Designer Q&A | Wendy Haworth Design

Can you tell us a little bit about the history behind the company. What inspired you to start the business and how has it grown since then?

I’ve been interested in interior design for as long as I can remember. I was more interested in making floor plans for my Barbie’s homes than actually playing with them. My first project was for a now close friend that I met while we were working at a bedding company. She had just purchased a home in Hancock Park and asked me to decorate it for her and her family. I had recently relocated to Los Angeles from New York, where I worked under Amy Crain at Room. I had also taken a few classes at UCLA’s Extension program but didn’t have a lot of experience. More projects followed and it’s now been almost 15 years since I started my business.

Can you describe your design development process? How do you/your team come up with ideas for each project and where do you get your inspiration?

The first thing we do when we get a project is find out as much as we can from the client as far as their preferences and expectations. The architecture is also very important, obviously, in creating a space. We get inspiration from everywhere. I love looking through vintage books, and referencing the past. You are less likely to do something trendy if you see what is still timeless and classic from years ago.

We get inspiration from everywhere. I love looking through vintage books, and referencing the past. You are less likely to do something trendy if you see what is still timeless and classic from years ago.

What are your current favourite fabrics to work with from Mokum?

I love the outdoor fabrics on indoor pieces – it’s so nice to be able to give clients that level of confidence in maintaining fabrics, especially when there are little ones. We’ve used the Equator collection in a couple of our hospitality projects - they’re so durable and look great. The Eternal linens are also dreamy - such great colors. We have also just used two Mokum fabrics in our Gratitude project - Isola and Madura.

Describe your day-to-day role in the business.

Every day is different. I’m either, driving around meeting with clients and making site visits or in the office with the team and designing spaces. I like to be involved with the material selections for all of our projects. It’s my favorite part of the job.

Which of your most recent projects are you particularly proud of?

I really enjoyed Felix in Venice. It’s a little darker and moodier than the rest of our restaurants. It really came together and was great working with chef Evan Funke and owner/partner, Janet Zucarrini.

What are some of your top sources of inspiration and which other designers, peers, or creatives in general do you admire?

I love World of Interiors and French and Italian AD as well as Pinterest for finding new sources. I love Scott Shrader’s work – he’s an exterior/landscape designer with an incredible eye. I also like what Oliver Gustav and Serge Castella are doing.

To see more projects by Wendy Haworth Design, you can visit their website or follow their instagram.

IMAGES:
Wendy Haworth portrait - Mark Hanauer
Gratitude, Felix Trattoria and Arden Drive Residence - Nicole La Motte.