Phyllis Harbinger, ASID is the founder of her own design firm Design Concepts/Interiors, LLC, which she has been running since 1993. Phyllis works with residential and commercial clients globally, offering her design services. She has worked both on suburban residences and sleek, modern city apartments, so she is extremely versatile and can match the design needs of her clients. She is also a Certified Feng Shui Practitioner, so she uses a number of Eastern methods for creating space within an interior. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Phyllis Harbinger, ASID.
Image Credit: 1) Cliff Young Ltd 2) Hansgrohe USA 3) Oregon Tile and Marble 4) Clayton Gray Home 5) Design Lush
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
I have a unique aesthetic. Through my experience, travel, educating students in historical design, I have developed an eclectic style. I enjoy playing with scale and mixing periods to create a curated look.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I like to start with a concept which is derived from the clients’ personality, design aesthetic and color preferences. Once a look into a men’s closet was the inspiration for our design. Such fun!
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I have been inspired and awed by the talent of Carla Goldberg and her modern approach to abstract art and materials. Her work can be seen globally and yet it is so approachable as is she. I love the way she uses color, speaks to social consciousness and plays with light, texture and pattern. Her work is varied and outstanding. We have used works in show houses and also commissioned Carla to create custom pieces for our client’s homes.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I like to get out in nature. The water is especially inspiring to me. I love the glossy texture, the calming feeling as you watch the waves and the currents change. The most inspiring thing for me, weather permitting, is to practice yoga at the water’s edge.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
I believe that if you listen, truly listen, your heart tells you what to do next. You have to be ready to step in and do what you were put on this planet to do. I know the next step for me is to help other design/build professionals create the business of their dreams. Not just a creative studio but a profitable business that runs smoothly. I am so enjoying sharing my knowledge and strategies with my peers in my new role as an author, business strategist, and educator and of course, a design expert.
