communication is essential, but so is having fun. I now interview my clients just as they would interview me and try to make sure we have a complimentary sense of humor. It’s crucial to understand that building or renovating a home—while time-consuming and sometimes overwhelming—is ultimately a luxury experience. I strive to make the process enjoyable for both my clients and myself, and establishing a mutual understanding from the beginning is key. For direct design advice, I vividly remember my mentors at Kemble Interiors emphasizing that rugs should always fit the room, not just the furniture. They ingrained in me the importance of proper rug sizing: In small rooms, rugs should be no more than 6 inches off the walls, and in larger rooms, 10 to 12 inches off. The mantra still echoes in my mind with every room I enter!” —Stephanie Mahaney, Stephanie Rae Interiors, Palm Beach
Trust Your Gut
“There will be times throughout your career when you’ll realize something isn’t a great fit, with a client or project, consultant, employee, contractor, fabricator or vendor. Sometimes a great opportunity will arise, but it may also come with strings attached, and may end up costing you your well-being (and sanity!). Trust when something doesn’t feel like a good fit for you, and trust when you do feel it’s a good fit! In the end, only you will know how to navigate this part of the process, and trusting your intuition will play a huge role in making these decisions. Gravitate toward what makes you feel appreciated, lets your creativity thrive and allows you to want to be and do your best.” —Cynthia Tran, Cynthia Lananh, San Francisco
Keep Your Craft Alive
“One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received in my career is to never stop sketching. In a world filled with AI and computer modeling, it’s easy to lose that hand-to-paper touch. Sketching is a free tool that helps me let loose and be my most creative self. The picture doesn’t need to be perfect, but it is a great way to think through ideas and quickly communicate with clients. When I find myself stuck in a design, I like to sit in a space where I feel inspired, play some music and let the freedom of sketching take over.” —Brianna Untener, Brianna Scott Interiors, New York
Psychology 101
“It’s essential to listen to the client and work within the context. First, analyze the brand and the client—you’re somewhat of a psychologist. You identify the problem or need and solve it. In my opinion, design is not about self-realization or personal ambition, but about addressing [client] needs. Always keep an eye on trends in fashion and society, as they inevitably influence our environment, [but] don’t design projects to be trendy—design them to last for years. Read [German theorist and psychologist Rudolf] Arnheim’s book Visual Thinking—it offers insights at the intersection of physics, anthropology and applied knowledge, and it truly changed my perspective on design. Finally, I understood how everything works, not just from the standpoint of taste and intuition.” —Anastasia Tempynska, Kyiv, Ukraine
