Designer Crush: Annette English
Author:Michelle Konstantinovsky1. Who is your biggest role model?
My brother Allan. He recently won “Philanthropist of the Year” in Australia! His goal is to fund one million people out of poverty by the year 2020, and he’s well on the way. He has worked hard his entire life to inspire positive change, and he’s dedicated to making a difference in the world through the many projects his foundation pursues.
2. Which movie or play do you wish you could have designed the set for?
The Grand Budapest Hotel, because I love the idea of designing without limitations. The interiors are creative, quirky, charming and out-of-this-world, characteristic of the director, Wes Anderson, who’s one of my favorites. The design is wacky and wild – which really speaks volumes in the film.
3. What is the best way to gauge a client’s personality before starting a project?
Have money conversations up front! Sitting down with the client at the get-go is crucial to understanding the type of budget the client has in mind, and the end result they are envisioning.
4. What new design trends are you excited to integrate into your work?
I LOVE the interplay of metals in furniture. Brushed brass with wood in a coffee table, for example. Or metals integrated into any piece of furniture, for that matter.
5. How do you completely unwind?
My favorite ways to unwind are a 90-minute deep tissue massage or swimming in the ocean and laying on the beach. I am an Aussie girl through and through when it comes to sun, surf and sand.
6. If you hadn’t become a designer, which career would you have pursued?
To be honest, I can’t imagine any other career. I love to motivate and inspire people, and create wonderful and beautiful experiences for them. I’m also an entrepreneur through and through, so no matter where life had taken me, I would’ve inevitably run my own business.
7. What’s the worst pre-designer job you’ve ever had and why?
When I was 20 years old, I was backpacking through Europe and ran out of money. I lived on the island of Corfu in Greece for 2 months and I got a job walking up and down the beach selling tickets for boat rides. It was quite humbling to approach people and try to sell them a service while they were relaxing on the beach! Certainly not my dream job!
8. What’s your favorite recipe?
Pureed cauliflower soup with a garnish of olive oil, roasted red peppers, basil and crushed marcona almonds. Nutritious and delicious!
9. Create your perfect playlist for us.
Lightning round!
11. Would you rather shop new or vintage?
Vintage.
12. First celebrity crush?
The band – ABBA!
13. What’s your hidden talent?
Singing.
14. Best restaurant in your area? Where is it?
“Odys and Penelope,” 127 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA.
15. SF or LA?
SF!
