Designer Crush: Mindy Gayer Design Co.

Author:Michelle Konstantinovsky

As a lifelong design admirer with a penchant for entrepreneurship, Mindy Gayer combined her skills and passion to found her eponymous Orange County firm. When creating residential and commercial projects, Gayer takes a collaborative approach, working directly with her clients, as well as architects, builders, landscape designers, and craftspeople. Learn more in our Q+A below.

How did you get your start in design?

I used to own a Letterpress Stationery Shoppe years ago, and after the recession hit, I made the switch from one design industry to another. A few years later, I found myself in the world of Interiors and Architectural Design. It was never part of my “plan,” but it was the best thing that ever happened in my little world. I worked for another design/build firm for a few years learning all about the process of designing and building custom homes, and learned a lot (!), before going out on my own in 2014 and opening Mindy Gayer Design Co.

What’s your process for getting to know a new client?

I love to spend time getting to know new clients through phone calls, initial meetings, and combing through what inspires them and what their hopes are for their new home…and, ultimately, how we can help them achieve something unique, beautiful and functional. It’s always a blend of those three elements.It’s a special relationship that develops over the year/s as we work very closely together, and as we help bring their dream home to life.

How do you define “California style”?

Relaxed, unfussy, an easy-on-the-eye color palette, with lots of natural materials and finishes. We’re lucky here in California because it’s (almost) always sunny, so we love to influence the interiors to feel equally easy, breezy, and with just the right amount of tailored elements so our client’s are surrounded by beauty in their homes that don’t distract from the natural beauty around us.

Who’s your dream celebrity client and what would you create for them?

The Duke & Duchess of Sussex! I’d love to dream up a beautifully charming getaway home for them in the Cotswolds. Complete with sheep, chickens, and a beautiful, sprawling garden!

Describe your ideal Sunday from a.m. to p.m.

I love Sundays and that they almost feel as if time doesn’t apply in the same way it does the rest of the week. My favorite kind of Sunday includes going to church and catching up with friends, a yummy breakfast (we’ve been on a kick of trying new brunch spots around town!), riding bikes across the Balboa Island Ferry and hitting up the beach, getting in a little nap and a good book…then, catching that golden hour sunset with a fresh-squeezed greyhound in hand, and cooking dinner at home with a good show or movie!