Just last month I attended the Hamptons Cottages and Garden “Holiday House” Event at Fendi Casa where interior designer extraordinaire Campion Platt designed three window vignettes. In awe of his impeccable design, I made sure to make my way over to the designer mid-event for a chat and picture. After the event, I had to hear more about his success and work ethic, so I got a little interview time. So here we are, a peep hole inside this incredibly talented designer’s mind as well as some pointers for untrained interior designers!

FH: How do you like to approach a new space or project?

Platt: I always tune my senses to the space. There is inherently an efficient elegant solution to design, think iPhone on a grander scale. I am known for crisp, smart modern design and we pride ourselves on innovative details for every project – see my book aptly named “Made to Order”!

FH: What do you find to be the biggest obstacle to good design? 

Platt: Rushing the creative process. Like a writer or painter, designers need their quiet time to absorb, reflect, be inspired and then dazzle.

FH: When you meet with clients, what is the process like?

Platt: Personal contact is always the best.  We are social humans and nothing takes the place of a 1 on 1 meeting. For interim meetings, I often use software like Teamviewer and Logmein to review plans and presentations remotely with clients. Everyone’s busy, but sharing visuals  – in our niche world – is really the only way to move a design forward and make sure the client fully understands every detail and nuance.

FH: It’s been over 20 years since you founded Campion Platt. How has your firm developed in that time?

Platt: I am still full service design shop and like to do all kinds of projects. My staff turns over every 3-5 years because I make it interesting and a great learning environment. I try to stay small to be able to focus on each project with the same design integrity. I love working with vendors and artisans to be part of the beauty of their designs and knowledge. The magic of the visual partnership always reveals itself in the final product or piece of furniture.

FH: Why is this an exciting time for architecture and interior design?

Platt: The money is flowing and technology tools for our trade get better and better. Watch out for a true 3D design and purchasing world. Check out insidemaps.com, a company I am involved with for the latest and greatest.

FH: Any advice for amateur designers {like myself!}

Platt: Travel as much as possible to absorb all the designs of the world to make them your own. Knowledge is power, in our business too!

About Campion Platt:

World-renowned interior designer and architect, Campion Platt, is no stranger to the world of luxury. Whether he is designing a custom residence, a home-away-from home, a boutique hotel or a line of custom furniture or textiles, Platt’s projects are a mix of fine craftsmanship and contemporary styling, with a particular eye on eco-friendly consciousness. His holistic approach to design creates highly personalized spaces; no two projects are the same. The only element that consistently remains the same throughout Platt’s work is a commitment to clean, fresh luxury.

A member of prestigious organizations such as the American Institute of Architects, the New York School of Interior Design Advisory board and the Architectural League of New York. Platt has received numerous accolades for his work such as distinguished rankings on Architectural Digest’s “AD 100” list of the world’s top interior designers, as well as on New York Magazine’s “The City’s 100 Best Architects and Decorators.” A favorite DESIGNER amongst celebrities such as Al Pacino, Meg Ryan, Roger Waters, Conan O’Brien and socialite Anne Hearst, CAMPION’S eye for extravagance and his affluent clientele have not only established Platt as a leading designer to the elite, but have also made him a notable name amongst society’s movers and shakers.