TRADE SECRETS

Robert Wright, FASID
Bast/Wright Interiors Inc.

What inspired you to become an interior designer?
"When I discovered that interior designers did more than decorating, the profession caught my eye and interest. The depth and breadth of problem solving and detail involved in designing and planning a space, to me, was an amazing challenge that I wanted to take on as a career."

Where did you grow up, and how did it affect your sense of design?
"The heyday of the oil boom brought some of the finest architects and interior designers to Houston, and that is where I started my career. It was a great place to be, and it gave me an opportunity to learn from the best. Fifty years from now students of design will travel to Houston to study late 20th century design and architecture."

What rule of design should everyone follow?
"My favorite rule of interior design is 'know when to stop!'"

What is the most common (or uncommon) place you find inspiration for your designs?
"Art museums and galleries is where I go for inspiration. It is where I see design in one of its purist form – fine art."

What is your definition of good design?
"I don't know if anyone can completely define good design, but it has to include the attributes of honesty and simplicity."

What was the best design advice you ever got?
"I was once told that there is always more than one great solution to a design problem."

We were inspired to restore this beautiful ocean front home in La Jolla, California by giving it some interior design integrity after several haphazard renovations by others through the years. We wanted the interiors to be inspired by and relate to the architecture and its fantastic site.

What is the most common design challenge and how can people overcome it?
"The most common challenge for most people is the not having a master plan and clear goals for their design projects. Also, short term, "quick fixes" usually are not the answer – and many times they are counter productive. Patience and keen planning is part of the design process. Working with a talented, professional interior designer will help solve these problems."

What is your favorite new design trend?
"My favorite, new design trend is the down-sizing of spaces and homes. It is great to see that people are discovering that more square footage doesn't necessarily translate to better design."

What new technologies interest you?
"The concept of modular, pre-fabricated homes are very intriguing to me. Is this the wave of the future? It may be the answer for better designed, more affordable, and eco-friendly housing."

What, in general, does the future hold for design?
"Good design will be become more available to everyone. New technologies and manufacturing processes will make good design more accessible and affordable, and people will become more aware that good design affords them a better quality of life."