By Francesco De Conto
Published on May 31, 2024
Interior designers and architects are the creative visionaries who shape our living spaces, each bringing a unique perspective and style to their work. In California, five of these professionals blend raw materials, vintage and unique finds to craft environments that are both inviting and of the moment. Every few months, we now spotlight some of those who shape the way we think and work with furniture and space at Kashew. This time, we're featuring five of our favorite designers, their processes as well as their distinctive and inspiring work.
Discover below the five design leaders who are capturing our attention right now.
At a young age Brandalyn recalls eagerly waiting for the issue of the American Girl magazine, not for the dolls, but for the doll houses in the magazine that she would spend hours studying and admiring. Following her passion, she later went to design school and started working at Gatehouse N1 in Utah, a furniture retailer.
As clients came in the store looking for advice on products to decorate their homes with, Brandalyn went the extra mile, frequently ending up meeting the same clients in their homes to help them hands on. And thatâs really how her design practice started. When she set up her design firm, her first projects came from the same people that she initially helped on the store floor, a testament to her ability to personally connect with them, which she says might be the single most important factor in a project, surely in hers.
Brandalyn's design style is a unique blend of classic-traditional elements with a funky twist. She loves to break the pattern and avoid sticking to conventional design rules, always seeking out objects that stand out and make a statement. Her projects often feature high-end pieces from brands such as Visual Comfort, Arteriors, Baker, and Lee Industries.
While Brandalyn uses platforms like Pinterest for discovering funky and unique items, she cautions against relying too heavily on Instagram. In her article that talks about the "design rat" race, she emphasizes that Instagram can narrow your vision. Instead, she advises exploring a variety of sources for inspiration to keep your designs fresh and authentic.
For Brandalyn, the most important factor in a successful project is a strong designer-client relationship. She advises clients to choose someone who listens well and communicates effectively and to make sure you get along and love their communication style.
22 years ago, Ashley Yeates was working as a lawyer in Dallas, specializing in consumer litigation during the day and hosting a radio show at night. Interior design was far from her mind until she designed her first home in Texas at 27. With professional help and only two weeks of time, the project was finished on the 14th day, igniting a passion for interior design that she couldnât ignore.
Despite having followed a less conventional path, Ashley indeed decided to change her career. After all she passed the bar exam, how hard could it be to start her own design firm? Turns out it came surprisingly natural to her. After moving to Carmel on the California coast, and giving birth to her daughter, Ashley had a pivotal moment, a turning point in her design career. She describes it as a shift from a âTexan wayâ of going bigger and larger, to a more mindful philosophy of less noise and simplified design that is appreciative of the natural environment and that leaves a positive footprint on people and the site.
This new philosophy led Ashley to create her own furniture company aimed at combating the fast furniture industry's issues: immense waste, toxic products, poor quality builds, uniform designs, and overseas manufacturing driven by aggressive corporate marketing. Ashley challenges herself and her clients with a thought-provoking question:
âIf trash service was never going to come to your house again, how would you consume? How would you change your buying behavior?â
Ashleyâs work now reflects a commitment to quality and sustainability, aiming to build pieces that last for years while being charming and environmentally friendly. Her design ethos revolves around slowing down consumption, valuing what we own, and ensuring that each piece tells a story, thus reconnecting people with the items they choose for their homes.
Jasmit Singh Rangr, founder of Rangr Studio, really is an architect more than an interior designer, but his knowledge and unique global perspective of the design process could not be more relevant to this article. Growing up on the coasts of India and in the UK, and later moving to the US for college and graduate school at Yale University, Jasmit developed a deep sensitivity to the interaction between climate, landscape, and architecture.
In 2004, Jasmit founded Rangr Studio, a design firm committed to creating architecture in harmony with its landscape, climate, and environment. Todate Rangr has completed projects across the United States and internationally, including in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Costa Rica, and India. Rangr Studio's work has been published in over 40 countries and has won global awards since 2008.
Now based in Berkeley, Jasmit continues his practice while teaching undergraduate and graduate architecture students at the University of California, Berkeley. As a solo entrepreneur, occasionally joined by his students, Jasmit tackles a wide variety of projects. These range from Habitat for Humanity housing units to electric vehicle charging stations and a 15-foot giant glass chessboard featured in the SF Chronicle.
Jasmit's work is characterized by a deep responsiveness to the climate and landscape of each site. He views the site itself as pre-existing architecture that his work seeks to augment and adapt for human inhabitation. This involves a careful negotiation between existing conditions and new design elements. Jasmit believes in thoroughly understanding the site, considering factors like the sun path, local climate, microclimates, and vegetation.
âThere is a method to understand a site,â Jasmit explains. âThe sun path, the local climate, microclimate, what grows and what does notâthese are all factors in our design. We must learn and understand the landscape as well as we can. I recommend making your decisions based on what the project needs, not on any personal agenda. There is a difference between making a project and guiding a project. Creating a project risks making something transitory because it responds to a fleeting desire or fascination. Be responsive to what the project needs and be ready to dispense of any preconceptions you may have of the site.â
Jasmit's dedication to integrating architecture with its environment is evident in projects like a screen porch that hangs among tree branches, a city apartment with a roof deck offering views of moving light columns on rainy asphalt, and a house with a pool seamlessly blending with the ocean view. Each project is designed to offer a poetic interpretation of its location.
Marcio Deckerâs work is recognizable for its adherence to design principles such as balance, texture, harmony, composition, and lighting. His portfolio showcases a wide range of styles, from rustic environments to contemporary minimalist projects, demonstrating a versatility that sets his design companies apart.
Originally born in Brazil, Marcio moved to the United States for high school. Now based in Truckee, California, he serves the Lake Tahoe, Reno, and Bay Area regions through Aspen Leaf Interiors. Recently, he expanded to Las Vegas with Marcio Decker Interior Design at the World Market Design Center.
Over the past 20 years, Marcio has completed numerous residential and commercial projects. He uses his extensive experience, tools, and knowledge to guide clients in creating unique spaces tailored to their needs. Marcio believes that challenges, such as budget constraints or architectural limitations, often drive the most creative solutions.
âSometimes obstacles like a budget or architectural constraint become a drive to deliver a creative solution. The challenges of the space can sometimes result in the most impressive builds. Obviously, constructions can be really enticing because by working with the architect you have more freedom and can challenge ideas by questioning things like âwhat if we move this wall back?â Itâs much easier at that phase to express yourself.â
Marcio emphasizes the importance of client involvement throughout the project. He spends significant time with his clients, ensuring the final design reflects their personal tastes and preferences. This close relationship often results in clients and designers missing each other once the project is completed.
Marcio draws inspiration from various sources, including fashion and travel. He sees a strong connection between fashion and interior design, noting how fabrics in interior design often follow fashion trends. His favorite brands include Kravet Fabrics, Philip Jeffries, Four Hands, Vanguard furniture, Theodore Alexander, Lightology, and Surya Rugs
Margo Nathanson began her career interning at a boutique design firm in San Francisco after completing design school. Here, she received hands-on mentorship and honed her design and technical skills. In 2015, driven by her passion for design and a desire to work closely with clients, Margo decided to start her own firm.
Margo can be described as a polymath of art and design. She immersed herself in painting, sewing, and sculpting sessions, striving to become an expert in colors, materials, textures, patterns, and everything related to design. This deep passion allows her to create custom furniture pieces tailored specifically for her projects, adding a unique touch to her designs.
Understanding the needs of her residential clients is a cornerstone of Margo's design process. She begins with a two-hour consultation, sitting down with all parties involved at the site. During this time, she formulates the right questions and listens carefully to her clients' needs and preferences. This thorough approach ensures that she captures the essence of what her clients want to achieve in their spaces.
Margo's boutique firm primarily caters to residential clients with larger budgets who respect and appreciate the design process. Her client-centered approach, combined with her passion for creating unique and personalized spaces, has earned her a reputation for excellence in the industry.
These five designers are making their mark on the interior design scene with their distinctive styles and innovative approaches. Whether it's Brandalyn's classic twist, Marcio's versatile designs, Ashley's sustainable focus, Jasmit's site-specific creations, or Margo's custom artistry, they offer plenty of inspiration for personalizing your home.
To find unique furniture that reflects your creative visions, visit Kashew, our marketplace for beautiful, one-of-a-kind furniture and home decor.