Ana Donohue Interiors have been shortlisted for Ski Chalet Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2020.
Name: Ana Donohue 
Company: Ana Donohue Interiors
Position: CEO & Designer
Website: www.anadonohueinteriors.com
Tell us a little about your background in design:
Since founding my award-winning design firm ‘Ana Donohue Interiors’ in 2002, I have carefully tried to hone my interior design sensibility. Striving to create unique living spaces that reflect our clients spirit, style, personality and vision. Our projects range from city residences to mountain top retreats, and they all share our meticulous attention to detail and desire to find those unexpected elemtns that capture the essense of every clients personal style.
I have a BS in Tourism Management and Marketing from Northeastern State University Oklahoma. I have pursued a career in sales and marketing for Marriott, where I worked as an International flight attendant and as a pharmaceautical sales representative. The winding road, packed with travel, interesting people and many colourful experiences eventually led me to my destiny and final career choice, interior design.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
My personal design style is a curated combination of colour, pattern and styles mixed to create an unexpected environment which is completely unique.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
I have a love affair with textiles and often find my inspiration from these tactile works of art.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense:
I feel currently we are heading back to a more traditional design sensibility. Howvever it will be viewed with a contemporary lense. A combination of the comfort of traditional curved lines and organic florals, mixed with sculptural contemporary moments. Things that feel comfortable and grounding will be a guiding force in design.
5 key things when approaching design in 2020 and beyond:
My approach to design will stay consistent with how I approach most projects with the expection of our communication process. How we present design schemes and project management may require more thought and finesse during this time of social distancing.
- Gathering client information online or face to face.
- Understanding client needs
- How do we inform clients properly and implement design schemes with limited access
- How do we not have scope creep duing a time when subs are not allowed access on site at the same time
- How do we handle delays on inner city projects when access to loading docks and elavators is limited, again going back to scope creep on projects.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be:
Create design schemes in detail but have your clients allow you at least of 15% of freedom at the end of every project to style and complete the designs as you see in your minds eye. 100% of the time my clients love this, and it allows more opportunity for a better end result.
How important are The Design & Architecture Awards:
For myself and my firm this is extremely important. This recognition gives confirmation for our entire team of artisans, architects, builders and designers that we are creating something special not only for our client but for our global peers.
What projects are you currently working on:
Along with our various loads of projects, we are working on a very contemporaty new build condominium project in Boston, in a groundbreaking building One Dalton with the Four Seasons
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months:
My goal this year is to stop and assess each clients project in more detail with my team. We want to constantly improve our project management and time management skills to allow for more open time to tap into the creative process. We are by nature creative people and to have the extra moments to allow for a more creative thought process is always my goal.
Final Thoughts:
Most treasured possession?
My family of course, my dog and my wine club!
Favourite holiday destination?
Christmas on the farm in Canada
Favourite hotel, restertaunt and bar?
SLS Baha Mar in Bahamas, Zuma @ Four Seasons Boston for bar, and my Italian Resteraunt will do.
Favourite book, film and song?
Do not have a favourite book, Goodfellas and Cheap Trick – “If you want my love”
Favourite food and drink?
Italian with a great red wine
Favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Watching my twin boys playing baseball on a sunny day anywehere!
If you were not a designer what would you be?
I have pursued for multiple careers before the age of 34 so being an interior designer came later in life for me. I would say I am all set where I am.
design et al only work with the world’s leading designers.
If you think you have what it takes to complete in The International Design & Architecture Awards, submit your application by clicking here.