Tori Rubinson contacted me a few years ago to take some new photos of her home in Ft. Worth, Texas.  From that early photoshoot we have been working together on several large projects in Texas, including her new home and also a Showhouse in Ft. Worth.  

The evolution of Tori as a designer and leading interior design firm in Texas and beyond has been a fun one to witness and I have been fortunate to document. Her style is timeless, she is loved by so many, and working alongside her is about as great as it gets from a photographer's perspective. I can only imagine how much growth she will have in the next few years, the word is out and her team is growing. 

Enjoy this quick little glimpse about Tori!

Her story…

Tori Rubinson is a Texas-based designer, passionate about classic interiors and homes built to last. She has a reputation for creating layered interiors that seamlessly blend old with new — and for creating spaces that are as comfortable as they are beautiful. 

A lifelong love of interiors — along with a natural eye — led her to start work for one of Fort Worth’s most high-end builders a decade ago. Tori learned the industry quickly, while simultaneously cultivating her own design point of view. Friends and family began to consult her on home projects, and after the requests started to pile up, Tori launched her own interior design business in 2013. 

Tori has been featured in Country French, Luxe Magazine, Southern Living, Southern Home Magazine, was recognized as a 2022 and 2021 D Home Best Designer and featured in the Wall Street Journal. She has won numerous design awards, most recently including two Regional Awards from the prestigious Luxe Red Awards.

September 2022 issue of Country French magazine.

Photography by Stephen Karlisch. Styling by Megan McKinley

Let’s see and hear a little more from Tori.…

If you need inspiration for a design project, what do you do first?

I have constantly inundated myself with visual imagery. I read design books (past and present), I love to travel and visit the most beautiful places, I take tons of pictures wherever I go, I scour Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration. Imagery of architectural elements, of fashion, of textiles and patterns, of designers I love, furniture and accessory companies, artists, etc. A room may begin with one element, like a piece of art, a fabric or a rug. And then it just builds upon that one element!

What would you say is key in selecting a photographer for your projects?

You need to love their work. Pay attention to the lighting of the images. The angles of the images also tell you if the photographer has an eye for how to capture interiors.

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What's your favorite travel destination?

I absolutely love traveling throughout Europe. The architectural details of the past are what inspires me the most!  

What advice would you give yourself at 20? 

Trust your instincts and go for it! Stay true to yourself, always. I think that is what I have done and why I have been successful in building my design business..  

What's the number-one red flag you look for in potential clients? 

I really enjoy working with kind and level headed clients. If they show me they are unrealistic about budgets and timelines and are unwilling to receive guidance on these things, then it is definitely a red flag for me!

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What modern design trend makes you cringe? 

The home style Modern Farmhouse White with Black Windows. CANNOT HANDLE IT! Quit tearing down masterpieces to build those cheap boring white boxes!!! Please!!!

Tori Rubinson Interiors is now offering Full Design-Build services. Architectural planning, landscape design, and complete interior design. Keeping everything in house allows for a very efficient process with spectacular results

Awards-

• 2022 LUXE RED Award - Best Use of Color

• DHome Best 2021 and 2022

• FT Worth Home Design Awards 2019 & 2021

Published in

LUXE feature January 2022

Southern Home January/Feb. 2022

Southern Living April 2021

To learn and see more of Tori Rubinson Interior talents please visit Tori Rubinson Interiors website and be sure to follow her instagram.

We would love to feature your creative talents from our industry on our award-winning blog.

Shoot us an email at hello@stephenkarlisch.com to find out how.

I just finished listening to the latest Business of Home Podcast featuring Steele Marcoux of Veranda magazine, discussing their new issue and commitment to print publishing. It’s an exciting time for fans of Veranda, and fans of printed magazines (not to knock the digital realm, but seriously, aren’t we all a bit tired of scrolling through images on our phones?). Veranda is not just changing the physical size of the magazine, but also doubling the page count, which is going to make this next issue feel more like a Sept issue from years past of one of the major fashion magazines.

All of this means more content, better laid out content, and just overall prettier and more engaging content. This is huge for anyone in our industry, from designers to craftsmen to photographers and stylists.  I feel this will be a defining moment in print, we will all remember the day we laid our hands and eyes on this issue.  

For me personally, I am really happy to hear that one of my favorite magazines is doubling down on print. Steele discusses the push for Veranda to assign and direct (what every magazine used to do…) their shoots for total editorial control. This establishes a narrative and trend base that will be followed for years to come. Whoever is a part of this creative re-birth will become our new guides directing our own shoots and content creation moving forward. Mood boards flooded with thick glossy pages from Veranda, shining brighter than anything else. To be included in any Veranda issue is a major feather in your cap, but now this may become someone’s defining moment in design. 

Cheers to Steele and everyone who fought for this in the halls of Hearst and cocktail parties/dinners/trade shows. Thank you for pushing this through, I cannot wait to get my hands wrapped around it all!

Steele Marcoux courtesy of Veranda

Click here to visit the Business of Home website podcast page to read and listen to all of the exciting news!

There is a lot of effort that goes into getting that perfect shot – the one with the WOW factor that really showcases your designs in the best way. Some people think those shots are kismet or that they just happen, but I can tell you that the level of energy that it takes to get even just one hero shot is enormous. 

Designer: Emily Summers

Photographer: Stephen Karlisch

But all that effort is so worth it. A shot like that can change your career. It can get your project published in the magazine you’ve always dreamed about. It can get you into a top-shelf design book. It can uplevel you to the client work you’ve always wanted. It can change everything. 

So what goes into creating a hero shot? Let’s take a look.

Designer: Chad Dorsey

Stylist: Jenny O’Connor Floral: Haile Wosson

Photographer: Stephen Karlisch

Hire a Stylist

Yes, you are a fabulous designer and your project is probably amazing. But there is a very big difference between what your eye takes in when you are in a room and how that room translates onto a screen or a printed page. A great stylist can see things with a fresh eye and help you make the most of how your room looks digitally. He or she can also offer suggestions for styling for a specific publication you may be targeting. A good stylist will still stay within your aesthetic boundaries, but also knows how to take it up a notch. 

Designer: Michelle Nussbaumer

Photographer: Stephen Karlisch

Be Honest

You know that not every single room in your project is spectacular. That’s really rare and it has nothing to do with your talent. Often there are just some rooms that your client may not have wanted to invest in. Or maybe the budget only allowed for an incredible 2-3 rooms and 4 or so other rooms that are good, but not spectacular. Be very honest with yourself about which rooms are so well-designed that they will make a big impact once they’re photographed. Shooting every single room like it’s a hero shot isn’t often worth the time we’ll put into it. 

Designer: Lucas Eilers

Photographer: Stephen Karlisch

Invest in Experience

There are a lot of very good photographers out there. But just because they know their way around a camera doesn’t mean they know how to properly light and shoot your project. So invest in a photographer who really understands how to get the best interior photos. Go through their portfolio to see who they’ve worked with and what their photos look like. Have they been published in top magazines and in design books? Do their photos showcase an understanding of light and space and style? Invest in a photographer who can give you those incredible shots that you’re looking for.

Patience Is a Virtue

Understand that those hero shots take time. Sometimes a lot of time. We could spend a whole day on 5 shots – but each one of those shots is going to be incredible. Remember that getting a great photo isn’t just a click of the camera. We move lighting and furniture,  we’ll work with the styling, we’ll tweak, we’ll study the shot, and we’ll tweak again. It takes time. I’m a fast photographer, so on a normal day, I can do about 30 minutes per shot, or maybe 15+ shots per day. But remember that I said “shots,” not rooms. So if we do several angles of the same room, that means we might do 4-6 rooms in a day. And not all of those shots will be hero shots. Understand that if you ask the photographer to move faster, then you might get good shots, but maybe not great shots. Taking the time during the photo session means that you’ll have more photos to work with later.

Designer: Celerie Kemble

Photographer: Stephen Karlisch

Make a List

And to be as efficient as possible, once you’ve decided which rooms are the most important, start creating an in-depth shot list. Do you need detail shots? How many? Which angles? What rooms can go to the bottom of the list if we run out of time? Even think about how we’ll move through the house – a quick path that doesn’t move us up and down stairs or across a house will save you a lot of time. You may want to try to do some styling ahead of time so we’ll be able to move quickly once we’re shooting, and always consider the sun (utilize as much natural beautiful light as possible).

Use these tips to help you and your photographer snap those perfect hero shots. They will definitely help get your work noticed by editors and your target clients.

Have you planned out your next shoot for your marketing this year? We want to hear from you.

Interior designers across the country are incredibly busy – even during a pandemic. With everyone working, playing, vacationing, and learning at home, people are laser-focused on renovating and improving their houses. So now you have all of these amazing projects completed and you want to photograph them. But can you do that in a pandemic? With the right planning, you definitely can. It just takes a little ingenuity. 

I’ve shot many projects safely since the pandemic first hit, including a huge shoot for the Kips Bay Showhouse in Dallas and a Perennials campaign shoot.

Here are my tips for getting the photos you need while still staying safe and sane.  

Make a Plan

The most important thing you can do for an effective photo shoot is preplanning. That’s true during non-pandemic times, but it’s especially important today. Do a walkthrough on installation day with your photographer, even if you have to do it on Facetime or Zoom. That initial walkthrough will help you identify the best angles and shots, and where you may need more styling. Create an in-depth shot list that efficiently moves the team around the home. And give up on any angles or shots that just don’t work. This type of photo shoot is about getting the best photos you can in a short amount of time - in and out. Know what the hero shots are, and know what can be dropped from the list.

Family Out

It is never a good idea to have a family in the home during a photo shoot. But it’s a really bad idea to expose your photographer, team, and clients to each other in a pandemic. The question is: How to get them out when they don’t really have anywhere they can safely go. This is where you’ll have to be creative and possibly spend a little money. First, if your clients have a second home or vacation home, see if you can schedule the shoot when they’re away. If they don’t, you could always rent an AirBNB for them for the day – preferably in a fun place that will entertain them and the kids. You could also rent a movie theater for the day. Lots of theaters are renting themselves out at $99 to make some money during shutdowns. That’s a small price to pay to get your clients out of the way. Be inventive and think of ways to please your clients and clear the home for the shoot.

Keep It Clean 

One way to make your clients and team members feel more comfortable with a photo shoot is to spell out cleaning procedures for before and after the team is in the home. Hiring a cleaning crew that will sanitize surfaces and floors is smart and will show your clients that their safety is top of mind for you. Masks for all crew are a given, but they should also wear gloves in the home and should remove their shoes outside the door before they enter. And there should be a lot of hand sanitizer available. The key is to be sure you communicate all of that to your client when you’re scheduling the shoot. You want them to see that you’re committed to making this a safe event for all, especially the family that lives in the home.

Smaller Team

You and the photographer should work with the smallest team possible. Fewer people mean less exposure. And some states are moving to very strict rules on how many people can be in a group at one time. Understand that each person at the shoot (including YOU) may have to double up on their duties, but that’s a small price to pay to keep everyone safe. If you can keep the group to a stylist, a photographer, an assistant and you, that would be the best-case scenario for all involved. Each person should also bring in their own snacks and drinks for the day. No using plates, cups, or other items in the home. Period.

Moving Along

On the day of the photo shoot, be prepared to have windows and doors open to move the air around. Fresh air has been shown to reduce exposure risks, so if it’s cool outside you may have to crank the heat and layer your clothing. Also use freestanding and ceiling fans to move that air. And be aware of distance as much as possible. We provide our clients with their own personal iPad to review the images so there is no need to share my computer. You can come into the room to adjust something, but then move at least 8 feet away from anyone else while the photographer is shooting.  

If you’re still concerned, you could also ask for all team members to have a COVID test before the shoot – but that’s up to you. Following the tips above will help you be as safe as you can be during a pandemic, while still getting the photos you need to market your business. I’m definitely aware of how important both of those goals are and I’ve had a lot of experience at shooting during a pandemic. Give my team a call if you want to work with us in the coming months to safely get the best photos of your projects.

Expressive Interiors book cover

I am so excited to announce the release of Expressive Interiors by Lucas Eilers! This Houston based design firm duo of Sandy Lucas and Sarah Eilers has been a leading force in the design narrative in Texas and beyond for a long time, and they have finally put that work out for the world to enjoy.  Over the past two years I've been shooting several projects for them specifically for this book, which was an education for me personally on working directly with a publisher, Rizzoli, and book designer and editor. The experience will forever shape how I approach all projects for designers in the future, seeing how valuable and important it is to always think about how any shoot would look in a book format somewhere down the line.  

Spending time with this amazing group on trips to Charleston, Park City, Galveston and Houston, will always be one of the highlights of my career shooting Interiors.  I learned so much about the process, from it just being an idea in their heads discussed over a lunch meeting in Dallas a long, long time ago, to seeing the first spreads come back from Sandy Friedus and Doug Turschen at Rizzoli. From making corrections, edits and revisions until we almost couldn't look at it anymore, lol, and then seeing it pop up for sale on Amazon (yes!), it's been a fantastic ride.  

Here are a few highlights from the book, it's a proud moment for me, and to know how much it means to Sarah and Sandy and their entire team at Lucas Eilers.  Congratulations to you both and thank you all for inviting me in to be a part of this project, I am ready for book number 2!  Enjoy the Q&A with Sarah and Sandy below.

Expressive Interiors by Lucas Eilers

Park Cities, Utah interior. Featured in Expressive Interiors by Lucas Eilers. Published by Rizzoli. Photography by Stephen Karlisch

Expressive Interiors by Lucas Eilers

Park Cities, Utah interior. Featured in Expressive Interiors by Lucas Eilers. Published by Rizzoli. Photography by Stephen Karlisch

Expressive Interiors by Lucas Eilers

Park Cities, Utah interior. Featured in Expressive Interiors by Lucas Eilers. Published by Rizzoli. Photography by Stephen Karlisch

Beach house office Lucas Eilers

Office in beach house. Featured in Expressive Interiors by Lucas Eilers. Published by Rizzoli.

Photography by Stephen Karlisch

Living room Galveston Lucas Eilers

Living room in beach house. Featured in Expressive Interiors by Lucas Eilers. Published by Rizzoli. Photography by Stephen Karlisch

Living room in Galveston Lucas Eilers

Living room in beach house. Featured in Expressive Interiors by Lucas Eilers. Published by Rizzoli. Photography by Stephen Karlisch

Master bedroom Lucas Eilers

Master bedroom. Featured in Expressive Interiors by Lucas Eilers. Published by Rizzoli. Photography by Stephen Karlisch

Entry in Kiawah Island Lucas Eilers

Entry in Kiawah Island. Featured in Expressive Interiors by Lucas Eilers. Published by Rizzoli. Photography by Stephen Karlisch

Cover of Expressive Interiors

Cover of Expressive Interiors. Featured in Expressive Interiors by Lucas Eilers. Published by Rizzoli. Photography by Stephen Karlisch

Living room by Lucas Eilers

Living room. Featured in Expressive Interiors by Lucas Eilers. Published by Rizzoli. Photography by Stephen Karlisch

Dining room by Lucas Eilers

Dining room. Featured in Expressive Interiors by Lucas Eilers. Published by Rizzoli. Photography by Stephen Karlisch

Q&A with Sarah Eilers and Sandy Lucas

• What advice would you give yourself at 20? 
Sarah: I would tell myself to pay attention to your applied art (all of the principles and elements of design) and hang in there! The hard work and late nights will be worth it. I knew at 18 what I wanted to do with my life and I remain very thankful that I have the opportunity to do what I love every day. 

Sandy: I enjoyed school a lot but, at the time, I didn’t realize design would become such a passion for me and that it would grow to become such an integral part of my life. Looking back, I would advise myself to take the courses more seriously. Luckily, when I started teaching, I re-learned everything after having some practical knowledge under my belt, and it all worked out in the end! 

• Advice on how you overcome fears that hold creatives back from going for it? 
Sarah: One of my mentors taught me that it’s essential to show your clients that you can design. What you come up with may be unexpected or too daring, but you have to put yourself out there. I now teach that same lesson to anyone who works with me. Sometimes, we all get a little too comfortable in the work we’re doing and our job is to continue pushing ourselves to take creative risks; we must never settle and we cannot be afraid of design. 

Sandy: Have confidence in yourself. Rely on your experience and your knowledge, knowing that all good designers doubt themselves from time to time. That’s what makes you the very best at what you do. Remember that you’re the professional which can be difficult when you’re working with close friends or family; they may not see you for the expert that you are. But once you’ve thoughtfully considered all of the options and applied all of your experience, don’t be afraid to own it.

• If you need inspiration for a design project, what do you do first? 
Sarah: I usually contemplate the style and characteristics of the region I’m designing in and then sit down with a stack of magazines and trusted design books. I find that having an appreciation for the environment around the home is often just as important as appreciating what’s within. I surround myself with inspiration and then have fun making it all my own. 

Sandy: I rely heavily on my books and magazines, and we often joke that we’re “rippers” -  I have magazine photos from 40 years ago that are neatly filed away by category. Above all, I’m inspired by my clients. I get excited listening to their dreams and hearing the memories they plan to make in their homes. When you’re lucky enough to walk the site together before the home is built, you can really get a feel for the landscape and the architecture. 

Sandy and Sarah: We also have an extensive questionnaire that’s incredibly helpful when you don’t know someone as well, and we always start a private Pinterest board where we compile inspiration images with our clients. 

• What would you say is key in selecting a photographer for your projects? 

Sandy and Sarah: Doug Turshen at Rizzoli encouraged us to meet with Stephen Karlisch and we are so grateful that he did! When you’re on the hunt for a photographer, it’s important to find someone who gets you and Stephen got us immediately. You should also look for a photographer who is not only technically talented but also flexible and creative. Finding someone you click with (pun intended) makes a huge difference because you’re partnering up to document your life’s work and you’ll be spending a great deal of time together.  

Don’t limit yourself to local photographers. Do an exhaustive search to make sure you find someone that gets you and understands your design aesthetic. Doug knew Stephen would have the talent and skill needed to help weave our personality into the images and Stephen ended up doing this so well that Rizzoli took images that were originally supposed to be a one or two-image spread and built an entire chapter around them!

At the end of the day, if you’re on shoot and nobody is engaged or excited to be there, the images always reflect that. Building an enthusiastic team is essential and a good interiors photographer like Stephen are not only capable of capturing the energy in your design but they are also excited to help tell the room’s story. 

Order your copy of Expressive Interiors here.

If you are interested in learning more about the process of publishing and are a member of Design Trust, please look for the Virtual Panel with Lucas Eilers, Stephen and Sandy from Rizzoli on October 30, 2020. Stephen looks forward to speaking at the Houston Design Center in December with Lucas Eilers. More information to come soon.

Thinking of getting started on your book journey? Lets talk!

Editor in Chief, Jane Dagmi with Designers Today podcast SAID, decided to take a more personal approach with Stephen Karlisch. The level of comfort you feel listening to this talk will keep you intrigued about learning more about Stephen’s journey. How he ended up in Dallas, shooting interiors, working on book projects, adding fine art and being sought out around the country. His passion beyond his love of photography is to share knowledge to make us all better in the industry and how he loves to speak at markets or do private teaching and coaching with designers and photographers. You will learn about his background in architecture, tennis, fashion photography and how his portrait work became the natural accompaniment that publications and designers request beyond his interior photography expertise. The stories he recounts with notable names of the past, the value of an image that stands the test of time, to the importance of his wife Kristen and her role in the business will keep you hanging on for more. He has some design crushes he hopes to shoot for in the future. See if your name is on his list. And learn more about his fascination with designers and their “why” to their choices.

Thank you to Denise McGaha Interiors for the surprise scoop on Stephen, especially enlightening the listeners to his well known 2:30 pick me up that he needs for those long day shoots.

If this is your first time listening to Stephen, then we highly recommend you also listen to a more in depth educational podcast with LuAnn Nigara, from a Well Designed Business. He gives professional tips to getting the most out of your interior design shoots. He adds more depth about interior photography with secret tips on the Wingnut Social podcast with Darla Powell. Both podcasts have been invaluable to designers across the country and we just love how Jane hugged this podcast into the mix making all three feel well rounded together.

Click here to listen

Bronson Van Wyck

Bronson is a one-namer.  You know, like Bono or Beyonce.  Not sure why I chose to lump him into the entertainer category, since he is usually on the other side of entertainment where the true genius tends to reside.  He makes dreams come to life, and his imagination is only rivaled by his intensity to get shit done.  I met Bronson in New Orleans many years ago.  It was then that I knew I was in the presence of a true artist who could turn a blank empty lot or room into a fantasy, even if it was only for a few hours, and into a memory that would last forever.  

Bronson Van Wyck in his NY living room. Photo by Stephen Karlisch

Bronson Van Wyck in his NY apt bar. Photo by Stephen Karlisch

I’ve been fortunate to document some of the life and times of Bronson along with the rest of his family, the creative forces that make up their thriving business Van Wyck Van Wyck.

Bronson with his family at their family farm in Arkansas for a holiday celebration.

Featured in his new book, Born to Party, Forced to Work: 21st Century Hospitality

Bronson Van Wyck is one of the world’s leading authorities on hospitality, celebrated for a style of entertaining that combines wit and sophistication with the gracious warmth of his Southern upbringing. An event planner of international renown, Bronson has organized some of the most memorable and imaginative parties of the past two decades in locations all over the world. Bronson’s talent and style have drawn clients like Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama, Madonna, Beyoncé, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jerry Seinfeld, and Diane von Furstenberg. Bronson also creates strategic event programs for international luxury brands, such as Chanel, St. Regis, Mercedes Benz, Christie’s, Bulgari, Range Rover, and Van Cleef & Arpels among many others. Passionate about giving back, Bronson is a founding member of the Friends of the Highline and was instrumental in the creation of the beloved park, of which he is a trustee, raising millions of dollars as one of the organization’s leading supporters for more than a decade. He also serves on the Board of Directors of The Apollo Theater. An avid traveler, writer, photographer, and host, Bronson resides in New York City.

It was an honor to photograph some of the most avant-garde designs by Van Wyck & Van Wyck. When I got the call about the new book by Bronson, I was not surprised. Born to Party, Forced to Work: 21st Century Hospitality was released on October 23rd by Phaidon.

Bronson, tell us a story…

I never knew that what I do, producing parties, was actually a way to make a living, much less a way to make a life. I got here after an extended process of elimination during which I learned I had no other marketable skills. My mother and I accidentally started our business, Van Wyck & Van Wyck, twenty years ago in 1999. In a way it was an escape for both of us. Me from years of hard living on the Hollywood D-List (with more than a few glorious brushes with the A-, B-, and C-lists) and her from an isolated nest whose birds- like so many in rural America – had flown the coop. We come from a place where parties are given, not produced. And it’s precisely for this reason that what we do seems to work. What is it that we do? Actually, nothing revolutionary. We are taking part in a tradition as old as man, using the same tools to create the same feelings of welcome, of being appreciated, of being taken care of, and of being loved.

Bronson Van Wyck holiday shoot. Photo by Stephen Karlisch

Favorite piece of clothing you own?

I’ve never met a cape I didn’t like

Favorite must read book and why?

Edie: American Girl by Jean Stein. She’s the original influencer!

Bronson in his NY home library. Photo by Stephen Karlisch

What modern design trend makes you cringe?

That faux-hipster Brooklyn Pinterest aesthetic

A skill you’re working on mastering?

Photography. Tell Stephen I want a lesson.

- Bronson, they don’t call me a photo coach for nothing! Let’s chat! - sk

A book that everyone should read?

My publisher would want me to say mine

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If you had one more hour in the day what would you do with it?

Keep the party going.

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Blurbs about his new book:

"This book is like a shot of tequila at the beginning of an unforgettable night. Appropriately so, because serving tequila to guests right when they arrive at our house for a night of revelry is a party trick Bronson van Wyck taught me - and one I highly recommend. In his book, Bronson shows us that being a great host is something we can all achieve. This beautiful book is a fun gift for those who like to entertain, and for the anxious host as well."—Jessica Seinfeld 

"I've watched Bronson van Wyck grow up, as he's turned his passion into a profession. Born to Party, Forced to Work is an inspiring, beautifully written read for anyone who's ever wondered how to make a career out of doing what you love. Bronson's sincerity, graciousness, and sly sense of humor come across in every page. And the pictures of the events make you feel like you were there yourself."—Diane von Furstenberg

"Every party Bronson van Wyck designs is a party you want to attend. And every party is a creative tour de force, full of innovation, great music, wonderful decoration, and an all-encompassing friendly ambience. Energy, joie de vivre, incomparable glamour, vivaciousness, and otherworldly beauty are just a few of the building blocks Bronson employs to accomplish his wizardry at any party venue. This evocative book captures so much of Bronson's work and evokes the range of his amazing talents."—Martha Stewart

Thank you Bronson for sharing your creative spirit and talents with us. To keep the party going head over to Phaidon to buy his newly released Born to Party, Forced to Work: 21st Century Hospitality. Also check your local bookstores or we just found on Amazon too. To learn more and see the multi-talented Van Wyck & Van Wyck head over to their website.

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Shoot us an email at hello@stephenkarlisch.com to find out how.

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Chad Dorsey is a gift in the design world. He's a breath of fresh air in a growing sea of sameness, pushing a narrative of masculine comfort, similar to his personality. When you are in one of Chad's homes, you just want to stay there because everything just feels right. He was trained as an architect and his design is a fluid relationship to the architecture where proportion, light, and scale are as essential as taste and lifestyle. He believes furnishings should be impactful without being overwhelming and rooms should flow and transition seamlessly. I have been fortunate to have photographed Chad’s designs over the past decade. He is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades (scroll down for the long list) and we are excited to share our Q&A with him as well as some of the imagery I have shot for Chad recently. Enjoy!

Chad, tell us a story…

Recently at a shoot I mentioned to Stephen I needed a new portrait for an event.  He appeared to hear the comment but really didn’t acknowledge this comment….. I am thinking should I be wearing something else or maybe I am just not portrait worthy?

Stephen went about the day, shooting the project and taking great shots…. When I least expected it, he said “Hey Chad, get on the bed”.  

Shocked, I wasn’t sure if he was being funny or not.   

Thoughts to myself-

 - we have worked for the past hour to perfect the bed for the shot, and now Stephen wants me to destroy this?  

 - Should I act like I am sleeping?  

Stephen says, “Just do it……  RELAX…..  Act like Kelly Wearstler”

Not sure I ever relaxed, but somehow Stephen always finds a way to pull out some sort of character or spirt in each shot.  This is the really cool unique angle Stephen has.  His humor is another.  I feel like this image was the Telenovela of the entire shoot.

If you need inspiration for a design project, what do you do first?

I like to think of all of my travel and remember experiences that I have had that maybe relevant to a project.

How would you define your work in three words?

Relaxed, Bespoke, Timeless

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Favorite piece of clothing you own?

I have this old grey hoodie that has a cool lining in the hood…. The company that made this hoodie is no longer in business, and well my hoodie isn’t long for this world either.  I wear it all year long…. Inside during the summer…. Outside during the winter… I have even worn it with a sport coat on top.  

What modern design trend makes you cringe? 

Anything purchased as a set or collection….  No matter the budget, find things that make the space unique to the person.  

What is one thing no one knows about you? 

I am not sure that this is a surprise, but I really have to work at being social.  This also goes for social media…. I am super critical of my own work, so one single post takes a lot of thought for me… I have been trying to be more spur of the moment and think less about them and just go with it….

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Favorite city to recharge? 

I love Los Angeles right now.  I go there and become so inspired, yet so relaxed and at ease.  It feels good.

If you had one more hour in the day what would you do with it?

Sleep.

What’s inspiring you in life (in the industry) right now? 

I really like seeing the texture, details, and layers coming back into interiors.  This is happening in both modern and traditional spaces.  I think we are all ready for a lot more dimension after a long more minimal period.

Awards-

• Recipient of three Paper City Design awards in 2018.

  Best Overall Interior Project over 3500 sq

  Best Kitchen

  Best Entertaining Space

• 2019 LCDQ Legends Designer 

• 2019 Veranda Orchid Dinner Designer

• 2019 Hampton Showhouse Designer

• Dpages Blog August 19, 2019

Upcoming National Features in

Traditional Home (Oct 2019)

Interiors Magazine (Sept/Oct 2019)

Western Art & Architecture (Oct 2019)

Thank you Chad for sharing your creative spirit and talents with us. To learn and see more of Chad’s talents please visit his website www.chaddorseydesign.com/

Are you a client of ours that would love to be featured on our blog?

Shoot us an email at hello@stephenkarlisch.com to find out how.

It’s interesting to me that some designers think they will hire a photographer and stylist for a shoot, tell him/her what shots they’re looking for, and then have the shots delivered exactly as they want with no more work involved. I always want to remind interior designers that this is your photo shoot, and that you need to art direct the day – exactly the same way that a shelter publication will when they shoot a project.

Why? Because it’s your brand, and you need it to be visually represented in the best way possible. A good photographer and stylist are going to make the rooms look good, but they may not understand your brand and what you really need from the shots. 

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I like to work in a partnership with my clients where we’re both fully committed to getting the best visual representation of the project. And it always works best if the designer is fully engaged in the process from the minute we sign an agreement. So what does that mean?

First, you need to think about who you’re going to pitch the project to, or how the images are going to be used. Discussing this plan with your photographer will impact how the project will be styled and shot. You should also think about what the takeaways will be for the person reading the article or viewing the project.

You want to scout the project again, preferably with the photographer and a stylist. It’s a great time to think about how many shots you’ll need, how many horizontals vs. verticals, what accessories and florals you want, what the light looks like, and so much more.

Be realistic about the shoot and the amount of time it will take! Especially if there’s a room that needs the daylight and it’s going to start getting dark at 6pm. It’s so important to have a shot list ready to go. It will speed up everything and you can be sure that we don’t miss a crucial angle or room. 

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So the number-one question I get from a designer is if they really need a stylist for the shoot. My answer is always yes! First, you’re too close to the project and may not be able to visualize how it needs to look for publication. Things look very different on camera.  A stylist can help move the shoot along, styling the next room while the designer and I are shooting the current space. It’s more efficient and more effective. Plus a good stylist will know what trends magazines are looking for regarding props, floral, etc.

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And if you still need to be convinced – my styling team and I have a very HIGH publish rate when we work together and then pitch a project. Yep, VERY, VERY, HIGH. 

Finally, remember that you want to look at each shot as it comes up on the computer. We can make adjustments and changes then and there so we get the perfect photo. This is the time for you to make sure the shots are going in the right direction. 

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If you are an involved art director in your own photo shoot, you’ll walk away knowing you got the shots you wanted, and they match your brand aesthetic.