DESIGNER Q&A: TAKE FIVE

Stephanie James likes to go invisible. Don’t look askance, we say, to those who know her. Stephanie is creative dynamo who looks at design and its manifold components from a client perspective. From her High Point retail store, The Sherrod, and the Allen and James design studio, Stephanie over-delivers to clients throughout the United States. Her purview is really anything design – from showrooms, commercial and (first love) residential. We’ll catch up with Stephanie’s partner in design Patti Allen in an upcoming post. For now, here’s Stephanie….

#1 WE KNOW ALL OF YOUR PROJECTS ARE UNIQUE, BUT IN THE SPIRIT OF WHERE’S WALDO, WHAT THING OR PRINCIPLE IS PRESENT IN ALL YOUR WORK?

“I know some designers have a signature, a look, a point of view, a niche or sometimes even products that run through their work. Honestly – and I love these designers – but it’s just not me. Really, I make an extra effort to make myself invisible in my projects. I only want clients to see my passion – so I guess that’s my mark. My clients feel it and that’s what shows in my work.” SJ

#2 YOU’RE SPEAKING TO AN ALIEN CREATURE WHO CAN PERFECTLY UNDERSTAND FACTS BUT NOT FEELINGS. DESCRIBE THE HIGH POINT VIBE.

“I’d say, let me tell you about this zip code 27262 and environs. It’s like nothing else on Earth. It’s full of the most talented people in the world. They come everywhere. They’re furniture brands, designers, engineers and craftspeople – a melting pot of creativity. We all collaborate to make this thing we earthlings call ‘home’ the best place in the universe. I’ll bet we rival anything on your planet.” SJ

#3 CAREER ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?

“Fall in love with your industry and profession. If that sounds like too much, better to know now and choose another path. If you’ve got this essential passion, next build out your skill set. I think of it as a toolbelt. There’s tons to learn about product and manufacturing – all the brands and all the ins and outs. How about the business of design? And, you’ve got to have strong people skills to help clients and ultimately manage a team as you grow. Start with passion, though. That will elevate your design AND carry you through any rough patches.” SJ

#4 IF BY CHANCE YOU EVER HAVE A CREATIVE BLOCK, HOW DO YOU GET UNSTUCK?

“I leave it alone for a while. Of course, the down side is I tend to get unstuck at 3 in the morning. I guess I solve problems in my sleep! Seriously, though, I’ve found that a problem can be overworked – the knot just gets tighter. When I’m able to let go – not give up – new ideas just surface when I’m fresh.” SJ

#5 IF WE HAD 26 HOURS IN A DAY, HOW WOULD YOU SPEND THE EXTRA TIME?

“Furniture. I have a one track mind. Don’t judge me. If I had the gift of extra time, I’d deep dive even more into the business – branding, new trends, new resources I’ve not discovered yet. That secret ingredient called passion I mentioned?? I’ve got it.” SJ