Designer Spotlight

Susan Davis
Co-Owner & Design Principal, Spectrum Fine Homes

What are you excited about in the world of design?
I am most passionate about sustainable design and green building. We have been focusing on this area in our practice for the past four or five years. Now almost all the clients who come to us are doing so because of a desire to incorporate this focus into their projects.

What is your definition of good design?
Good sustainable design transcends style. If the elements of classic design and aesthetics are utilized, a project will look beautiful no matter what style a client desires. With sustainable design, it's important to think holistically about the project: think of the building as a system; look at the complete lifecycle of the products used; design to last generations; and always be conscious of the impact of our actions on the environment and natural resources. Good sustainable design is sensible design.

Where do you shop?
I look for local sources for design products, and for manufacturers who have a commitment to sustainable practices. This way, we support the local economy and help with the success of like-minded businesses. My favorites include Fireclay Tile in San Jose, California where beautiful handmade tile called Debris is produced. For flooring, I love Terra Mai, which offers several species of salvaged wood for both interior and exterior applications. The eco fabrics by Magnolia Lane are both beautiful and sustainable.

What originally inspired you to become an interior designer?
My husband became a remodeling contractor after getting his graduate degree in fine art. We enjoyed working together. Plus, a design/build partnership seemed to benefit our clients more than the traditional independent architect-designer-contractor relationship, which was the norm at the time. It was a perfect fit for my interests and education.

Where did you grow up, and how did it affect your sense of design?
I grew up in Los Angeles and received a degree in fine art in Southern California. Art, design and architecture have always been a major focus in my life. Being exposed to all the cultural advantages of a big city was great, but it was important for me to camp with my family throughout the United States. Experiencing the wilderness and the vast beauty of the natural world gave me the exposure that has affected not only my sense of design, but also my appreciation for the environment.

What do you feel is your best quality as a designer?
I've been working in this field for 20 years, and I think that my best quality as a designer is being able to assemble and manage the best team possible to benefit our clients. With sustainable design, which is my passion, collaboration with experts in many disciplines is essential. I find great satisfaction from working this way; I'm always learning and able to interact with other exciting and passionate people, as well as lead a team of talented and creative young designers.

What is the most common design problem you see, and what is the solution?
Many of our clients are concerned about energy efficiency and healthy indoor air quality. By using building science to understand how a building functions, we can design a home with a tight envelope and good ventilation and use fewer mechanical methods to keep the home comfortable. Using beautiful finishes and furnishings that do not give off harmful chemicals into the indoor environment further enhances the beauty and comfort of the homes in which we work.

We used architectural glass throughout for continuity, and because the client collects art glass. Tru-Stile Doors were selected because of their design possibilities and because of the manufacturer's green focus. Throughout the upper level, the flooring is reclaimed teak from Terra Mai, while on the lower level we used cork. This room includes a plethora of environmentally friendly materials including handmade tile from Fireclay Tile, low-VOC paints, high efficiency Milgard fiberglass dual panel E windows and bamboo shades.

This residential remodeling project in Cupertino, California - done by my company Spectrum Fine Home - is an outstanding example of a home remodeled within the footprint of the existing home where every choice was made with the principles of sustainable design and green building in mind. We applied the principles of sustainable design during the design process for the remodel and interior design, and used Build-It-Green's Green Point Rating System for Remodeling.