Designer Crush Q&A: Grant K. Gibson
Author:Rachel Amy ShahvarWe’re smitten with Grant as a designer, blogger, and all around Renaissance man, and couldn’t be more pleased to bring you his answers to our Designer Crush Q&A (which he answered while traveling in Kenya!).
1. Where do you currently live in CA and what’s your favorite thing about how you’ve designed your personal space?
I live in Presidio Heights in San Francisco. The favorite thing about my personal space has been the process of revamping it into something I love. It was a disaster zone when I first moved in 8 years ago. Over the years, I slowly have renovated and painted pretty much every inch. It has been a labor of love.
2. What’s your dream design project?
Most people would say it would be a client with an unlimited budget who always defers to your opinion – and lets you do whatever you like. While that would all be really nice, I honestly would prefer a client with whom I can collaborate – someone who is polite and respectful of my time and design work, but also has voice. I won’t lie- having a large budget is always great – but secondary to the relationship with my client.
3. In real life, what’s your favorite project you’ve completed to date?
I am currently working on my favorite project. I can’t tell you much about it – but it is for a bay area executive. It is like a dream come true. We did a major installation before the holidays and I got the biggest hug after. Incredibly rewarding.
4. You’ve been gifted a fabulously furnished dream home but can only bring one item from your current space. What would it be?
When I was in Paris last spring, I purchased a modern chrome geometric dining room table at the flea market and shipped it home. It is my favorite piece of furniture.
5. What’s your creative process when designing a space?
My office spends time listening and understanding clients’ wants and needs. We then pull inspiration photos (we love Pinterest) and ideas to present for preliminary feedback. Based on these meetings, we work on the specific selections and details. I call myself the creative director of my company – but I have a great team that helps implement our visions and work on every detail along the way. I couldn’t do it without them.
6. Where do you score your favorite interior design items? Any shopping tips?
1stdibs – hands down. This has changed the way we shop. It brings the world to our office.
7. Ever had an epic DIY disaster? What project would you never dream of taking on yourself again?
I have had my fair shares of DIY disasters along the way. My team has a rule: I’m not allowed to do any DIY projects. They last one involved my hands covered in silver paint. There are many skills better left to experts.
8. What new design trend are you excited to integrate into your next project?
I am not really into design trends. I prefer to work with my clients on creating spaces that are timeless and not trendy.
9. Lightning round!
Beach or mountains?
Mountains- in a cabin in the woods with a fire crackling loudly. I am not really an outdoorsy type – but indoors, at the mountains sounds great.
Twitter or Facebook?
Instagram and Pinterest. I love them both because they are visual.
Architectural Digest or Wallpaper?
AD. The transformation with Margaret Russell’s direction has been outstanding.
Should you spend money on a fabulous bathroom or kitchen?
If you cook as much as I do (which is a lot), then I would suggest a kitchen. I can’t wait to build my dream kitchen someday. I have stacks of inspiration shots.
Would you rather shop new or vintage?
Hands down vintage. I would much rather see a unique vintage piece vs. something that is in mass production.
Great view or perfect pool?
Walking outside my front door or driving around leads to breathtaking views around every corner. The one thing that I can cross off my personal list in house hunting is a view. I grew up in Los Angeles, and swam in our pool everyday. Anytime I have a chance to go swimming, I am the first in the water.
SF or LA?
I am a native California boy. I grew up in the Los Feliz hills of Los Angeles. I moved to New York and did that life in my early twenties. When I settled back in California, San Francisco was the perfect place for me and I love calling it home.
10. What’s one tip you wish someone had told you when first starting out in the design world?
Hire a good business manager, bookkeeper and accountant. All three have take care of different situations and allow me to spend my time being creative and spending time with clients.
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