Leading Designers Share Their Most Inspiring Moments of the Year
In the dynamic realm of design, inspiration is a capricious muse, often emerging from unexpected encounters. This past year, numerous acclaimed designers, including members of the prestigious AD100 and AD PRO Directory, found their creative sparks in a diverse array of settings. These profound moments, ranging from the immersive experience of a 17th-century Parisian workshop to the vibrant energy of student art displays and the monumental presence of a John Singer Sargent masterpiece, are now actively influencing their designs for upcoming projects. Each discovery underscores the intricate relationship between observation, personal reflection, and the evolution of aesthetic vision.
For designer Peter Dunham, a long-cherished aspiration to visit the San Francisco home and studio of artist David Ireland was realized this year. Ireland's residence, rather than being merely adorned, stands as an intricate, three-dimensional sculpture. This intimate glimpse into a bygone bohemian era has profoundly influenced Dunham, compelling him to explore and incorporate more historical narratives into his future endeavors. This shift suggests a renewed appreciation for the depth and character embedded in period styles and the stories they tell.
Patrick Mele's journey led him to France, where he met Guillaume Féau, the current custodian of the esteemed Féau & Cie. Guided through Féau's impressive atelier, filled with paneled interiors spanning from the 17th to the 20th centuries, Mele was captivated by the rich heritage and meticulous craftsmanship. This encounter left him with a strong resolve to collaborate with Féau's expert team in the future, aiming to integrate their historical artistry into contemporary design projects.
Crina Arghirescu Rogard, during her summer travels, was deeply affected by the raw artistic vitality showcased at the student exhibition at the École des Beaux-Arts de Paris. This institution, with its illustrious 350-year history, provided a powerful reminder of creativity's fundamental importance. Rogard emphasizes that such artistic expressions serve to reconnect individuals with their inner selves and foster a deeper sense of community.
Daniel Rauchweger of Bond was particularly impressed by an exhibition at Patrick McGrath’s new gallery in SoHo. The display featured a collaborative effort between artists Silvia Prada and Paul Morehouse, highlighting their beautifully crafted lamps. This showcase of artistry and collaboration left a lasting impression, suggesting a potential influence on his upcoming design concepts.
Drew Michael Scott of Lone Fox recounted his awe upon visiting the Printemps store in downtown New York. He described his jaw dropping and remaining so throughout his visit, captivated by the myriad of interesting vignettes and artisanal details that collectively created a stunning shopping experience. This experience likely broadened his appreciation for intricate display and the art of curation.
Ania Agárdy of Luxury Living was particularly struck by the BLOC bookshelf from Studio Liaigre. Inspired by the 1995 model designed for France’s national library, she praised its extraordinary design that seamlessly merges minimalist aesthetics with practical functionality. This blend of beauty and utility is a concept she is keen to explore further in her projects.
Cathy Cherry of Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors, during her autumn trip to High Point, was particularly impressed by the Regina Andrew showroom’s display of Bubbles chandeliers. The striking nature of this lighting arrangement was so impactful that she decided to replicate a similar installation for one of her clients, showcasing the direct influence of such encounters on practical design applications.
Julie Hillman shared her profound experience visiting artist and furniture designer Ingrid Donat’s home in Paris. Having worked with Donat on individual pieces, seeing how the artist orchestrated an entire living environment was truly inspiring, providing insights into holistic design and spatial narrative.
Leah Alexander of Beauty is Abundant found significant inspiration in "André Leon Talley: Style Is Forever," an exhibition at Atlanta’s SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film. This tribute to the iconic fashion editor served as a powerful reminder of the pursuit of excellence. The exhibition's vibrant colors, diverse patterns, luxurious fabrics, tailored silhouettes, and impactful photography are set to influence her work in 2026, promising a bold and sophisticated direction.
Shane Brown of Big Daddy’s Antiques was captivated by an eight-foot pink armoire from the 17th century, discovered at an antique fair in Parma, Italy. He described the piece as awe-inspiring, noting how its 400-year-old patina exuded a couture-like elegance. This discovery reinforces his appreciation for antique pieces and their enduring charm.
Chloe Legras of Boxwood Avenue was particularly drawn to "Salon Les Nouveaux Ensembliers," an exhibition in Paris commemorating 100 years of Art Deco. Among the many exhibits, she found herself especially fond of a beautiful cushion adorned with a simple tassel, highlighting how even minor details can leave a significant impression and inspire her design philosophy.
Devin Hines of Hines Collective experienced a transformative moment with Nicole Fuller’s collaboration with Artemest and the redesign of their Chelsea gallery space. Hines noted how Fuller's refined interpretation of 1970s glamour, combined with opulent materials and exquisite Italian craftsmanship, created a truly transportive atmosphere. This synthesis of luxury and historical reference is a key takeaway for her future work.
Laura Jenkins, alongside her architect husband, visited Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West in Arizona. They were deeply moved by the architecture and interiors, noting their profound connection to the surrounding desert landscape. The couple was particularly struck by Wright's use of local materials, the interplay of expanding and contracting spaces, and his signature elements like open shelving and the masterful manipulation of light and shadow, all of which will inform their future architectural endeavors.
Tiffany Brooks highlighted the book Making Space: Interior Design by Women by Jane Hall as a significant inspiration. The book celebrates the monumental contributions of women to interior design, from pioneers like Dorothy Draper to contemporary figures such as Kelly Wearstler. This emphasis on female influence in design resonated strongly with Brooks, likely encouraging her to further explore and promote women's roles in the field.
Emma Sims-Hilditch was particularly inspired by "The Sargent & Paris" exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Sargent's painting The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit (1882) left a lasting impression with its captivating presence and grand scale, even inspiring her clients to commission portraits of their children. This experience underscores the profound impact classical art can have on contemporary design and personal expression.
Young Huh found particular delight in the "Busy Bee" and "Sunblock" wallpaper and fabric collections created by her friend Chloe Warner of Redmond Aldrich. Huh praised the patterns for their beautiful, sweet, artistic, and cool qualities, all at once. This appreciation for multifaceted and harmonious design elements is likely to influence her upcoming creative choices.
Anne McDonald, during a family trip to France, observed many chic Parisian women wearing silk scarves around their necks. This simple yet elegant fashion choice sparked an idea for interiors—integrating vintage Gucci scarves into accent pillows or roman shades, or using raw silk for window coverings or side chairs. This creative translation of fashion into interior design elements highlights her innovative approach.
Margie Lavender of Kligerman Architecture & Design met Lex Zee, industrial designer and founder of Studio Luddite. She was captivated by the expressive craftsmanship of his lighting, which masterfully integrates diverse materials such as leather, glass, stone, and brass. This encounter deepened her appreciation for material integration and artisanal techniques in design.
David Stone of Tim Barber Architects was deeply impressed by the bathtub at Flamingo Estate, noting its quiet strength derived from the contrast between the concrete's weight and the shimmering blue mosaic glass. He aims to incorporate more of this thoughtful contrast into his work next year, focusing on spaces where light serves as a narrative element, and architecture elegantly frames the overall experience.
Tim Barber found significant inspiration in "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum. The exhibition prompted him to consider juxtaposing familiar, even historical, elements into his architectural designs. He was particularly struck by a knitted double-breasted suit and overcoat, noting how its exuberant plaid layered rhythm and pattern across the surface, while oversized collars and lapels dramatized the ensemble. This artistic fusion of fashion and historical context offers a fresh perspective for his architectural endeavors.
Allison Bryan shared her long-standing desire for the "Iconic Puffy Lounge Chair" by Faye Toogood x Hem, which she finally acquired this year. She described her delight in its unique, playful, and beautiful design, asserting it as one of the most comfortable chairs she has ever experienced. This acquisition signifies a personal triumph in design appreciation and comfort, which may influence her future furniture selections.
Matt Tsang was highly impressed by Rosie Li’s "Jewel Block" collection of lighting, considering it one of the best things he encountered this year. He noted its foundation in early-20th-century architecture, crystals, and other references, culminating in what he describes as a near-perfect final product. This appreciation for historically informed, refined design speaks to his discerning aesthetic.
Lisa Gilmore found the collection featuring Yves Saint Laurent’s floral designs at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Paris breathtaking. She was especially moved by the journey from his initial concepts to sketches and ultimately to the final mannequin. This detailed insight into a master’s creative process provided a profound understanding of design translation and artistry.
Alidad Mahloudji described his visit to Watts Chapel this year as deeply moving. The hand-modeled surfaces of the chapel served as a poignant reminder that genuine beauty is born from patience, meticulous craftsmanship, and an unwavering dedication to detail. This experience reinforced his belief in the timeless value of artisanal quality.
Sabrina MacLean of Hino Studio identified Cristina Grajales’s exhibit "Hechizo" at Design Miami as a standout moment. She praised it as a powerful articulation of culture, ritual, and creative identity, brought to life through tangible design elements. This exhibition highlighted the profound capacity of design to embody and communicate deeper cultural narratives.
The past year has been a canvas of profound inspirations for leading designers, showcasing that creativity knows no bounds—from the quiet elegance of historical homes to the vibrant pulse of modern art exhibitions and innovative product launches. These diverse encounters have not only enriched their individual artistic journeys but are also actively shaping the architectural and interior landscapes of tomorrow. Each designer's unique experience underscores the idea that truly memorable design stems from a deep engagement with the world around us, translating observations into tangible beauty and functional artistry.