Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey McPhail.
Hi Lindsey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Southern California and, after exposure to Interior Design at the community college I was attending – College of the Canyons, I found the creative industry inspiring. I decided to head to Chicago, Illinois to attend the Illinois Institute of Art, where I graduated with a BFA in Interior Design. I missed California and family / friends, so I returned and began work in Orange County for a model home design company. Hospitality design called to me (I LOVE the story-telling aspect of hospitality) and so after a couple years, I came back to northern LA and began working for a cruise line. I was a designer / project manager for the company for about 11 years and worked on fleet projects as well as new builds. I was recognized as an up-and-coming designer in Boutique Design Magazine and awarded for my cruise work. In 2018, I focused my attention on designing under my own name for residential, hospitality and commercial work. I’ve also been an Adjunct Professor at College of the Canyons since 2016, helping students find their niches and inspirations in the Architecture and Design Department. A really full-circle moment in my career.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Never! I like the messy, more human side of design – working with clients, building partners, contractors, representatives, manufacturers / distributers, etc. will ultimately lead to compromises as well as “aha” moments and very occasionally chaos. Even in relatively simple projects, there are many variables and parts moving…always road blocks or forks to meet. If we push through those challenges and barriers (while always keeping the client goals in mind), the magic will inevitably happen.
Design is never a silo. You’re working with personalities and opinions in a subjective, creative and artistic field. Learning to be adaptable but keeping end goals in sight has helped me engage successfully with clients who ask me back to refresh or build new space and, in turn, they share my services with the people in their lives. Word of mouth is the best form of review.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lindsey McPhail Interior Design?
LMID is a boutique design firm. I scale and tailor my services based on project type. This helps me competitively price services and work flexibly. I’m passionate about creating inspired, functional spaces that truly reflect the inhabitants. With two decades of experience, I’ve honed and curated my eyes and ears to translate client’s wishes and needs into reality. Whether it’s a luxury remodel, a new, ground-up build or simply refreshing art and accessories, I believe good design should feel effortless, intentional and uniquely tailored to each client.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I like “thoughtful rebellion” instead of “risk-taking.” All creative pursuits involve some sort of risk as art and design are so subjective. It’s about being a great listener and choosing the right spaces to take large leaps. Whether it’s trusting a small independent artisan or mixing pattern and color in a unique way, the risks are a result of thoughtful planning, careful consideration and having clients trust your care with their vision. I find that residential clients are the most apprehensive about risks – and rightly so! This is their personal living space – refuge from the outside world in so many ways. I always find their biggest risk is designing a home that doesn’t work or reflect who they are. I’ll always push clients just enough to discover a really personal space. Trends are also sometimes risky applications for entire spaces, so I always try to blend safe, time-honored choices for big items and look to trends as accents for bold, easily swappable choices.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lindseymcphail.com
Image Credits
Lindsey McPhail, Jill Weller
