Random Encounters: Interior Designer Fernando Diaz

When we found our seats at Steve Nobel's keynote Town Hall Meeting: Transitions in the Design Industry, we were delighted to be next to designer Fernando Diaz of Fernando Diaz & Associates.

Fernando shared his thoughts on Steve’s presentation, and his own experiences in the midst of the challenges weighing on the design community.

"I really do agree what Steve has said in his presentation. There's such a drastic need to fight what is happening. One of the most important things that Steve says over and over again is that we can't lie down and die, we have to turn up our business, make it better, and outsmart the things that seem to be the problems we are facing,” he said.

"The way people view this industry has been maintained, despite the fact that the industry is changing so drastically. Transparency is so key when working with clients because their trust, loyalty and referrals are what bring new business and maintain current business."

When we asked Fernando what one of the most effective ways he has curbed the economy's impact on his company, he said, "My company has many very high-end clients, and even those clients are reluctant to spend the kind of money they normally would these days. We have created packages for the clients to choose from because it gives them control and it defines the limits they want to draw. It makes one less thing for me to do when I don't have to bring every extremely high priced piece to them because their package and budget makes the decision."

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Random Encounters: Junior Designer Morgan Pederson

When we bumped into Morgan Pederson, arms full of bags from various DDB showrooms, we couldn't pass the opportunity to ask what she was up to.

Turns out, she is a Junior Designer with one of our favorite designers, Ghislaine Viñas, and she’s sourcing for a new residential project they're working on.

“Being able to spend hours in the DDB for work gives me the chance to keep creating and being aware of what's new and what is changing," Morgan said. "The DDB is one of the best places to go whether you need something very specific, or you're struggling with creativity. It allows you to use all five senses to test all of the pieces, lines and collections. The ideas you can get from not only walking into showrooms but seeing specific things is so much fun. Certain fabrics and textures really do inspire."

Morgan graduated from Utah State University's Interior Design Program this past May. Her internship with Drake Design Associates in New York City during her junior contributed to her love of the city and her passion for design.

"The experiences I had with Jamie Drake combined with now being a Junior Designer at Ghislaine in New York City have really escalated my vision and ambition.
Read all about Morgan and see the projects she's already done so far at her website, http://morganpederson.com/

Random Encounters: Brice Gaillard

Spotted in the D&D Building, Brice Gaillard was wearing her designer hat—but on other days, she's a stylist, and still other days, a freelance writer. When Go Design Go found her, the native Floridian was stepping into Kravet on the hunt for bold drapery textiles for a Westchester project. We're betting it took her forever to make it to those wings since she could barely make it past the entrance displays without stopping to compliment what she saw. She grabbed a couple throw pillows in a pattern called Jerry and rattled off her to-do list for the afternoon. After Kravet, she'd visit Pindler & Pindler, which she said had many affordable options, Duralee, Robert Allen/Beacon Hill and Fabricut, which she loves for its patterned fabrics. Before parting, Brice pointed the overscale floral, which was framed and mounted on the showroom walls. "I really like the idea of fabric or wallpaper as art," she said. Have you ever done that in a project, we asked? "Only for editorial!"