Today we are talking…

Mark your calendars for the Spring Pop-Up Shop:

“First Look” Event: May 16

Pop-Up Shop: May 17-18

Are you ready for the shopping event of the Spring? Come for the hand crafted artisan pieces from all over the world, stay for the live DJ, small bites, and refreshments! 100% of the “First Look” event ticket proceeds as well as 20% of the sales from the weekend will be donated to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, a cause dear to my heart after the death of my brother, Mark.  Buy your “First Look” event tickets today, click the link below! 

Buy “First Look” Event Tickets Here

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Q&A with Amy

Thank you to everyone at London magazine, Design Et Al, for this lovely interview feature in the most recent issue! I have replicated it below for anyone who is interested in learning a bit more about myself and where I find inspiration for my designs.

Tell us a little about your background in design:

I grew up with design in my blood.  My mother was an interior designer and as a child I would sit in my mother’s office as she was pulling together projects for clients. I would spend hours scouring through design magazines at an early age and eventually began to design my own bedrooms.  With a degree, from Purdue University, I found myself in the business world before working with my mom as her partner in her interior design business.My experience in the business world has helped me immensely in managing client budgets, making customer service my number one goal and meeting key client deadlines.  These attributes are as important to a successful client relationship as making creative choices.My design process is: listen, design and follow-through.

How would you describe your personal design style:

I love design that balances traditional elements with modern interjections.  Their relationship in a room makes the space more interesting.  Traditional elements look less fussy when juxtaposed with more modern items and modern pieces look less sterile next to traditional touches.

Where does your design inspiration come from:

I travel and travel often.  I take photos of every place I encounter from the vegetable markets, to the hotels, to the city palaces, to the people. I pay attention to the colors, the fabrics, the personalities, the architecture, the texture, etc. and I never cease to be amazed and inspired.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense:

I am seeing a wonderful balance of masculine and feminine in design. The two together create a rather harmonious home.Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2019 and beyond:

1) Color and Pattern2) Wallpaper3) Custom Furnishings4) Statement Ceilings5) ArtIf you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be:Be intentional in your design. Make sure all your pieces have a specific function, you love them or they have a sentimental value attached.

What projects are you currently working on:

We have a fun, eclectic, new construction home we are working on in Houston, TX,  a beautiful gut rehab on the North Shore of Chicago and a new construction summer residence in Michigan.  All in all, 2019 should be an exciting year!

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months:

1) Since I have a strong love of travel, I would love to continue to expand our business to include numerous projects throughout the US and abroad.2) To continue to elevate recognition of our twice yearly “AKD Pop Up Shop” that raises money and awareness for the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention.3) To be awarded with the International Design and Architecture Award for our Tribeca Project.Final thoughts:Your most treasured possession: My family

Your favourite holiday destination:Morocco

Your favourite hotel: The Palace Hotel, Udaipur

Your favourite restaurant: Alinea, Chicago

Your favourite bar: The Bar at the Peninsula, Chicago

Your favourite book: Anna Karenina

Your favourite film: Annie Hall

Your favorite drink:Paloma

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon: Reading on the beach

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?A Travel Agent